Brides Against Breast Cancer

I attended the Brides Against Breast Cancer preview trunk show in Clearwater, FL, where I found my dress. It was a fun, low-stress event, and I didn't feel like I had to compete against other people just to get to the racks. They organize the racks by size, and there were about 10 racks full of dresses, from size 6-20 (bridal sizing). The majority of the dresses were between size 8-12, but I was impressed with what they offered in larger sizes. The dresses they had were at all points of the style spectrum: they had very traditional satin, all colors of taffeta, dresses with ornate beading, simple dresses with no bling, plenty of dresses with long trains, a few short dresses, modest dresses with sleeves, and lightweight, airy dresses, which is what I was looking for. I tried on 6 other dresses before I came upon the one I wanted, which I caught as it was going back out to the racks after being turned down by someone else. They are very quick restocking the racks, so you don't feel like there are dresses you haven't seen because someone else has them, and there is a 3 dress limit in the dressing room. Prices ranged from $99 (just a few) to a few thousand dollars, with most dresses in between $400-1200. All in all, I enjoyed myself, and the staff and volunteers were very helpful and cheerful. Additionally, they offer layaway, so you can put down a deposit of 20%, and then split the remainder up into 2 payments. I also heard a staff member say they actually have 4 trucks loaded with dresses, so each trunk show may have completely different stock. It might be worth going to more than one if they are close to your area.

GO to an event- get lucky!! I am so happy I happened to sign up and volunteer when BABC came to my town! I found my almost perfect dress. Strapless, plain and new! Tags still on, my total came to $275!! THen I had it altered to fit just right and it looked like I had spent a fortune. I'm so happy I didn't settle on a $2000 dress- and all of these proceeds go to a great charity. Go check it out before you make a pricey decision!

I feel so great about BABC. I wasn't sure what to expect, but they had so many dresses to choose from. I tried on at least a dozen gowns that all fit me perfectly. Midway through I put on "the one" and I didn't even need to try on more, but we were having so much fun! My dress looked brand new, and fit like a dream. I LOVEED MY DRESS. It was a used Watters Brides Gown style Medina, that has since been discontinued. There are no brides out there with my dress.
This place is so great, and easy to work with, you need to make an appointment, and they only take one bride at a time...so you and your crew are the only ones in there. When I said YES to hte dress, they served us champagne. Later I took my mother and mother inlaw to find there dresses, and they loved it too!!

I attended the DC show of Brides Against Breast Cancer in 2011 at the Hotel Dupont, and in my FIRST day searching for a wedding dress I found the perfect dress for me! They have every style you could imagine, so it's the perfect place to start your dress shopping. The event staff was professional, helpful, and enthusiastic! They helped find dresses in the right size, and knew just how to get me in and out of them (harder than you might think, if you've never tried). I was just lucky enough to find a dress that transformed me into a bride :)

The best part? My couture dress was originally $1750, and I got it for $699. And ALL of that $ went to grant wishes for men and women with stage 4 breast cancer. It felt great knowing that my purchase was helping someone else.

BEST IDEA EVER! Granted, I was lucky finding my dress on my first time out, but going through the experience with them was well worth the money I paid for the preview day. And what a great cause! My mom made it through breast cancer and what a wonderful way to help those who were in need like she was. We had appetizers, cupcakes, music and champagne a plenty before we were set loose on the dresses. The sheer volume and varying styles they had available was simply astounding. NO matter what dress I picked up they had all been discounted to under $700 (there were more expensive ones, just so happened not in the style I was looking for). I didn't have attendants fawning over me, looking for a commission - it was me and those who mattered to me. I did find helpful that they had a seamstress walking around to answer questions on how dresses could be adjusted. When I finally decided on a dress I was able to negotiate a lower price so at the end of the day I walked away with a $1750 dress for $350. Now that the wedding is over I plan on donating the dress back to the organization - one good turn deserves another!

I heard about Bride's Against Breast Cancer through my Co-Maid of Honor. It was especially meaningful to me to acquire my gown through them, if possible, since my other Maid of Honor had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. We attended one of their events in Boston (they travel over the year from city to city). The 3 of us went to a champagne brunch and then were allowed into a large room filled with bridal gowns that were donated from manufacturers. I did not expect to find the gown of my dreams. But, after frantically trying on at least 20 dresses in a crowded room with lots of other brides-to-be, I found the perfect Jasmine dress!
The mony that I paid for the dress was donated towards breast cancer research. The dress required the usual alterations and did need to be dry cleaned before wearing it. The whole experience was incredibly moving and I know that a lot of women out there have had personal experience with breast cancer affecting someone in their lives. If possible, I would highly recommend that they try to attend one of these events.

It was a great experience to get my dress for charity. All the profits go to breast cancer research, and they have some really cute, designer dresses.

A friend had bought her Wedding dress from this Charity and had highly recommended it. We went to the event that was held in Boston, MA and had a blast trying on dresses. The Staff was very patient and understanding & had given a lot of pointers on the dresses. I had tried on about 20 dresses before I found "the one". I would highly recommend checking them out!

I feel like a Scrooge writing a less-than-stellar review of a charitable project but, alas, I must. I paid a premium (about $100 for 4 people) for the VIP tickets. My wedding was about 10 weeks away, so we showed up right when the event was scheduled to start with the hope that we would maximize our chances of finding a good dress. However, we were not allowed in to begin looking at dresses for a full hour after the event was scheduled to start while the charity held us in a mandatory reception that was not noted on any of the promotional materials. This reception was really only a chance for the sponsoers to advertise to the brides to be. Normally the wait wouldn't have bothered me, but one of my friends had secured a babysitter for her young child and only had limited time to spend at the event. Overall, a very unprofessional set-up.

The dresses themselves were fine - a handful of Vera Wang, Rivini, and Amsale dresses, but mostly lower end designers. If you are looking for $1000 for $350, you will do quite well. If you are looking for a $5,000 for $2,000, it is less likely.

My final complaint about Brides Against Breast cancer is that I can't find any of their financial information available through the Better Business Bureau, Charity Navigator, or a similar site designed to report on whether charities are using the funds they take in for charitable purposes. I'm a little suspect because all of the stories of distributing money to individuals with cancer on the nonprofit's own website are over five years old. I'm hoping this is just an oversight.

This is the place to go for AMAZING wedding dresses. Your going to spend money on a dress anyways why not put that money towards a good cause. They have designer dresses at department store prices. I got amazing food, a great little fashion show, and the dress of my dreams all while helping out this great cause that effects everyone. This event puts smiles on everyone's face.

I LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS EVENT! This was a great way to buy your gown. The Brides Against Breast Cancer is a traveling "show" where you go to look at gowns that have been donated by designers or are second hand. As soon as I walked in a volunteer was ASSIGNED to me and stood by my side for 3 hours of trying on dresses. Once she knew what I like she would go around looking for things that I might like. She helped me get in and out of the dresses and would answer my questions honestly instead of just saying that everything looked good. This ended up being the first and last place I went dress shopping. Many of the dress shops I have been to (with friends that were getting married) were crowded and you didn't get much personal attention. This was FIRST CLASS SERVICE and for a GREAT CAUSE! I expected it to be crowded, but it wasn't at all. It was nice and calm and there were no more than 15 brides there at any given time! I ended up getting a GORGEOUS David's Bridal gown that was second hand. We paid $600 - off the rack it would've been at least $1,000.

It was for a great cause. The event was set up very nicely. (Woodbridge NJ event on 10/31/09) . There were tons of dresses to try on and veils to try with them. I loved the dress I got there, and it was a great price.

Brides Against Breast Cancer has a great selection of dresses in all sizes and price ranges. I strongly recommend going to a Brides Against Breast Cancer event over "The Running of the Brides" at Filene's Basement. The shopping experience is much more civil and the money you spend goes to breast cancer research. A win-win! You could go shopping by yourself, but I would suggest taking at least one other person with you to help scout out dresses and critique them. Shoppers can take 3 dresses to group dressing room at one time. The volunteers are very helpful and not at all pushy. The dresses are in great shape, even though some are pre-owned/worn. Highend, name brand dresses are available. I spent hours trying on dresses and finally walked away with a dress that suited my style exactly and cost a fraction (literally, 15%) of what I would have paid at a boutique for a similar dress.

What a wonderful cause. My daughter found a beautiful dress, and after a few alterations it fit perfect!

Pros: Beautiful dresses for a great cause and great price! I got my dress and veil here which were both so beautiful. Take your dress home that day.


Cons: Comes to your city for one weekend a year so mark your calendar!

This experience was just incredible. Ryan's mom and grandmother are both breast cancer survivors... as is my step-grandmother... and I can't think of a better tribute to them than to not just buy a dress here... but to find my DREAM DRESS here. I'll admit it... I cried. My mom cried. My friend got all teary eyed, too... It's so well run by scores of awesome volunteers (like Shawna!) and it's for a terrific cause. All proceeds go to breast cancer research. I can't wait to donate my dress back to them (after I spend a few more moments staring at it and reminiscing, of course...)