How I Found My Perfect, Sustainable Wedding Dress Without Losing My Mind (and you can too!)

Our guest post today is authored by Leslie Hudson. Leslie is an event planner by day, food writer by night, and nature-lover every minute between.

My first and only experience at a big box wedding store did not go well. After the pushy sales associate tried to force me to buy a dress that could have fit two of me, I vowed to find an alternative. That’s why I was elated to discover the Breast Cancer Coalition of Delaware’s Bridal Sale last March.

During this one weekend sale, thousand of dresses donated by designers, manufacturers, boutiques, and former brides, from sizes 2 to 32, were sold starting at $99. Expecting to be bombarded by half-naked, deal-crazed, bridezillas, my bridal party, mother and I were delighted to be greeted by gift bags and friendly faces from volunteers. My shopping companions and I were able to fan out amongst rows of beautiful gowns throughout the hotel’s large banquet room, rather than being cramped in a tiny boutique is a sea of plastic dress bags. Not only did this incredible sale have dresses that were marked off by 25 to 75 percent, they featured local wedding vendors and discounted accessories like veils, skirts, and tiaras.

Lucky for Philadelphia Brides, The Brides Against Breast Cancer “Original Nationwide Tour of Gowns” comes to town this weekend. Shoppers can preview gowns tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and the sale will take place tomorrow from 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m. at Clarion Hotel Conference Center, 76 Industrial Highway, Essington, PA 19029. Tonight’s VIP event costs $25 for brides and $10 for guests and cost for tomorrow’s shopping spree is $5 a bride and free for guests.  Brides-to-be can register for the sale on the Brides Against Breast Cancer website. Veteran brides can help too! Learn more about volunteering and donations.

What’s the best part of this sale besides the friendly volunteers vs pushy employees, a relaxing shopping atmosphere, and designer dresses on deep discount? All of the proceeds for the sale go towards Brides Against Breast Cancer’s services that provide support, education, and hope to men and women affected by breast cancer.

You can find the perfect dress for your wedding day too!

Photo: MizFam  Photo. Video. Design.