Love Online Coupons?

I know that I've talked about Groupon before on this blog but I don’t think I’ve mentioned One Spout, a site that basically collects all those Groupon-like online coupons into one place.

This site offers a bunch of different sorting options, including by distance and category, though you can’t sort by newest first, which is kind of odd.

That one flaw aside, this can be a great site for a bride-to-be.  It lets you declutter your inbox while still letting you catch a great deal, like over 50% everything from flowers to photos to wedding cakes. There’s even deals on wedding show tickets.

One deal that caught my eye was this one from TakeItAndGo.com that, for $89, gets you an at-home spa party for you and three friends. The really nice thing about this deal is that you can buy an unlimited amount so in theory, you could buy three of these coupons and have a twelve person bachelorette where everyone gets a mini- massage, pedicure and manicure (if you’re interested, the deal’s still on for four more hours).

One Spout isn’t just a Toronto thing; it has sites for most major North America cities as well as areas like “Halton region” and “Niagara region”, so this a great site for brides all across the continent.

Big Sample Sale at White

On Saturday, I was at White bridal salon in Yorkville, getting a bridesmaid dress for my sister’s wedding. I’ll definitely write up an entry about that experience but for now, I just want to let everyone know that White is having quite the sample sale this Friday and Saturday.

Check the ad below for more details and if you want to check out the sale, be sure to book an appointment! This is not the kind of event where you can just show up (in fact, I think Saturdays are appointment-only).

Review of The William Ashley Warehouse Sale

*This was first posted on my other blog*

So I spent this morning at the William Ashley warehouse sale. Is this event for everyone? No, if you hate crowds, waiting in line or lots of options, skip it.

But if you’re getting married; know someone getting married; getting a new place to live; upgrading your plates, flatware, household décor, etc.; have a lengthy Christmas shopping list; really have any kind of Christmas shopping list or just love an amazing deal, then you want to make the trek out to Railside Road.

I have to admit that I had mixed feelings about heading out this morning to this sale. Part of that was because I had to get up early (we wanted to be there right at the opening time of 10 am because this sale does grow quite the line). But I was also worried that this sale wouldn’t have anything I needed/wanted.

My sister is getting married next year and initially I thought that this sale would be a great way to pick some pieces up for her. But then I started to worry that it would just have discontinued and plain/less attractive patterns and that I was wasting my time going out there.

I was wrong.

My sister is actually getting two different patterns and while the sale didn’t have the one, it did have the other and I was able to get her a serving pattern at an amazing price. If I was a rich sister, I would have got her the four place settings for just under $900; originally going for I think around $2,800.

Yeah, the deals are that good and the selection is excellent (yes, it even includes Wedgewood). When the time comes for me to buy fine china, I’m definitely going to be getting them through the warehouse sale.

While I didn’t buy any dishes for myself, I did get a great stainless steel bowl (you know the kind, with the wavy top) for $14,99, originally $50.

There was of course a ton of other stuff that caught my eye (as well as a few things that were mocked). This sale really had everything from the aforementioned china to glassware to small appliances to Christmas stuff to even furniture.

If you’re a DIY bride, you really want to check this sale out. There are dozens of different types of vases, a huge selection of ribbons and lots of candles and other décor-type things.

Like I mentioned at this top, this sale is not for everyone. Don’t go with a big group, don’t bring kids and do have a budget. And if you can, go on a week day; this sale on the weekend is a bit nutty.

The William Ashley warehouse sale wraps up on Sunday, December 5, and is open every day except for Mondays and Tuesdays. More details can be found over here.

William Ashley Warehouse Sale

William Ashley’s massive warehouse sale kicks off this Wednesday and then runs until Sunday, December 5. I’ve never been before but people I know who have been say that it’s a great place to get everything from china to things like vases and candle holders. So if you’re DIY your centrepieces or other bits of décor, you probably want to check this out.

Here are the hours:
Wednesdays - Fridays: 10 am-9 pm
 Saturdays & Sundays: 10 am-6 pm

It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays and the site says that it’s restocked daily but I would suspect that the best stuff goes out early.

As usual for these things, it’s located way out in some industrial park.

Happy shopping!

Great Groupon Deal

Coupon-site Groupon is offering a deal that will appeal to many recent brides: $35 for $115 worth of stuff at Photobook Canada. While this amount doesn't count towards taxes or shipping and does have to be redeemed in one order, you can use it on any style of book.

Photobook Canada isn't really cheap but I've read good stuff about the site and they do offer plenty of options. They also seemed to be used by some professional photographers so that says something about them.

The one thing about Groupon is that if you want the coupon, you need to buy it today. I have used Groupon before and it's really quick and easy to use and while the deal does seem really, really good, it's totally true.

Headed To The CNE?

Yesterday I was at the CNE and while I was there I noticed that home supply stores Bowring and Benix were there, selling off a wide variety of vases that would be ideal for centrepieces. Bowring was also selling those coloured décor gels that some people use in their centrepieces.

Everything was being offered at a reduced price and I have no doubt that at least some of these sale prices really were sales. I was actually at a Bowring last weekend and noticed that it had some nice though not exactly cheap vase option. Now, at the Ex, vases that were going for $40 at the store are on sale for $20. OK, still not dirt cheap but not a crazy price for a vase, especially if you’re creating the centrepieces yourself.

I’m not sure what the quantity situation is like but since at least some of what’s on sale is current stock, so something could probably be worked out. And at least at Bowring, you can leave your purchases there until you’re ready to go home so that you don’t have to walk around with a dozen glass vases.

I wouldn’t make a special trip to the Ex for these vendors unless you’ve already decided to use vases from one of those stores however, if you’re headed to the CNE anyways, you might as well head over to the Direct Energy Centre and check out what they have to offer.

Big Syd Silver Formals Sale

Is your groom thinking about buying his suit? Then you’ll want to check out the massive Syd Silver Formals bankruptcy/receivership sale that’s running all next week.

The popular Canadian formalwear chain declared bankruptcy a few months ago and while this was undoubtedly bad news for those couples who had booked their suits through the chain, there is a big plus side: amazing suit deals.

The chain’s entire rental inventory is being sold off, with the basic adult package going for $99.99. For that price you’ll get a tuxedo jacket, pants, a shirt, tie, cufflinks, studs, suspenders and a pocket square. Fancy deluxe packages, that include such extra as shoes, and packages for ring bearers and teens are also available.

The main sale site is 79 Wingold Ave, North York (west of Dufferin St.) and you can call 416-256-4784 for more details, including the addresses of the other two sale locations. You may also want to ask what brands are being sold. My understanding is that suits from Syd Silver could really vary in quality.

The sale runs Monday - Wednesday, 11 am - 7 pm; Thursday - Friday, 11 am – 9 pm; Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday 11 am – 5pm.

Happy shopping!

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show

Ok, there’s nothing “common sense” about getting a Monique Lhuillier dress. While beautiful, these dresses are also quite pricey, costing as much as $10,000. But if you really have your heart set on a Monique, you’ll want to check out the Monique Lhuillier show taking place March 19 and 20 at Yorkville’s White.

You do need to have an appointment (call 416-849-9196) and it’s not clear if you’ll get any kind of discount by buying through the trunk sale though usually you do. Also, be aware that White is one of the city’s more upscale bridal shops so go in expecting beautiful items and high prices.

Windfall Dress Sale

It’s been a crazy week and I haven’t been able to post as much I would have liked to. I’m hoping to get a new post up this weekend but I thought I’d stop by quickly and mention that there is a Windfall wedding dress sale tomorrow, January 30, from 11 pm -2 pm at Windfall’s Etobicoke location.

There’s an entry fee of $4 and all proceeds from the fee and the dress sales go towards supporting Windfall, Canada’s only new clothing and basic needs bank. Dresses for sale include many designer numbers in a range of sizes so get there early for the best selection.

More details on this unique fundraiser can be found over here.

Big Sale at Ritché Bridal

Starting on Thursday, January 14, Ritché Bridal is having a huge sale at the Montecassino Hotel (3710 Chesswood Drive, north of Sheppard, west of Allen). Dresses, for brides, bridesmaids, flowergirls and mothers’ as well as viels, tiaras and other accessories, are up to 80% off.

The sale wraps up on Sunday, January 17, and more details can be found over here.

Big Sale On a Superior Bridal

Markham’s Superior Bridal is having a giant 80 percent sale starting today and running until Sunday. Sounds like there are some great deals over there!

A Couple Weekend Sales

There’s a couple big sales going on that you might want to know about...

The first is over at Ikea and runs until this Sunday. They are having a two-for-one promo on all styles of their Fenoman candles. These classic-looking candles come in range of sizes, some of which are packaged together in a convenient five-pack.

We’re using one of those five-packs as part of our centrepieces so we’re definitely going to be at Ikea this weekend, stocking up.

If you’re in the market for a dress you might want to check out the Maggie Sottero truck show at Superior Bridal. Yeah, that store is way out in Markham (7703 Kennedy Road) but trekking out there could save you 15 percent off the cost of a gorgeous gown.

The trunk show runs until November 22 and features plenty of 2010 designs. It’s recommended that you book an appointment first since this sale is sure to be a popular one.

Something Else To Pick Up

I forgot to mention something in Sunday’s post about organizational tools. You’re probably going to want to also pick up a strong, durable accordion file folder.

The point of this folder is to provide a safe, organized space for contracts, receipts and other important bits of paper. Fancier planners often have folder features built-in but you still might want to pick up an accordion-style one, particularly if you can’t fully close those built-in folders (the last thing you want is for all your paperwork to spill out when you’re headed into the car with your planner.)

Before picking up your folder, figure out how many sections you’ll need. At minimum, you’ll probably want separate spaces for these topics: Cake; Dress; Flowers; Music; Other Clothing; Photographer, Stationary and Venue. Some people say you should have a separate area for each vendor and I think that’s not a bad piece of advice.

I recommend trying to also pick up a folder that’s made out of plastic. This thing is going to be holding some pretty important documents and is also likely going to be spending plenty of time sitting on your kitchen table and counters so it’s worth spending an extra few dollars to get a folder that going to be protected against wayward glasses of wine.

In sales news, you have one week left to save the taxes on bridesmaids’ dress over at Bridal & Beyond. The Mississauga store location is also hosting the Maggie Sottero Fall 200 trunk show where you can save up to $250 on your new Maggie. For more details on both of these sales, head over here.

Midnight Madness Sale This Saturday

Another big sale is happening this Saturday, this time at Bridal Image in Mississauga:

MOONLIGHT MADNESS
BRIDAL BLOWOUT SALE

Saturday October 24 | 4 pm - 12 am

Great savings!
• Gowns starting at $99
• A huge selection of "off the rack" gowns!
• Secret savings to be unveiled

Come early!
• Limited number of dressing rooms
• Five gowns per bride

Bridal Image
720 Burnhamthorpe Rd, W. Unit 17
Mississauga, ON
905-566-0375

Sample Sale @ White Toronto

White Toronto is a beautiful Yorkville dress shop that’s generally a bit pricey for your typical common sense bride. But this Friday and Saturday (October 2 and 3), it’s having a sample sale.
Here are the details:


WHITE HOT SAMPLE SALE!
Two Days Only!
October 2-3, 2009

The big day is on its way and there's still time to fall in love—a second time, of course.

Save up to 70% at White, Toronto on more than 80 designer bridal gowns. Including a limited number of Monique Lhuillier bridal gown samples, plus deigns from Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Badgley Mischka, Jenny Lee, Nicole Miller and more. We will also be featuring a collection of special occasion and bridesmaid sample dresses.

Space is limited, so call now to book your appointment.
(416) 849-9196 or info@whitetoronto.com

White Toronto
19 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto

Maggie Sottero Factory Outlet Sale

What is it about a Maggie that's just so appealing? While I didn't end up buying a Maggie, I certainly understand why some girls have their hearts sent on wearing one of those dresses down the aisle; they certainly are beautiful.

They're also fairly reasonably priced and this Wednesday, August 19, they're even cheaper because Bridal and Beyond is hosting its second annual Maggie Sottero outlet sale. It runs from 5 pm until midnight at their 100 Vanderhoof Avenue location. The ad says that appointments aren't necessary but if you plan on checking this out, I recommend booking one. They're selling $1200 dresses for $600. It's going to be a little crazy I think.

For more details, head over here.

Looking for a cheap dress?

My friend Bev (check out her food blog here) passed along the following announcement about what sounds like a great wedding dress sale. I think I might have to check it out.

WEDDING DRESS BLOW-OUT SALE
HIGH-END dresses at WAREHOUSE prices

Blow-Out Sale Date: S
aturday, June 6, 2009, 11 am to 4 pm

The sale is located at:
Windfall's Warehouse,
29 Connell Court, Unit 3 (Evans Ave and Horner Ave)
Toronto, ON M8Z 5T7
View Map

Lots of Free Parking!

For more information contact Cindy: (416)703-8435, x 13

Size 2 - 24. Styles are classic to the perfect destination dress!

New styles have arrived! We have received designer gowns that include Blumarine, Nicole Miller, Maggie Sottero, and Alfred Sung. These dresses are gorgeous and will go fast!
Wedding Dresses are priced as low as $200! Nothing is priced over $1,000!!

We accept Cash, VISA, M/C, and AMEX.

Join us for a complimentary slice of wedding cake generously provided by Cynthia's Sweet Sensations. Stylish bridesmaid jewellery and makeup from Elizabeth Grant can also be purchased at the sale.

All proceeds raised go directly towards Windfall's charitable programs.