Jilted Mexico City brides, grooms may be able to collect

To be a runaway bride may become more  expensive in Mexico City

　　Runaway brides - and grooms - in Mexico City could get stuck paying for the limo and flowers under a bill proposed by a local lawmaker.

　　If approved by the city assembly, the law would offer engaged couples a legal contract outlining how much a man or woman can recoup if he or she gets jilted at the altar.

　　The contract would stipulate reimbursements at any point the engagement is called off.

　　According to Mexican tradition, the bride's family absorbs most of the expenses.

　　"What we want is to protect the person who is being hurt, not only emotionally but also economically," said Jose Zepeda, a divorce lawyer-turned-politician. "Whoever rents a wedding hall, pays for the church, for the cake, has the right to be reimbursed."

　　Such contracts could "eliminate the culture of fighting," said Zepeda, who proposed the bill Friday.

　　Laura Gomez, a 33-year-old, bride-to-be perusing a bridal shop in downtown Mexico City, said the contracts were "a perfect idea."

　　They would "give more security and trust to both people involved," said Gomez.

　　But Pamela Montiel, a 19-year-old getting married in April, said she would never sign such an agreement. "Things like that are for immature people," she said.

　　（Agencies）