Here comes the bride-to-be, shopping for the perfect dress for her big day. Her main focus may be on style and price, but it's likely she also wants to know about the manufacturer, fiber content, country of origin and care instructions. Today's bride wants this labeling information to help make a smart choice about what is surely to be one of the most memorable -- and expensive -- clothing purchases of a lifetime. What's more, this labeling information is required.

Garment Labels

If you manufacture, import or sell wedding gowns, you must ensure that consumers have certain garment information. The Textile Act, its regulations and the FTC's Care Labeling Rule require that labels be attached to imported and domestic textile products such as wedding gowns. These rules apply to sample gowns, as well as to gowns that are for sale.

Wedding gown labels must contain four pieces of information:

1. The identity of any one business in the distribution channel, including:

• the manufacturer;
• the manufacturer's Registered Identification Number (RN), which is issued to companies in the U.S. and registered by the FTC;
• the retail store's name or RN; or,
• the RN or business name of any other company in the U.S. directly involved in the distribution of the gown.

The label showing the name or RN may be sewn-in or attached as a hang-tag. Either way, it must be conspicuously placed.

2. The garment's fiber content. The generic fiber names and percentages by weight of each fiber used must be listed in descending order of predominance. The label may be sewn-in or attached as a hang-tag and must be conspicuously placed. It may appear with other information or it may be a separate label. To insure proper care of the garment, it may be important -- although not required -- to have the fiber content on a label that is permanently attached.
3. The country of origin.

• Imported wedding gowns must identify the country where they were processed or manufactured.
• Gowns made entirely in the U.S. of materials also made in the U.S. must be labeled "Made in U.S.A." or an equivalent phrase.
• Gowns made in the U.S. of imported materials must be labeled to show the processing or manufacturing that takes place in the U.S., as well as the imported component.
• Gowns manufactured partly in the U.S. and partly abroad must identify both aspects.
• If a gown is imported, the country-of-origin label must be sewn in to comply with U.S. Customs Service requirements. If a gown is made in the U.S. -- of either imported or domestic fabric -- the country of origin information can be sewn in or placed on a hang-tag. In any case, the country-of-origin disclosure must be placed as close as possible to the center back of the neck.

4. Care instructions. The care label must identify:

• At least one safe cleaning method -- either washing or drycleaning -- and any necessary warnings about the cleaning method.
• Example: If the care instruction is to dryclean, the label must specify one type of solvent that may be used, unless all commercially available types of solvents can be used safely on the gown.
• Example: If the gown is labeled for washing, the label must say whether any step of the normal washing process -- washing, bleaching, drying, or ironing -- could harm the garment or other items cleaned with it.

The care label must be sewn in. Imported garments should have care labels when they are sent to the U.S., or labels should be attached by the importer.

Tag Omission, Removal and Substitution

A wedding gown must have all the required labeling information when it leaves the manufacturer.

Under the Textile Act, it is illegal to remove a label containing manufacturer, fiber content or country-of-origin information without substituting another label with the required information. For example, a retailer who wants to remove a label identifying the manufacturer, must substitute it with a label that lists the shop's own name or RN, or the name or RN of someone else in the gown distribution chain. In addition, the substituted label must contain all the information that is required on the original label. All substitute labels must be properly attached to the gown -- either sewn in or on a conspicuously placed hang-tag. Finally, a retailer must not remove the sewn-in care instructions.

Record Keeping

Wedding gown manufacturers must keep records that show the information required on the label (manufacturer or dealer identity or RN, fiber content, and country of origin) for every garment they produce. The records, which must be kept for three years, should show that the letter of the law has been met and establish a traceable line from the raw materials to the finished product.

In addition, any business that substitutes a label on a textile product -- such as a wedding gown retailer -- also must keep records for three years that show what information on the label was removed and the name of the party from whom the product was received.

Non-Compliance

Any violation of the Textile Act regulations or the Care Labeling Rule is considered an unfair and deceptive act or practice under the FTC Act. As a remedy, the Commission may issue an administrative order prohibiting the unlawful behavior. Violations of an administrative order can result in a federal district court action for civil penalties up to $11,000 per violation. Businesses not subject to a previous administrative order also can be subject to monetary civil penalties, an injunction, and other remedies -- including consumer redress -- in a federal district court action for knowingly engaging in practices -- such as mislabeling garments -- that the Commission has determined in prior cases to be unfair or deceptive.

For violations of the Care Labeling Rule by a manufacturer or importer, the Commission may seek an injunction in federal district court and civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. A retailer who removes care labels from garments may be held liable for unfair and deceptive acts or practices under the FTC Act and may be the subject of an administrative order. Violations of such orders can result in an action for civil penalties in federal district court.

Each instance of mislabeling under the textile laws and the Care Labeling Rule may be considered a separate violation.

For More Information

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair practices in the marketplace and to provide information to businesses to help them comply with the law. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Your Opportunity to Comment

The National Small Business Ombudsman and 10 Regional Fairness Boards collect comments from small businesses about federal compliance and enforcement activities. Each year, the Ombudsman evaluates the conduct of these activities and rates each agency's responsiveness to small businesses. Small businesses can comment to the Ombudsman without fear of reprisal. To comment, call toll-free 1-888-REGFAIR (1-888-734-3247) or go to www.sba.gov/ombudsman</a>.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/wedgown.shtm

by: Cindy English

Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues". Failing to consider these ahead of time could leave you unpleasantly surprised on your wedding day!

There is certainly nothing that should dissuade you from your vision of a beautiful seaside ceremony. As a matter of fact, there are many benefits.

Just know the issues and plan for them. Your wedding day will be a wonderful and joyous event!

The "Pros"

* A beach wedding can be much cheaper than a traditional wedding. Who in this day and age can't afford to save money? It is said that the average budget for a wedding these days is between $20,000 to $30,000! That is an enormous and unnecessary financial burden to be faced with!

* Don't start off married life enslaved by your wedding day debts. If you have that kind of money to spend, fine, but if not, don't go there! Be practical and remember, the day is what you, your loved ones and your friends make of it...not how much you spent on it!

* A beach wedding can be a casual affair. It allows everyone to relax. Your guests can dress comfortably and affordably. Often brides-to-be are unaware of the financial strain they place on their wedding attendants and guests. Not everyone can afford to buy that wedding outfit.

* The wedding ceremony and reception can all be held right there on the beach. No need to travel to different locations. This is very convenient for everyone. Hey, even the kids can have fun at a beach wedding!

* A beach wedding allows you to involve everyone in the activities. Guests are not restricted to sitting quietly in their seats. They can actually be a part of the celebration!

* Beach weddings don't always require a permit. If you are having a small ceremony and do not require a section of the beach to be blocked off...just do it! Simple yet lovely!

* A beach wedding is a modern and refreshing change from the "stodgy" traditional wedding. It allows your creativity and personality to shine through.

* There is no "right" or "wrong way" to plan a beach front wedding. It can be large, small, romantic, whimsical or even downright goofy! You can pay big bucks and hire everything out, or, you can be cheap and make everything yourself. The choice is completely yours!

The "Cons"

* The most important thing to remember when planning a beach wedding is that "Mother Nature" rules! Depending on her mood, she can brighten your day or rain on your parade! When planning your celebration, be sure to plan an "alternate location" should the old girl be cranky that day!

* The beach is usually a bit breezy so take that into consideration when picking your location. Try to choose a "cove" on the beach that is protected from direct winds.

* Be sure to check with local authorities regarding any permits needed to use the beach. This should only be necessary if you are having a large gathering and you want to block off a portion of the beach exclusively for you and your guests. Ask to be sure though.

* Check on the "Beach Rules". Ask questions. Can you have candles on the beach? Can you play music into the night? How late can you stay? Is there an area nearby for open fires should you choose to barbeque?

* Speaking of food...don't forget about the seagulls! They are notorious beggars and thieves. You can expect them to attend your beach wedding, uninvited! As long as you keep food covered and don't feed them, they will stay on the sidelines.

* Remember the tides. You definitely do not want to be surprised by the quick and unanticipated arrival of high tide!

* On the beach, there will be bugs and sunshine! Make sure you consider the comfort of your guests. Bring sunscreen and insect repellant for those who did not remember to bring their own.

* Chairs may sink in the sand if you do not rent flooring to place under them. However, if you are planning a "beach blanket" reception, you will not need chairs. Remember your elderly guests though. Plan for their safety and comfort. You will need to provide them with chairs and beach umbrellas to protect them from the elements.

Beach weddings are absolutely beautiful but nature does provide an element of uncertainty. Careful planning on your part will eliminate most of them. Just remember...

If every hair is not in place due to the ocean breezes or a seagull drops off his "wedding gift" a little to close to the punch bowl...

These are not flaws or imperfections in your day. They are "memories"! Cherish them and have fun!

Wedding Verses, poems and quotes can used in a many ways from your wedding invitations to your wedding programs and even in thank you notes. Most brides and grooms use standard wedding verses found on weddingInvitations.be, some opt to use Bible Verses and even quotes from famous poems and song. The first rule of selecting a wedding verse is to look for something that speaks to your heart as this can go a long way to getting your message of love across to your wedding guest. Secondly if this is for your wedding invitations you should try to keep it under 10 words that way it will enhance your wedding invitation rather than distract.

Wedding verses for a program or a reading for the ceremony can be a bit longer, however it should not be longer than 30sec to read or about 30 words long.

Other uses for short wedding verses, poems and love quotes would be:

1. Wedding favors
2. Thank you notes
3. Bookmarks
4. Small photo frames on the table

They can also make a wonderful gift from the bride and groom. Choose a verse or poem that means something to you and print it along with a picture of the yourself (bride and groom), place it in a beautiful frame, and you have a present to give that will hold precious memories for a lifetime.

Here are some resources for sample wedding verses

Bridal Association of America under wedding verses
wedding invitations

Wedding Verses

Wedding Hairstyle Tips

Great information from TheHairStyler.com Hair Feature

By Katie Summers and Paola Fioramonte, THS Consultants

One of the most important elements of your wedding day is your hairstyle. And to ensure that you get the best results for your wedding hair style, all you have to do is follow a few simple tips.

Start With A Picture

Having a picture of the style that you want is the easiest way to guarantee that you communicate to your stylist what kind of bridal hair it is that you are after and that you get exactly the style that you want.

Plan Around Your Accessories

Planning your wedding hair to complement your accessories (such as an upstyle to show off your necklace and earrings) is the perfect way to add elegance to your wedding style.

Incorporate Your Wedding Flowers Into Your Style

Placing flowers in your hair is a popular and classic wedding hair tip. You can also ask your stylist which hair color will enhance and complement the shade of your flowers.

Have A Wedding Consultation

Talk to your stylist about what hairstyles your hair type and texture can pull off and what you can/may need to do (extensions, etc) to achieve the hairstyle that you want.

Don't Forget All Angles Of Your Hair

It's not just your front section on show, the back and sides of your style needs to be just as perfect. The back of your head, after all, is what most of the guests at your ceremony will see.

Don't Be Afraid To Say What You Do And Don't Like

When planning your wedding hair with your stylist, don't be afraid to tell them if you don't like the style they've suggested or the way something is done. This is your day after all and your hair should look exactly how you want it to. If your stylist does, however, have some good advice, it's worth taking on board.

Ensure It's Weather Proof

There's nothing worse than having your hair styled into your perfect look only to have it fall flat due to the weather. Avoid problems by selecting a style suitable for the location and season that your wedding takes place.

Match To The Theme

Match your hairstyle to the theme of your wedding. An elegant wedding deserves elegant hair, while a casual affair will suit a casual hairstyle such as chic, glossy curls.

Trial Your Hair With Your Dress

The best way to see if your bridal style will suit you and your beautiful wedding dress is to do your hair similar to the way that you want it styled when having your dress fitting. This way you can see if your hair is the perfect match for your dress.

Now that you know the tips, find your perfect wedding style in our hairstyles library. We have 1,00's of different bridal styles for you to choose from.

Wedding Hair