Brides-to-be dash for dress discounts on bargain day
2/18/2011
Lauren Grace, center, is hugged by her aunt, Diane Wood, after selecting her wedding gown during the 'Running of the Brides."
A department store eagerly waved white in front of hundreds of amped-up brides-to-be Friday in a chaotic tradition known as the "Running of the Brides."
"It was crazy," said Lauren Grace of Woodbridge, N.J.
Organizers said dresses originally priced up to $10,000 were going for $249 to $699.
Ms. Grace was among the victors. "I got a bargain. It was $499, originally $3,000," she said. She said she and her shopping team had stayed overnight at a hotel. They arrived at the store at 4 a.m. and waited four hours before they were allowed to pounce on the deeply discounted dresses at the Filene's Basement/SYMS event.
Accompanied by her maid of honor, a friend, and an aunt, Ms. Grace tried on dresses over her shorts and tank top. "I was a little more modest than some people, to say the least," she said. "Some people were down to their undergarments," right there in the aisles.