The Brides Will Still Run This Year
Thank goodness!
The renowned downtown Boston branch of Filene’s Basement might have closed last year, following in the footsteps of the flagship Filene’s department store in the Downtown Crossing area, but that’s not going to stop one of its most popular events. If you’ve been wondering what would become of the twice annual Running of the Brides wedding gown sale, wonder no more, because the savings sprint will go on.
Filene’s Basement has made arrangements to hold 2008’s first installment of the legendary event at Hynes Convention Center (900 Boylston Street, Boston) this Friday, February 22. As usual, doors open at 8am sharp. But also as usual, expect for eager brides-to-be and their helpers to begin arriving in the wee hours of the morning to make sure they get a decent shot at a gorgeous designer wedding gown.
For those who aren’t familiar with the yearly ritual that both engaged and non-engaged women make plans to attend far in advance, the Running of the Brides refers to a unique sales tradition at Filene’s Basement that offers designer wedding gowns at phenomenal discounts. We’re talking about garments that normally sell for thousands and thousands of dollars priced at only $249, $499, and $699 each.
So, what’s the catch for a discount that unbelievable? Well, you kind of have to do exactly what the sale’s nickname states: literally run to the racks to grab as many gowns as possible. Leisurely browsing isn’t involved unless you want to go home empty-handed. And, you and your cohorts had better be quick, too, because the lightning-fast competition will claim ownership of hundreds of available dresses within seconds, as in less than sixty of them.
According to the Filene’s Basement website:
The day of the sale, brides-to-be and their helpers line up early. When the doors open, they run full speed towards the racks. In less than 60 seconds, the racks are stripped bare (store employees have to hold on to the fixtures so they don’t topple). The women grab whatever gowns they can, haul them off to a corner, strip down to their underwear and start trying on dresses. Minutes later the trading begins. Every dress, no matter what size, style or color, gets bartered for another, as each bride tries to find the gown of her dreams at a cut-rate price.
I have a couple of older relatives who just live for that kind of shopping action. If you’re also game for a feverish experience that will most likely result in one of the biggest bargains of your life, plan to be at Hynes Convention Center bright and early on Friday morning.
Filene’s Basement’s bridal gown sale takes place once annually in other locations nationwide, as well, including Atlanta (March 21), New Jersey (March 28), New York (February 29), and Virginia (April 4) this year. Just remember to make sure your final choice is what you really want because with prices like those that the store offers, there are no returns or exchanges.
The good news is that the flagship Downtown Crossing Filene’s Basement re-opens in 2009, where future brides will have the chance to run through the racks in the event’s historic location. Combined with the divine automatic markdowns and bargains on regular clothes and accessories, what more could a shopping girl wish for? Not much.
Comments Off