It's shopping as a full-contact sport. And the women who take part in the "Running of the Brides" at Filene's Basement in Atlanta wouldn't have it any other way.
The latest bargain stampede takes place Friday, March 21 at Filene's Basement in Buckhead. Many brides-to-be and their helpers literally pounce on 2300 dresses priced from $249-$699 that might otherwise cost as much as $10,000.
Brides-to-be who snagged their dream dress at previous Running of the Brides sales have these tips to share:
- Best times to arrive: if you want to be among the first through the doors (they open at 8:00am), you want to get there between 5:00am and 7:00am or even earlier.
If the 'rush to the racks' isn't your idea of fun, then plan to arrive later. By late morning the early birds have made their selections and most of the gowns are back on the racks. You can shop at your own pace, right up until closing at 9:00pm.
- Dress code: even though there are a limited number of individual fitting rooms and a temporary 'bullpen' fitting room, most brides opt for the selling floor where there is more space. In that case, wear a sports bra, shorts, bathing suit or leotard.
- Bring helpers: fun-loving people who have good taste, stamina and patience
- Identify your team: wear matching colors, hats, bring walkie-talkies, any means of finding each other easily in a sea of white.
- Think creatively: even if a dress isn't the perfect fit,at these cut-rate prices, it may be worth the cost of alterations. Experts on alterations and cleaning will be at the sale to consult with brides.
Go to click on Bridal Event to find out how to get more valuable tips for finding your dream dress at the Filene's Basement's Running of the Brides sale.