HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1989-02-15, Page 51Page 45
'BRIDES '
4
Advanced planning can cut costs of getting married
Afternoon wedding receptions, second-
hand gowns and a year of advance plann-
ing can all help cut the costs of getting
married, consumer experts say.
"You can also consider renting silk
flower arrangements, borrowing cars for
the wedding party, and holding a small
reception at home," says Marilyn Gurev-
sky, an advisor with the Ontario con-
sumer ministry. `But the most important
factor in cutting costs is planning. The
longer you give yourself to shop around,
the more ways you'll find to save."
Although it doesn't suit all couples, the
option of holding a small cocktail party,
mid-afternoon gathering or light luncheon
is gaining popularity. Switching from the
traditional dinner -hour celebrations can
cut food costs enormously. It also all
allows more freedom in choosing the
wedding party's outfits and arranging
entertainment.
"Guests won't expect all the standard
trappings if you pick a non-traditional
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time," Gurevsky says. "An elegant day
dress can be less expensive than the
usual, flamboyant gown and is more ap-
propriate in the afternoon. It is con-
sidered fashionable to be different, so if
you aren't set on a traditional wedding,
almost anything goes and it often 'goes'
cheaper."
It may take extra time to find a venue
for your trendy afternoon affair — yet
another reason to get started early. Con-
versely, some popular halls that are
booked up more than a year in advance
for evening receptions may be able to
accommodate a daytime event at an
earlier date.
Backyard receptions at private homes
can be another attractive alternative.
Tents or marquees can be rented as a
provision for bad weather, however, they
may be costly.
Informal events may lend themselves
to homestyle cooking rather than
caterers' fare. Consider asking a team of
friends or relatives to cater the event
with a few simple dishes that are easily
served,
Whether traditional, trendy or infor-
mal, weddings can be disastrous without
proper planning and coordinatin. Gurev-
sky offers some hints that work for all
types of weddings.
When signing contracts for any service
or buying a product to be delivered at a
later date, try to keep deposits to a max-
imum of 10 per cent. Many companies
will ask for 50 per cent and rarely refund
deposits even if the wedding is cancelled.
Use discretion.
All contracts should list the total price,
method of payment, any financing
charges, delivery costs and special fees.
Goods and services to be provided should
also be listed in detail.
Check delivery dates. Ask that dresses
and other storable items be delivered a
month ahead of the actual wedding date.
Most mistakes can be fixed with enough
time.
Take a photograph of the dress you
order and get a sample of the fabric.
Many brides look at so many dresses,
while awaiting delivery, they forget
which one was finally chosen.
Second hand dresses are often listed in
the classified ads. Once a suitable gown
is found, have it inspected by an ex-
perienced seamstress to ensure all
necessary alterations are possible and
any stains can be removed. Some wed-
ding dresses cannot be washed because
trimmings have been glued on.
For information about general con-
sumer rights and responsibilities contact
the Consumer Information Centre at 555
Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M7A 2H6
— (416) 963-1111 or toll free at
1-800-268-1142. Ontario residents with an
807 area code may call the 416 number
collect. The TTY/TDD line for the hear-
ing impaired is (416) •963-0808.
esistry
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158 BEECH STREET, CLINTON 482-7064
SEAFORTH AGENCY:
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BLYTH AGENCY:
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LONDESBORO AGENCY:
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