& 8 ° The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, September 29, 1993 9 The Dallas Post Fall Bridal Showcase Smart ways to trim the cost of an 'average' wedding In today’s economy, with cou- ples facing potential layoffs and prohibitive housing costs, the tra- ditional wedding with all the trim- mings is becoming more and more of a luxury. Many are wondering whether the $16,000 Bride’s magazine re- ports as the average wedding cost wouldn't be better spent else- where — on the down payment of a house or car, on education, furni- ture or bills. The good news is that significance now is taking prece- dence over appearance. “The first thing couples must do is set a budget and then prioritize which parts of the wedding are most important to them: the dress, ‘the ceremony, reception, honey- moon, rehearsal dinner,” says Bride’s merchandising editor, ‘Beth Adamich. More and more parents are sharing wedding expenses, tradi- tionally the bride's parents’ re- sponsibility. In some cases the couple and their parents split the cost three ways. (Brides should never ask the groom’s parents for help, though. “That’s tacky,” says Adamich. The groom should do the asking.) Couples with little jor no re- sources are financing the wedding with a personal loan, which also establishes credit. When parents or relatives live a distance from each other, a progressive wedding may be the answer. A movable feast with friends and family host- ing teas, cocktail parties, dinners or barbecues surrounding the wed- ding ceremony could last from Thursday through the weekend. Of the $30 billion in retail sales generated by the marriage mar- ket, about half is spent on the wed- ding apparel, invitations, flowers, reception, photos and gifts. Of this figure, the reception is by far the biggest expense, averaging $5,900. In planning a wedding, couples can save a bundle by planning a noon wedding followed by a light lunch. Even better, an early after- noon ceremony ensures they don’t have to serve a meal at the recep- tion. Punch or champagne and hors d'oeuvres or a high tea fol- lowed by a cake are perfectly ac- ceptable. But if the ceremony is at 5 or 6 p.m., guests will be hungry and dinner is in order. Often a couple’s favorite restau- rant will provide catering at con- siderably less than established ca- terers. If using a restaurant for the reception, look for one that doesn’t insist on supplying the al- coholic beverages. You can save a substantial sum by buying them at wholesale or discount prices. Costs can be cut by serving beer and wine rather than offering an open bar. “But definitely don’t ask guests to pay for their own drinks. You don’t want people to think you are skimping,” Adamich says. Choosing creative locations can cut down on expenses, too. Instead a If you're getting married soon, register your gift preferences at Stroud’s and receive a Free Bridal Planner, Free Engraving, Free Shower Card Inserts, Extra Discounts on Wedding Bands and a Free Gift! Strouds Jewelers & Distributors WILKES-BARRE * HAZLETON STROUDSBURG HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10-9; Sun. 12-5 MEMBER NATIONAL BRIDAL SERVICE: of a candlelight church wedding with hotel ballroom reception, how about an evening ceremony on the beach, in a park or at a friend’s or relative’s home? Marriage consultant Dante An- gelos offers a list of 20 to 95 loca- tions adapted specifically to the bride’s budget and wedding theme. “We are sort of the Ralph Na- ders of the wedding industry,” says Angelos. “Many brides are not aware that just one hour with a bridal consultant (for an aver- age of $35) can save them thou- sands of dollars by setting up a budget that is realistic. It is a fal- lacy that consultants will take control. We already have done the research and have lists of re- sources for every kind of wed- ding.” She emphasized that brides should allow themselves plenty of lead time so they don’t feel pres- sured into making hasty decisions. “We try to take the emotion out of planning a wedding but main- tain the joy. Every bride really de- serves to be a princess,” Angelos says. Consultants often work with busy working women or out-of- town brides and their mothers, faxing them duplicates of sugges- tions or information. They also can help read and clarify catering contracts to avoid surprises later. 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