Brides Against Breast Cancer?

[twinkybel81]

Good Morning All!

I was just wondering if anyone here has gone to a Brides Against Breast Cancer bridal gown show?

http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/upcoming-shows/upcoming-babc-events/

If so, was it a well run event? Were the prices and choices decent? Did you pay extra to go to the VIP event? If so, do you think it was worth the extra money?

Thank you for any feedback you can provide. I posted the same question to the Disney Bride Facebook group and essentially received crickets in response.

Have a great day!

 

[LadyD]

My partner and I actually got our dresses from this event. We did the VIP ticket and we think it was worth it. The prices were definitely reasonable. My dress originally retailed for around 1k and I paid 499 (before taxes) for it. Some things to keep in mind about this event:

1. It is not like a bridal salon at all. It is a free for all for the dresses and trying them on. You can only hold onto like 3 dresses at a time, so if you have a dress that is a serious contender, don't put it back or someone else may snatch it up.

2. They are donated gowns. What this largely translates into is second hand dresses and sample dresses. Since there are a number of sample dresses, they have seen some wear. I was given an extra 100 off my dress because the back zipper had more or less completely come unstitched from the dress and it needed to be repaired. My partners dress was definitely a sample dress from a salon and there were a lot of issues with loose beading and a couple buttons missing in the back, but they were easy fixes. Whatever condition the dress is in is how you buy it.

3. Sizing. There were a lot of dresses available that were a size 8 or smaller. And that is a wedding dress 8. If you need a larger gown, the pickings are fewer. That is not to say there are not some great dresses, but there are not as many options. My partner and I are both larger than an 8 and we both found dresses.

4. The dresses are not the most recent fashions. They are typically a season or two behind if that matters at all to you.

I did a recap of our dress buying experience at this event in my PJ. Overall, it is a great event. We found our photographer there too and it is nice to know that something we spent so much money on is helping others. It is worth it to go and see what is available

 

[twinkybel81]

My partner and I actually got our dresses from this event. We did the VIP ticket and we think it was worth it. The prices were definitely reasonable. My dress originally retailed for around 1k and I paid 499 (before taxes) for it. Some things to keep in mind about this event:

1. It is not like a bridal salon at all. It is a free for all for the dresses and trying them on. You can only hold onto like 3 dresses at a time, so if you have a dress that is a serious contender, don't put it back or someone else may snatch it up.

2. They are donated gowns. What this largely translates into is second hand dresses and sample dresses. Since there are a number of sample dresses, they have seen some wear. I was given an extra 100 off my dress because the back zipper had more or less completely come unstitched from the dress and it needed to be repaired. My partners dress was definitely a sample dress from a salon and there were a lot of issues with loose beading and a couple buttons missing in the back, but they were easy fixes. Whatever condition the dress is in is how you buy it.

3. Sizing. There were a lot of dresses available that were a size 8 or smaller. And that is a wedding dress 8. If you need a larger gown, the pickings are fewer. That is not to say there are not some great dresses, but there are not as many options. My partner and I are both larger than an 8 and we both found dresses.

4. The dresses are not the most recent fashions. They are typically a season or two behind if that matters at all to you.

I did a recap of our dress buying experience at this event in my PJ. Overall, it is a great event. We found our photographer there too and it is nice to know that something we spent so much money on is helping others. It is worth it to go and see what is available

Thanks, LadyD! I'm pretty sure we discovered them because of your PJ actually. My husband was reading it and directed me to the BABC website. I need to go over and read your PJ through since I'm pretty sure I've only read bits and pieces here and there. I really appreciate your detailed feedback, it helps me out a lot. I am about a size 8 in wedding dresses, so that shouldn't be an issue. Plus, we are now talking about possibly pushing things back 6 months, so that gives me some extra time to get more fit. I also don't give two diddlies about what the current fashion is, so that should help too.

 

[LadyD]

I'm glad I could help . Oh one last thing I recommend. Bring someone who knows you and knows your style so they can help you sort through the racks and help you in and out of the dresses. It is definitely more like regular clothes shopping in terms of experience, but the individuals working the event can be very helpful too, so use them.