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The Citizen, 2003-02-12, Page 19THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2003. PAGE 19. Buying on-line newest bridal fashion trend (MS) — These days, brides are using the web for more than just planning their weddings, they are staying online to purchase their bridal gown, veil, bridesmaids’ dresses, flowergirl dress, shoes, accessories and invitations. While this trend may surprise some, those in the know are not surprised at all. Today’s bride is web-savvy, having grown up in the world of videa games and cyberspace. She and her fianc£ are probably paying for most or all of their wedding costs — approximately 65 per cent of engaged couples are. The bride, her parents and her bridesmaids are more likely than not living in different locations. It is no wonder that brides are shopping for and buying their wedding apparel on-line. What should a bride know about purchasing on-line? Rachel Ambler, president of a full service on-line bridal store, advises the bride to demand the best from the on-line store. According to Ambler, the 10 requirements for a good on-line store are: • Fast and friendly response. Great customer service starts with a great Talking targets problems early Being open and honest with each other is the most important key to any relationship, especially a marriage. Issues like sex, children, money, kids and in-laws can become potential landmines if partners don’t discuss their feelings openly before marching down the aisle. And it’s not always enough to just “talk” — rather, to find answers to the really tough relationship questions, it’s important to know what to ask. Now, critically-acclaimed author Corey Donaldson has interviewed hundreds of people to discover exactly what those questions are, and in the process discovered a method for targeting divorce­ causing problems way before the wedding — his book, Don’t You Dare Get Married Until You Read Wedding Tip Ask friends, relatives and the local musicians union for recommendations and check references for any entertainment you will have at your wedding. You can call the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Affairs to find out if there have been any complaints about the music providers you are considering. attitude. Fast and friendly responses to e-mails and telephone calls are a must. Your on-line store should offer you personal consultations with trained bridal consultants. Only purchase from an on-line store that offers great customer service. • Broad product selection. You should be able to choose from a variety of designers, styles and price ranges. Make sure that the on-line bridal store is an authorized dealer for the designers they sell. • On-line purchasing. While many bridal stores have Web sites, very few offer on-line purchasing. A good on-line store should offer you the convenience of on-line purchasing, so that you are able to purchase what you want when you want. • An up-to-date, current web site. An on-line store should update information on a daily basis, continuously adding new gowns and eliminating those that are discontinued. • Easy searching. You should be able to easily find the item, style or designer you are looking for and have convenient access to different departments in the on-line store. • Product information. A picture of This! (Crown Publishing). Alternately playful and provocative, Donaldson covers hot topics including: • Does it matter to you who earns frcucniny Steady <£ Makin,# Total Family Hair Care 887-6744 the gown isn’t enough. Your on-line bridal store should provide you with accurate product information, like designers size charts, fabric and colour charts that can help you to make the right purchase. • Guaranteed delivery time. Any bridal store should give you a guaranteed delivery time and should back that delivery date with a commitment. • Shipping quality. You should require your on-line store to carefully inspect every item shipped. Sometimes there are imperfections in the gown and a good on-line store will catch those imperfections and remedy the situation with the designer before they ship the gown to you. • Clear return and cancellation policies. Your on-line store should clearly provide you with their return and cancellation policies. Be sure to read those policies before you buy. • No hidden charges. The price shown may not be the true price of the gown after you learn about the hidden charges. Many on-line stores tell you about their added on charges for shipping, handling, insurance etc. after you purchase. Confirm the most of the money? • What place do you believe religion should have in our relationship? • Who cleans the house? Wedding Parties Welcome 650 Elizabeth St. Brussels faniu JtacHan total cost before you buy. How do you find a great on-line bridal store? Ambler recommends that you talk to others who have shopped on-line for wedding apparel and visit popular on-line message boards like theknot.com and WeddingChannel com to see what c \For all your gift giving needs... Token Treasures / help udth a (bridal Registry 357-2993 f Let Jeanne from^j BLYTH COMMUNITY CENTRE An excellent location for a small or large Buck 'n Doe or wedding reception, with a hall that holds up to 360 people and an arena floor that will accommodate up to 1070 people. NORTH HURON WESCAST COMMUNITY COMPLEX An excellent location for a large Buck 'n Doe or wedding reception. With an arena floor available for up to 1200 people. TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HURON RECREATION DEPARTMENT 519-357-1208 ex. #21 experiences other brides have had purchasing on-line. The books Bridal Bargains and Cyberbride,by Allen and Denise Fields are also good resources for brides contemplating buying on-line. Also, visit BrideSave.com on the internet. 7 BOX FURNITURE 20 Main St. Seaforth 527-0680 Toll free: 1-888-441-1156 • Furniture • Appliances • Floor Coverings and • Accessories We have it all...for your home Free delivery and set up within our trading area