Filene's Basement Bridal Event - Towson

The dress was a great value.

Don't bother unless you are very flexible about your options.

Yes, girls, I'm one of those lucky brides who found her dream dress at the Filene's bridal gown event (the one at Mazza Gallerie in Washington, D.C.). I got it off the rack for $500, and it had a $3,000 price tag.

I wasn't quite sure how to rate any of the five categories given on this survey other than value. There was really no quality of service, flexibility, etc., to speak of -- as you probably know, all the brides just come rushing in and grab everything in site. It was really a madhouse in there. That episode of Friends is so, so tame compared to the reality.

So only do this if you have the stomach for it. Bring at least three friends. One of them should be the type who will actually hit people to get a dress for you. And all of them should have excellent taste and enough patience to watch you try on about 50 dresses in the space of two hours.

Another tip: It's all about bartering. You'll start out trying on horrendous dresses. But after a while, you'll start figuring out which girls have your body type and your taste, and then you'll be trading in a more targeted way. By the end, I was down to two dresses I really liked -- and then I saw my dream dress going by on another girl's arm. She didn't end up choosing it, so it was mine.

I did have to alter it down from a size 10 to a size 6, and it was a bit complicated because it had a lot of intricate beadwork. But if I had to do it over again, I'd still go with Filene's. How can you beat a designer dress for $500?

Bottom line....where else can you get a $3000 couture gown for $500? This is not your typical bridal gown experience. No fussing over you, no input from shop owners, no mega mirrors and stands...this is down and dirty bargain hunting, but in the end, you could end up with the deal of the century! I did, that is for sure. My dress was an Ilissa by Demetrios original made of silk chiffon and hand beaded. The tailoring was amazing. The gown speaks for itself. I was truly blessed that I found my perfect gown at an event like this. You should at least try going...just in case. Please note that this event is only held a few times a year at specific Filene's stores around the country. Check their website for the schedule.

Got a 1,000.00 dress for 250.00. I went a few hours after the mad rush. Very few people were there and there were plenty of gorgeous dresses left.

its so hard to rate.. I was very anxious and couldn't stand the rush to find the perfect wedding dress..but if that doesn't matter and you just want a bargain and a good dress thats fine.