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Whether you first see the gown that could be the
right one for you in a magazine, or on the internet,
chances are you know even before you make your first
visit to a bridal salon just what style and fabric
you think your wedding gown should be.
But will the gown that suits you be suitable for
use? Before you fall in love with that gown, take
a second look. If there are beads, sequins, crystals
or other decorative trims, be sure they are securely
attached. Glued decorations never hold up as well
as those that are sewn although sewing can be done
so carelessly that beads start falling on the way
down the aisle.
Now look inside the gown. The care label provides
a guideline for cleaning. It may not be the only
way to clean the dress, it may not even be the best
way to clean it, but it is the method specified by
the manufacturer. So if beads melt or glue melts
or fabric shrinks, the manufacturer is liable.
You may find symbols as well written directions
on the label. After a transition period that ended
in January, 1999, symbols only may be used. Although
European labels will carry slightly different graphics,
those in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will be identical.
Five basic symbols stand for washing, bleaching,
drying, ironing, and drycleaning. Much like the universally-understood
pictographs seen in airports and on roadways, a diagonal
line through the symbol prohibits use of the process
it represents. And there are dresses, particularly
specialty dresses and dresses for the mother of the
bride that carry labels with lines through all five
symbols!
Marks added to the basic symbol indicate still more
special handling. For example, a picture of a washing
machine plus the image of a hand equals “handwash.” Less
easily read are dots and dashes indicating temperatures
for drying and ironing or cycle times for drycleaning.
As a rule, the fewer the dots, the lower the suggested
temperature, but dashes appear more randomly. Then
there are letters that stand for drycleaning solvents.
Unless you have no interest at all in whether or
not your gown can ever be cleaned or worn again,
ask the shop to advise you if you cannot read the
care label. Be wary if no one can answer your questions
about the gown’s serviceability and think twice
before you decide to buy it. Is this really the only
gown you will ever find that is just right for you-or
should you look further for one that not only suits
you but is also suitable for wear.
Sally Lorensen Conant, Ph.D.
www.weddinggownspecialists.com
Copyright © 1999 Wedding Gown Specialists™ Association.
All rights reserved.
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