|
All About Filene's Basement's Bridal Gown Sale
 |
By Lei Lydle, Founder and Editor
Last Updated: 3/21/2009 11:12:24 AM |
I'm sure you have seen it on television or at least heard about it - hundreds of women rushing to racks and racks of designer wedding gowns and trying them on in the aisles. I believe they made reference to it on "Friends" a few seasons back when Monica was planning her wedding to Chandler. Remember? All of the brides were running around grabbing dresses off the racks... brides, including Monica, were fighting over gowns...
I really can't remember if that was supposed to be Filene's or another store but it definitely wasn't something that was made for television. It is an actual event, a "wild scene", that has been repeated every year since 1947 at the world famous Filene's Basement in Boston.
So what is the big deal about this particular bridal gown sale?
According to Filene's Web site, basement buyers accumulate gowns from a variety of sources including manufacturer's samples, overstocks, canceled orders, excess merchandise, etc. Many of the dresses still have their original price tags and may be priced in the thousands. So, when these buyers have accumulated at least 1000 gowns they set a date for the "sale" and price all dresses at $249 each.
The morning of the sale, brides, mothers and friends begin lining up early. Usually by the time the doors open at 8am, hundreds of women are waiting in line. According to the Web site, "when the crowd is let loose, it takes less than 60 seconds for the racks to be stripped bare". Evidently the women just grab as many dresses as they can, go off in a corner, strip down and start trying them on. Then the brides start bartering with each other for dresses until they find the perfect gown (for only $249).
Call me crazy but this sounds fun...and maybe a little dangerous at the same time :-)
Tips For Success
Since this may be something new to you, following are some tips for success from the Filene's Web site and my comments as well:
- Get there early or get there late.
Evidently, there is a better selection early but less frenzy later.
- Leave all men at home, but do bring female help.
I imagine it could be strange for men since there will be hundreds of women stripping down right there in the store...
- Identify your team.
This is quite funny but I imagine it is helpful. The Filene's Web site suggests you and your "team" wear matching colors, hats, etc. (something that will help you find each other in a crowd...)
- What to wear:
Leotard or sports bra and bike shorts to try on dresses anywhere, sneakers of comfortable shoes...
- Leave your handbags at home.
Carry your belongings in a fanny pack or have a friend carry them.
- Think creatively.
Since these dresses are so inexpensive, it may be worth the cost of alterations if the gown you love doesn't fit perfectly.
- Be open-minded.
Certain dresses look best on certain bodies. Don't pass up a dress just because it isn't what you had in mind - it may look awesome on you!
- Be courteous.
This is just common sense. Everyone is there for the same thing - to find the perfect dress. If you are nice and help someone out they will be nice and help you - I hope!
- Be fair.
Again, everyone is there for the same thing. So give up your dresses as quickly as possible so that other brides have a chance to try them on.
- Have fun!
Hopefully you will find the dress of your dreams but if not, you will probably always remember your trip to Filene's.
My Experience At The Sale
Well I got up early to go check out the sale this morning. When I arrived at 7:30, hundreds of women were lined up outside of each entrance to the Filene's store here in Atlanta. Most that I asked said that they started arriving at 6:00 in the morning but some were there earlier and a few women started camping out the day before!
In addition to the groups of anxious women, there were also news cameras and vans, radio station personalities, bridal magazine reps, and security personnel all over the place. I really couldn't believe all of the media attention surrounding this sale!
Anyway, although I saw some women that appeared to be there alone, most were in groups and many chose to wear novelty head bands so they could find each other once inside the store.
At about 5 minutes before opening, the security personnel begin unlocking the doors. At that point, some of the women who were further back in the line started to come to the front. I was very surprised when the women closer to the front of the line yelled "No" almost in unison as is if it were planned.
I even witnessed a verbal argument between a mother-of-the-bride and an unrelated young woman. The mother had arrived early and had been waiting at the front of the line all morning. But as the 8am hour drew near, younger girls started inching toward the front. This particular young woman attempted breaking in front of this mother and a verbal argument ensued. I really wish I would have had my video camera!
So one or two minutes after that, a gentlemen that works at Filene's (possibly the manager) came out and addressed the crowd. He told the women not to run but to walk. He said that there were over 1000 dresses inside so there were definitely enough dresses for everyone to get a dress. Then he walked back inside and they opened the doors....
Evidently no one listened to the store manager's announcement because as soon as those doors opened the girls were off and running.
 
It took less than a minute for everyone to get inside the store. There was a traffic jam on the stairs and escalator. I even heard someone on the escalator screaming but I couldn't see what was happening because of the large crowd.
While everyone was trying to get up the stairs and escalators, I just leisurely got on the elevator with a few other clever brides and we got to the 2nd floor right away. Since I was taking photos, I didn't even enter the store until all of the brides had entered the store. Even so, it took me less than 2 minutes to enter the store and get upstairs to where the gowns were.
I have to say it was totally crazy up there. There were so many people, I couldn't even figure out where the gowns were. I later realized that I couldn't see the gown racks because the racks were already stripped bare!
Many women were carrying around as many gowns as they could hold. I saw brides that wore bikinis as underwear - pretty good idea. I also saw people carrying around signs that indicated what sizes they were looking for - another good idea!
Filene's has lots of dressing rooms and people were lined up waiting for them, but many many women chose to try on dresses in the aisles. There were lots of men and news cameras there but these women didn't seem to care. I even saw one news camera focusing in on and talking to one bride while she was dressing - I couldn't believe it!
I also saw the security personnel walking around holding up lost cell phones and pieces of lost clothing.
Due to the chaos (and large numbers of undressed women), I was unable to get any good photos inside. Trust me when I say it was a wedding gown frenzy!
The good news is that I saw several women purchasing gowns so I guess this sale/event was worth it for these brides. And it was a lot of fun too!
An Important Note
This sale is only a one-day sale and the gowns are not returnable.
Sale Dates and Details
For more information about the Filene's sale nearest you, visit our Bridal Events page.
Have You Ever Been To a Filene's Gown Sale?
Please share your experience below!
 |
 |
Abby from Atlanta, GA says... |
 |
|
Do you see "Destination" wedding gowns at the sale, or those that are elegant and formal, yet not as "fluffy", for 2nd weddings, etc?
Thanks!! |
 |
|
Posted: 3/19/2009 11:01:10 AM |
|
|
Carlotta Ungaro from Beaufort, SC says... |
|
|
I participated in Atlanta's first running of the bride in 2003. My boyfriend and I were getting serious and when I saw the ad in the paper, I asked him if I needed to buy a dress. He asked me if I was asking him to marry me. I said no, I'm asking you if I need a dress! He smiled and said yes and that was that!
The runing was chaos - I was the second person to buy a dress that morning, it took me 30 minutes to make my choice and then 2 hours to calm down from the event. My friend and I had walkie-talkies which were useless with the noise. We arrived about 30 minutes prior with a big cup of coffee - bid mistake because there is nowhere to go to the bathroom. I would not do it again, but then I was an older bride at 40 and don't tolerate crowds and chaos like I could at 25. I did, and still do, love my dress!
We were married in beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina at the old Sheldon Church ruins (built before the Revolutionary War and burned in both Revolutionary and Civil wars) it was stunning! Beaufort is so romantic and I encourage everyone to check it out for your wedding!
Wedding Date: 04/23/04 |
|
|
Posted: 3/6/2009 8:45:42 AM |
|
|
Teresa from Findlay,Ohio says... |
|
|
Just attended the event in Cleveland, Ohio with my daughters, sisters and mom...
It was an experience I will never forget. It was a lot of fun and we we very fortunate. Both of my daughters found their dream dress.They said they felt like a princess, I thought they looked like one, too. But, I'm sure all mom's feel that way!!!!!
Wouldn't of missed this for the world!
Wedding Date: daughter-6/6/09 |
|
|
Posted: 10/18/2008 1:37:02 PM |
|
|
MCF from Boston, MA says... |
|
|
Before I went to this sale, I was discouraged looking at a number of dresses in my price range at bridal salons. I thought I'd go to this sale just to check it out, and if it was good, go again when they had it in February.
However, I had a great experience. I brought my mom and we didn't get there until about 11:00. It was still kind of chaotic, but we found the best way to shop was to see what the other girls were trying on, as they were still the girls who had teams and were holding all the best dresses, and then if we saw something that looked like what I wanted, snatch it up when they were going to discard it or hang it back up. I only spent about an hour at the sale and got a Romona Keveza Couture gown for $699, which was exactly the style and color I wanted, but could never have afforded without the sale. Upon researching it on the Internet, I found that it usually sold for $5,000! The dress is impeccable, and while it will need a few alterations to shorten it, doesn't need to be cleaned or anything.
A good idea is to bring a cheap full length mirror because there aren't nearly enough. I made friends with several other brides that were also shopping alone or with their moms, and we all helped each other.
Overall, I thought it was actually more fun than shopping at any of the boutiques that I had been to before because of the camaraderie and the challenge. I also liked shopping without the pressure or judgment of any salespeople.
I feel like I'll enjoy my wedding day more knowing I got exactly the gown I would have chosen if money were no object, and I won't have to feel as if I'm going to be in debt because of it.
Wedding Date: 09/06/09 |
|
|
Posted: 9/11/2008 11:25:31 PM |
|
|
FGH from Towson, MD says... |
|
|
After a neighbor told us about the 7/11/08 sale in Towson, MD, my daughter (the bride) and I were debating whether or not to go. She had exactly a year until her wedding and wasn't in a real rush, but she's been looking. She had found a gown she loved, but it was over our budget. We eventually planned to go early with some helpers, but as the day approached no one else could go, and even my daughter had to work in the morning. We then decided to take the 40 minute ride when she got off from work, just to see what the sale was like. We figured that if we thought it was worth it, we could always go to the next sale in Washington, D.C. on August 1. We left at 1:30 in the afternoon, got lost, and didn't make it to the Towson store until after 3. We fully expected to walk in and find a few dresses and lots of empty racks. Wrong! There were lots of racks and they were loaded with gowns. The store was no more crowded than a typical day at Marshall's---still some brides trying on gowns in the aisles, but plenty of room to maneuver. My daughter does not like to "shop", but we knew what style she was interested in. She told me to take one side of the aisle and she took the other and we quickly went through hundreds of gowns. She's about a size 4-6 and we didn't find much in those sizes but figured if it was close, it could be altered. We found about four gowns that she would consider, but one was very close to what she'd been looking for. That gown was a size 10, so we went to see the seamstress that was on duty and she told us that fitting it to her would not be a problem and even the changes that my daughter wanted could be done by a professional seamstress. Even with alterations, the gown's price should be within our budget. We looked it over very carefully (it is 100% silk and lace) and couldn't find a thing wrong. It didn't even need to be cleaned! The label, Angel Q., didn't mean anything to us, but the tag and an employee told us that the gown's original price was $3,000. We decided to buy it for $499, thinking that if she found a "more perfect" gown, we could always sell it on Ebay. The only thing I noticed after we brought it home was that the label had been sewn in by hand over a place in the lining where a label of a different shape had been removed. I'm not sure what that means, but even if Angel Q. is not the original designer, the dress is gorgeous and comparable to the ones we've seen like it in bridal shops for a whole lot more. So, I guess you'd say that instead of "running with the brides", we "cruised with the brides" and still wound up with a beautiful gown that we think is definitely worth the $499 we paid.
Wedding Date: 7/11/09 |
|
|
Posted: 8/4/2008 3:53:39 PM |
|
|
Ginger from Smyrna, GA says... |
|
|
I went to the Running of the Brides with a co-worker as it was Good Friday and we work down the street from the Filene's Basement in Buckhead. She is engaged and I wasn't at the time but was expecting it (I am engaged now!). She ended up not having any luck as she is a tiny size 2 and there was not much there for her. However, I'm a size 6 and I had more than I could handle and found "the" dress for $249! It did not have an original price tag on it but suffice it to say I saved at least $1000! We went around noon that day, the store was still very crowded but there were thousands of dresses on the racks to choose from and people in every corner of the store stripping down to try on. Modesty gets thrown out the window at this event but I wore a camisole that day and put on biking shorts under my skirt before we went in the store. There is also a lot of swapping as people see you in a dress that they love. It was a great experience and I recommend it to anyone who is remotely near one of these stores!
Wedding Date: 5/30/09 |
|
|
Posted: 7/15/2008 4:42:38 PM |
|
|
Jules from Baltimore, MD says... |
|
|
My girlfriend and I just wanted to check out the Filene's Basement's Bridal madness because we'd heard so much about it, not because I was seriously looking for a dress - after all, my wedding is still almost 2 years away... we got to the store at 11am, way after the rush, and by this point the dresses were mostly back on the racks and somewhat ordered by size since girls were hanging back all the gowns they had tried on in one big batch. We got hold of a cart (wedding dresses are HEAVY) and started picking out as many gowns as we could find in my size. The 5th or 6th dress was a beautiful Anne Barge strapless dress that had originally been over $2000 and was now $249! When I tried it on, I knew it was the one! Moral of the story: there are some really great dresses at this sale, they're not all gone by 8.05am, and the prices are unbeatable. Now I can invite a few more people to the wedding!!!
Wedding Date: 5/22/2010 |
|
|
Posted: 7/11/2008 7:09:58 PM |
|
|
Samantha M. from Smyrna, GA says... |
|
|
This event was awesome! My mother and I went together at around 12 o'clock and the frenzy was still going on. There were dresses everywhere and women were trying them on in the aisles. So, naturally, I joined in on the fun. I tried on so many dresses, but couldn't quite find "the one." So, my mom never gave up and we went back into the "wedding dress jungle." Finally, I was trying on some beside a girl who had "my" dress hanging up and she was thinking about it. I told her that if she didn't get it to please let me know. She gave me two dresses. I asked a lady to help me and my mom decide and when I put on "my" dress the lady actually began to shout "Thank you Jesus" and she said she just felt the anointing of God when I put it on. She also prayed for my fiancee and me as we go into our future and blessings on our children. It was really a blessing. I met lots of new people. One girl I took a picture with even gave me a 15% off coupon. It was awesome. The best part about it was the $2000 dollar discount that I got just for going to FILENE'S RUNNING OF THE BRIDES!!!!! |
|
|
Posted: 3/25/2008 4:56:46 PM |
|
|
Ashley Thompson from Kennesaw, GA says... |
|
|
I loved Running of the Brides and I would gladly go again to help a friend in need of a wedding dress! Me, my mom and my friend arrived at Filene's Basement at 7 am and there were already lots of people in front of us. Many people handed out free flyers and food while we were in line. Of course, when we made it in the store all of the dress were off the racks and in people's arms and it was overwhelming. But, after a little while, we went in the fitting room and I started trying on dresses that other people didn't want and trading them. It wasn't long til I tried on "the one"! I found the wedding dress of my dreams in just an hour! By the time we had found it, we went back to the racks and searched through the other dresses just to make sure it was the one for me. By that time there were plenty of dresses back on the racks. There are dresses in all kinds of sizes and styles, so you are sure to find the wedding dress of your dreams! There is something for everyone at Running of the Brides!
Wedding Date: 7/20/2009 |
|
|
Posted: 3/24/2008 8:59:29 PM |
  |
|
IBS Design ~ Wedding Invitations and Accessories says... |
|
|
I attended this sale in Atlanta and it was fun but chaotic. I was trying to help a friend find a gown but we were unsuccessful. We did find one a few weeks later at the Brides Against Breast Cancer sale which was similar but more organized and less of a frenzy. |
|
|
Posted: 12/29/2007 1:14:02 PM |
|
|
Tara from Pittsburgh, PA says... |
|
|
Well i must say, going to the Filene's Basement Bridal Sale is something i will never forget. My mother and I travelled down to Washington, D.C. to help my cousin find a wedding gown. We arrived at 3:15 am with our group of 6 people and waited in line till they opened the doors at 8. Before the doors were opened everyone did a count down like it was New Years Eve. Some women who were in the back of the line started to push their way up to the front, and being that we were third in line, there was no way we were going to let that happen, so the group of us linked arms as a barricade. When the countdown was over the doors opened and we ran in like the running of the bulls. The racks were cleared in 1 minute! It was amazing. I"ve never witnessed so much chaos. Two women near us were fighting over the same dress and the one pulled so hard that the other came flying through the racks. It definitely was a memorable occasion. Aside from that i must say that the event was a lot of fun. My cousin did end up getting a dress and it's a wonderful bonding experience for everyone involved. Its also a great (and unique) way to find a quality gown for an extrememely low price. I'd definitely do it again! |
|
|
Posted: 8/12/2005 1:30:04 AM |
|
|
Jess from Boston, MA says... |
|
|
I went to the sale in Boston back in the 80's when my sister was getting married. I had just turned 20 and didn't think I would live to see 21. I have NEVER seen so many women in a complete frenzy. Women worked in teams, some acted as gatherers, some worked interception to fend off would be dress stealers, still others were used as clothes racks. And of course - there were brides stripping in the aisles left and right.
I worked mirror detail - it was my job to keep my sister's spot at the mirror. I don't know how well I did my job because truthfully, I was scared out of my wits.
When it was finally my turn to get married, I skipped the Filene's sale and made a bee-line to a full service, posh bridal salon. It was MUCH more fun shopping for a gown with a glass of champagne in hand in lieu of a billy club ... |
|
|
Posted: 2/23/2005 4:15:43 PM |
|
|
Diana from Hudson valley NY says... |
|
|
This event is worth going to just for the people watching, but sadly not for a dress...unless you're a very very tiny person the selection is...well, slim.
After traipsing all over 3 states I ended up getting a dress nearly in my own backyard. Knightly Endeavors in kingston NY custom made my simple gown for less than $125!
A similar $249 gown at the sale would have cost me more to alter...this one was made for me and with plenty of extra room in my budget.
Go for the fun but shop somewhere else.
Wedding Date: 10/31 |
|
|
Posted: 2/19/2005 6:43:04 PM |
|
|
Erin from Atlanta says... |
|
|
This was my first experience with the running of the brides although I listened to the excitement last year on Q100. My friend and I made it down to Filene's at 5am and found ourselves behind about 50 people. There were people there as early as 2pm the previous afternoon. We met some very nice ladies in line and the surrounding businesses were extremely generous by handing out free hot chocolate, bananas, and bottled water. As the hour drew closer the excitement of the crowd grew. Q100 did a wonderful job of keeping that going. They also had portable heaters, which really came in handy. Once the doors opened at 8am the entire crowd was in a full sprint. I think it took only a few quick minutes for everyone to make it inside. I grabbed an arm full of dresses and staked out a spot between 2 rows of shoes. I found that for the most part, everyone was very helpful. There were some ladies that were more interested in keeping what they had than trading but most were willing to help you find what you were looking for. By the end of the morning everything was back on the racks and the store employees were showing their frustration. Neither one of us found the dress we were looking for but we definitely came away with some memories. I highly suggest that you participate, at least once, if you have a chance. Yes, there are a lot of people and a huge crowd but it was a lot of fun.
Wedding Date: 7/30/05 |
|
|
Posted: 1/24/2005 1:00:32 PM |
|
|
Leyla from Atlanta, GA says... |
|
|
My girlfriend told me about the sale, and while I wasn't that enthused to go, we went because I needed a dress. We got up at 4:30am, and arrived around 6am and got in line. There were probably 100-150 people ahead of us. It was cold, but not unbearable. Mary Kay was giving out free hot chocolate (and it was good), and the Publix next door gave out bananas and water. At 8am we all walked through the doors, and then ran inside. By the time we got to the racks, they were completely bare. I wouldn't have thought it possible till I saw it - I still don't know how they cleared them off that fast. We had allied with some nice girls we met in line, and started finding and bartering any dress we could get our hands on. One girl was sweet enough to take my picture with her digital camera and show me the pictures since I couldn't get to a mirror. (I was going to trade with her, but when I looked up after trying on the last dress, she was gone.) I, along with many other brides-to-be, was in my bra, which really didn't bother me, despite the news cameras in there - or the open windows (hope my parents don’t see me on the news). The girls were all very nice and the staff was great too - I think in the South it's just ingrained that you are polite to people. Some mothers were pushy or kind of rude – one mother outright took a dress we were saving to trade, but that was okay. By 9am a lot of dresses were back on the racks. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I left a pile of dresses on the floor when I went to find a mirror, and I never made it back to pick them up. It was a madhouse. After 2 hours, I found a beautiful Jianini Fashions dress that had retailed $3000 and I got it for $499 - plus I found a matching tiara for $20. We were out by 10am, and then I took my girlfriend to breakfast as thanks. I was really worried about the whole thing, but in the end it was a lot of fun and I felt like a part of history. It’s worth sacrificing some sleep over in my opinion.
Wedding Date: May 21, 2005 |
|
|
Posted: 1/21/2005 12:45:54 PM |
|
|
tina from NY says... |
|
|
I drove to boston with a bunch of friends to get a dress for one friend who was getting married in april, I wasnt getting married until october of the following year but I went for the adventure and fun. Boy was it fun!!!!!! We drove from NY at night to get to Boston in the wee, wee hours of the am to wait on line there were people waiting when we got there at 4 am, it was exhausting but so worth it my friend and I both got gorgeous dresses. We originally started with about 6 each and traded until we found "the one" Mine had a price tag of 4,600 and hers was more than 2500. Mine barely needed to be altered. I felt like I was in heaven just trying it on, I knew immediately it was made just for me.
Its amazing, the cost of the dress was only 250 my veil and headpiece cost more. My friend spent more on her shoes and alterations than on her dress. It was so much fun my friends and I laughed the whole time. Even if you dont get a dress, think about it as a girls day out and it will be worth it...
Wedding Date: 2000 |
|
|
Posted: 7/23/2004 |
|
|
susan from north bergen, nj says... |
|
|
i am actually really glad i went to this event...i found a dress, "pronovias" brand, normally over $2000 for only $249! of course, my friend and i did get to the event an hour later than the mad rush...it was purely by accident, too. we meant to get up early, catch the bus to the city (the new york bridal event) and wait in line before the store opened...but we got a late start, and got there about 9am. so it was pretty calm, empty, but still plenty of dresses left. i even got to try the dresses on in a fitting room, vs in the aisles (which i heard about, and was prepared for!). and thanks to my friend , who actually spotted the dress i eventually bought, and persuaded me to try it on (i didn't think it was my style...until i put it on!)...i found the perfect wedding dress for an amazing price! complete with a beautiful train! so that's my story. so i definitely recommend going a bit later...avoid the frenzy, but still get a good selection of dresses. good luck!
Wedding Date: august 21, 2004 |
|
|
Posted: 5/12/2004 |
|
|
Heather from Atlanta, GA says... |
|
|
This was my first sale and I had a good time. I decided it wasn't worth is to sleep outside and so I got there 10 minutes before the doors opened. Some advice...there is no point in running because all the dresses are cleared off the rack in about 2 or 3 minutes. A friend who had been there previously gave me good advice that worked. Find someone who got in really early and stand beside them, becaue they will have all the cute dresses. Generally, anything they don't want they will hand over to you. Yes some of the girls are mean, but most of them are nice. I actually met a girl there and we buddy up. She would wait for the girl to hand off the dresses she didn't want and I would keep checking the racks. I ended up finding her a beautiful Romona Kerveza dress retail $4000 for $700 size 6. It was pure silk and strapless. Moral of the story you don't have to sleep outside allnight to get a great dress!!!
Wedding Date: 09/04/2005 |
|
|
Posted: 4/1/2004 |
|
|
Mary Jo from Pittsburgh, PA says... |
|
|
I just went to the Filene's Basement Bridal Event in Pittsburgh, PA this morning. I was ninth in line and arrived around 5:15am. It wasn't what I expected. I was very disappointed. I was initially so excited and really looking forward to it, but actually the best part of the adventure was meeting the great women in the line. Running into the store as the doors opened was also pretty fun, but other than that, there was much to be desired. And it seemed like a lot of people were also disappointed. Several left early on without buying any dresses. The staff in general were not very friendly, and many of them just did not seem like they wanted to be working the event - not many smiles - they seemed scared as if they were going to be attacked by a gang of bridezillas!!!! One saleswoman was very rude and reprimanded me for hanging dresses on a rack where some purses were. I told them that I was just putting them there temporarily - but she could have approached me with a much more gentler and nicer tone. I understand that a lot of salespeople are really working hard that morning to make sure that the dresses that aren't wanted by shoppers are taken back to the racks, but it was as if she was barking at me and venting her frustrations out on me. It was completely unnecessary to reprimand me in a rude tone.
Onto the dresses... oh, the dresses. There were tons of size 10s and a good of bit of size 12s! And if you weren't a size 6 or 8 in regular clothes, then you were in trouble. A woman who was usually a size 6 in regular clothes had to try on size 10 gowns. Tons of women were asking around to see if anyone had picked up any strapless dresses. There were not many strapless or halter gowns. Lots of cap sleeves and tanks and lots of ball gowns. A lot of ivory and some goldish color. It was really difficult to find size 16 and up, and many women were frustrated!!!!! Several of the gowns have makeup marks and a few had several black marks on them, as if someone trampled on them with mud on their shoes. Some of the gowns were $499, but really didn't look worth it. I don't think that I would recommend this event. I actually ended up going to David's Bridal later that day, received impeccable service, and got a gorgeous gown! And I realize that you don't go to Filene's that day to receive impeccable service; however, a smile and a kind voice would have been nice. I don't want to sound as if I did not encounter any kind and helpful salespeople - there were some friendly salespeople that did help us at Filene's and appeared to be enjoying their work that day.
All in all, this bride-to-be is exhausted, won't be going shopping for a really long time, a bit disappointed, but elated that I finally found a bridal gown that I absolutely love; unfortunately, Filene's just didn't do it for me today.
Wedding Date: 6/19/04 |
|
|
Posted: 2/27/2004 |
|
|
shannan from johnstown pa says... |
|
|
when is the next filene's basement bridal sale?
Wedding Date: nov.13, 2004 |
|
|
Posted: 12/31/2003 |
|
|
RB from Atlanta GA says... |
|
|
I hated the Filene's Bridal Sale. I would only recommend this event to people who are willing to spend the night outside waiting, only to end up fighting over dresses you really can't even see. I arrived at 7:15, and all the dresses were stripped from the racks before I ever made it upstairs. It was impossible to tell what any of them looked like, as people were fanatically hoarding them. Since I didn't get a dress initially, I couldn't trade for one with any other girls--they would only give up a dress if you had one they could barter with. I was there for nearly two hours, and the only dress I was able to even touch was WAY too big, and would not have been worth buying for all the alterations it would need. The worst thing was witnessing people on what I really hope was their worst behavior. It was also frustrating to see the bridal gowns being completely mistreated--they were trampled on the floor, balled up and thrown to other people while trading, etc. I would never do this again, but if you're really brave here are three tips: Be there EARLY, grab any dress regardless of what it looks like so you can trade it, and WEAR SOMETHING THAT ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN SEE YOU IN. Because they will! I saw several girls in underwear (and less!), despite the male security guards, TV news reporters with cameras, etc. Please at least wear a bathing suit--there are NO fitting rooms, NO private places at all! Good luck!
Wedding Date: 04/04 |
|
|
Posted: 11/13/2003 |
|
|
Sarah Kober from Newbury, VT says... |
|
|
It was one of the most memorable experiences during my wedding planning! If you have a chance to go to a Filene's Sale... DO IT! I actually was amazed, I had no idea what would happen. I went while living in Boston with one friend and by the time we got inside~ The Racks were empty! Be patient, all dresses end up back on the racks after an hour or so.
Advice: Take a group of friends, get as many dresses as you can initially and go through the ones you don't want and give them to someone else that might want them. Also, wear a bathing suit, you won't feel weird changes in the store! I got my dress as well as 5 Jessica McClintock Bridesmaid dresses, everything was perfect...classic tank style dresses with a plunging v-neck line. I'd go again just for fun...if any of my friends needed me to! :)
Wedding Date: 06/28/03 |
|
|
Posted: 10/7/2003 |
|
|
D. Yeo from says... |
|
|
It will be fantastic if they can re-create the buying frenzy on the internet. |
|
|
Posted: 8/19/2003 |
|
|
KM from Boston MA says... |
|
|
I attended the Boston sale this year and the articals on any of the out-of-town sales give the impression that the sales are controlled chaos. The Boston sale is absolute mayhem- probably because the sales have been happenning here semi annually for 50 years and they are no secret.
People queue around the block by 8 am, and the racks are stripped of everything instantaneously. People horde like vikings, and in particular, mothers of the brides get MEAN. I went to help a friend (size 4-5) find a gown for her August 04 wedding, and at one point when I was roaming around like many other ladies asking to trade dresses in sizes 4-6 someone's mom actually stopped me and told me that I'd never fit in a size 6! I had to point out to her that I was helping a friend and that she should MHOB. How rude!
Also, if you have a pile of 20 gowns of all sizes and styles that your best friend is sitting on to hold for you, the least you could do is go through the pile and discard those that are not in your size range. That's a simple courtesy that would go a long way.
My advice: wear bright colors, be clear about what you are looking for so your helpers can spot for you, and be kind to others, you're all in the same boat.
Remember, the bad karma that you incur while shopping for the "perfect" gown might follow you for the duration of your marriage! Who needs that!?
Wedding Date: future |
|
|
Posted: 8/15/2003 |
|
|
Erin from Birmingham, AL says... |
|
|
My mom and I woke up very early that morning and drove from Birmingham to Atlanta for this sale and I am so glad we did. We didn't get there right as the doors opened and when we got there I was a little discouraged because all the gowns were off the racks. But I just stayed calm and tried on dresses as other brides were giving them up. It took us a couple of hours but we eventually found the perfect gown and it doesn't even need alterations. It was originally priced at $2500 but I got it for about $400. I was so excited that day and I still am!
Wedding Date: 09/18/2004 |
|
|
Posted: 8/12/2003 |
|
|
Lisa Chappelear (event perfect) from Atlanta, GA says... |
|
|
It was an amazing scene - I showed up at 7am to pass out bottled waters to the thirsty brides in an effort to generate some business for my event planning company. I made my way upstairs to the top floor entrance to watch the opening of the store at 8 - what a rush!! |
|
|
Posted: 8/12/2003 |
|
|
from says... |
|
|
In 1978 I went with my mother and sister to the Downtown Boston Fliene's basement. At the time we were living about 45 miles away so this was a big trip! We had no experience at this! After arriving mid morning we slowly made our way to the lower basement. There was a large crowd but not in the thousands. Dressed rather summery in bright orange pants and a very vivid striped shirt I tried on a couple of dresses, right in the aisle. By dress #4 I (we) made a choice.........for $39.95........the dress was beautiful, cream color with a train that went over the head. (The train was brought to a dress maker. she was able to piece the head opening together to make a head piece. SO for the $39.95 I had a dress and veil with a train.) We then went over to shoes, purchased those then to the upper basement and found a going away outfit.
The day was finished by going to lunch which cost more than my dress!!!
Over the next year I went back 2 more times with friends. One purchased hers for $19.00 and the other for $29.95. We are now ready to go back with daughters and future daughters-in law!
A piece of advice......... we had all gone to "Bridal Salons" and tried on different styles and colors.This was very helpful. |
|
|
Posted: 8/11/2003 |
|
|
JADE LESNIAK from ATLANTA, GEORGIA says... |
|
|
IT WAS CRAZY! THIS WAS MY FIRST ATTEMPT AT DRESS SHOPPING AND I DON'T THINK I COULD HAVE HAD ANY MORE FUN ANYWHERE ELSE!! I FOUND A DRESS REGULARLLY PRICED AT $1040.00 AND ONLY PAID $249.00!!! tHIS WAS DEFINATELY AN EVENT I'LL NEVER FORGET. aDVISE FOR FUTURE FILENE DRESS SHOPPERS: BRING AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN AND WHEN THE DOORS FIRST OPEN GRAB AS MANY DRESSES AS YOU CAN, NO MATTER THE STYLE OR SIZE!
Wedding Date: MAY 29, 2004 |
|
|
Posted: 7/18/2003 |
|
|
Kramer & Dunn Signature Events from Atlanta, Georgia says... |
|
|
What a wonderful site to see … eager brides-to-be lined up, awaiting the 8am early opening for the world-famous bridal event at Filene’s Basement– a first in Atlanta.
With the number of weddings in the Atlanta area escalating to over 34,000 a year, most of these Atlanta brides-to-be understand what it takes to have the elements they have dreamed of, all within the budgets they have been given. For the majority though, that means spending more than the $1,330.00 allotted to them from their wedding budget on their wedding gown and then having to rework their budget to accommodate their overture.
However, for the lucky ones who arrived at the Basement early and knew how to work the crowds, the advertised 1000 designer gowns were theirs for the buying … for a mere $249 to $499 … well under the amount most brides have budgeted. A deal most brides everywhere could only dream of!
|
|
|
Posted: 7/18/2003 |
|
|
Katie, Watermark Weddings from Atlanta, Georgia says... |
|
|
Dear Lei,
Wasn't the sale at Filene's crazy?! I was standing at the upstairs entrance. The first woman in line had been then since 4:30 PM on Wednesday afternoon!!! She just brought an air mattress and camped out for the night.
When the doors finally opened, I had to just stand back and stay out of the way. All of the women rushed in, crashing through the football-like banner that Q100 made, and started grabbing dresses off of the racks. Not a single dress was still hanging within 70 seconds. From that point some girls headed to the dressing rooms; others more experienced Filene shoppers came prepared wearing bathing suits or spandex shorts and proceeded to try on dresses in the middle of the store.
One bride I spoke with was lucky enough to find her dress with a single grab --- others had to resort to bartering with other girls. There were empty-handed women walking down the aisles chanting "A-Line, size 4" or "anything Vera." But the most amazing thing to me were the girls shopping for dresses who were not engaged --- some of them didn't even have boyfriends!!! But, I guess they knew the would get married eventually, and they knew when they'd found a bargain too good to pass up.
Sincerely,
Katie |
|
|
Posted: 7/18/2003 |
|
|
Carrie from Roswell, GA says... |
|
|
I thought this sale was so much fun. I got there early at about 6:30 and there were already tons of girls in line. It was fun talking with other brides and wondering what the sale would be like. I didn't see any arguments or fights or anything but there was a problem getting on the escalator. I had a little trouble finding gowns in my size at first but after a few trades I was able to try on several that were the right size. Unfortunately I had to leave to go to work before I found my dream gown but I saw a lot of girls at the checkout counter so they must have found theirs. I will definitely go to another one of their sales if they have one before I find a gown somewhere else.
Wedding Date: 05/15/2004 |
|
|
Posted: 7/17/2003 |
|
|
Please support our site by telling your vendors you found them on AtlantaBridal.com! Thanks!
