Would you go to the "Running of the Brides?"
Today was the "Running of the Brides" - an annual event in Boston's own Filene's Basement where they sell designer wedding dresses at deep discounts. It's the chance for (mostly) women to sharpen their elbows and their nails and get alllll their wedding stress out with a very physical search in an actual basement for The Perfect Wedding Dress.
Yes, it's world famous. Every year you see pictures in the paper of brides lining up at 4 am to get into the store. I'm sorry, I'm too old for that crap and I don't care about The Perfect Dress enough. It was dark and about negative 7 degrees out at 4 am today! I wonder how big a crowd there was?
Last week I thought about going, and started to assemble a crew. I'd heard that it was critical to have helpful friends with you. But I lost interest and didn't really get anyone to commit to going since I barely wanted to go. So this morning, I hauled my cookies in single-digit weather across town, in search of the perfect wedding dress alone. I got there before ten, and found out the store had opened at 8 am. So I missed most of the craziness, but there was still plenty of crazy left to see!
Inside the store it looked like this:
There were film crews, photographers, and thousands of dresses. There were packs of girls who had come with their mothers and bridesmaids, trying on dresses in the aisles and in corners. Some had worn similar clothes so they'd find each other in the crowd:
Some even had made t-shirts for the occasion, I was impressed! Here's my favorite:
At the end of the half hour I was exhausted! I'd only tried on one dress (almost impossible if you're on your own), but I understand why this girl Elizabeth was lying on the floor, exhausted:
There were piles of dresses everywhere! It was intoxicating and frustrating - is that "The Perfect Dress" in the corner? There were over 2300 dresses - in all sizes - it was too much for me!!
So the bottom line is that you can find a $5000 dress for $500, but you have to really want it. The Boston Globe sent a crew out, to see their coverage click here.
Would you do this??
Cheers, Lara
Comments
No. A wedding isn't about the dress, it's about the commitment. I admit I tried on about 5 or 6 dresses but I found one the first day. It was dress number 6. Took it home that day (I bought it at David's Bridal)and went on to other things. 20 years from now, no one will remember the dress. 20 years from now you'll say "yew, I can't believe I wore that dress!!!".
I would do it, but only if I had already looked at tons of other places and not found anything I liked. But I would need to assemble a crowd. I think when it is time for me to get married I will be a little crazy just like Monica from the show Friends. She was insane during her wedding preperations. I feel sorry for my bridesmaids!
Heidi and Lara...what happened to eye candy Friday? Remember, last week you asked for suggestions, and I gave you one. What happened?????
I probably wouldn't have done that if I had the chance. It's one thing to find a dress that looks nice and fits right, but another thing to put yourself through a great amount of stress and trouble. I got a dress that fit nearly perfect, looked wonderful on me, and was straight from the designer's at a YWCA...for only a hundred dollars. AndI agree with flowergirl, the wedding is only supposed to be the decorative door that leads into a beautiful relationship.
all those wedding gowns make me feel like i am having a hot flash not good!!!
I was there on February 16th.. drove from Maine to Boston just for the event. I brought my soon to be sister in law and my best friend who is my maid of honor. We got there around 4 A.M. and waited in line until 8. It was crazy! There were some very nice people and some not so nice people! I did it because I had heard so much about it over the years and it sounded like an experience and it was definately that! I have to say though, after trying on many gowns I did find the most beautiful dress and for only 249.00!! Cant beat it!!!
