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The Running of the Brides at Filene’s Basement attracts hundreds of brides from all across the world who are looking to snag their dream dress at a bargain basement price. Brides will find gowns made by top designers, which normally retail at $900 - $12,000, for under $700. With such great deals you can imagine the running of the brides gets a little crazy. The second the doors open, brides and their teams snatch gowns off the racks. Within 60 seconds there will not be a gown left on the rack.  Here are our tips to help you get through all the madness and find your dream dress at the Running of the Brides.

Get there early but don’t lose sleep over it.

The Running of the Brides starts at 8am but if you want to be one of the first ones through the doors, you'll need to get there a lot earlier than that. Many brides camp over night with their friends and family so they can have first dibs on the unbelievable bargain inside. Last year’s first bride flew in from Chicago and had been in line since 9pm the night before. Most brides who had pretty good spots in line arrived between 12am – 4am. If you're not an early bird or a fan of the crazy first rush, don't worry, there will still be plenty of gowns left later on in the day. During the initial rush all the gowns are snatched off the racks.  But at about 11am, brides begin to filter through the gowns they don’t want and return them to the racks.

If you plan on camping out you should plan to bring lawn chairs, sleeping bags, entertainment, and have someone who can pickup food and coffee!

Team Spirit!

Just like any superstar, the superstar brides have a great team behind them. You should plan on bringing a team of friends and family to help you find your dream dress. Your team will help by gathering as many gowns as they can so you’ll have a good selection of gowns to try on and trade. That’s right, trade. Once all the gowns are off the rack helpers roam the floor to trade sizes, colors and designers with the other teams.  So don’t worry about the size when snatching gowns off the rack, if it doesn’t fit you can always trade it with another bride that has your size.

Your team should have:

• Matching outfits, t-shirts, hats etc. to help you identify each other through the crowds
• Signs
• A set game plan
• Mirrors
• Pins or Clamps to pin-up your gown

Find the Experts

Even the perfect dress needs a little bit of work done to it. Dependable Cleaners team of tailors and seamstresses have been the experts onsite at Boston's Running of the Brides for many years. We help brides make a well informed decision on the dresses they choose. Speak with one of our Wedding Gown Experts, they can let you know if a dress can be taken in or let out, or if a gown can be altered in any way. We will also be on-site with 8' by 3' mirrors for brides to view themselves in their gowns, as well as clamps to pinup your gown so you can see how your gown will look once it is fitted and altered.

Most gowns will need to be cleaned and pressed before your wedding day; Dependable Cleaners offers a special cleaning and pressing discount for brides that attend the Running of the Brides.

A bad fit makes a good trade

Don’t worry about the size or style of the dress during your initial rush. Just grab as many gowns as you can because the more gowns you grab, the better your chances of finding your dream dress. Also you have more gowns to trade with other brides who may have your perfect dress.

If you do find a gown that’s not quite your size that you think might be the one, you may be able to have it altered and fitted. It’s easier to take a gown in than to let it out, but a general rule of thumb is 2-3 sizes above or 1-2 sizes below should work well for alterations. Alterations depend on a few factors so be sure to see Dependable Cleaners’ Expert Tailors and Wedding Gown Specialists who will be on-site to answer all of your alteration and cleaning questions. 

What’s Your Sign?

Your signs are going to be a big part of finding your dream dress. Make signs for your helpers to hold up that describe the gown you are looking for. This will attract other brides who may have your dream dress and are looking to trade. Be sure your signs have pictures and descriptions of the sizes and styles you are looking for.

Prep your team

You and your team are going to need to be on the same page in order for them to help you find your dream dress. Be sure to show your team pictures and descriptions of the styles, colors, and dress types you are looking for. Use magazines and bridal shops to show them the actual look you want. Make sure everyone knows your size and the maximum or minimum size you can purchase and have altered to fit you properly. Give your team members specific rolls so you can maximize their effectiveness.

Possible Rolls

• Runners: These are going to be the people who will burst through the door and grab as many gowns as they can. Usually your whole team will help you with this. As you can imagine, it’s best to have a few fast athletic people on your team. A good strategy for this is to have each person assigned to a different section or row. (i.e. three helpers go to the racks on the left, two go to the racks on the right, and two go down the middle.)
• Fitting room: there are a limited number of fitting rooms so if getting a fitting room is important to you, you’ll need someone who will burst through the door and secure your fitting room before anyone else gets to it.
• Traders: After you gather all your gowns, you will need helpers to roam around holding up your signs and trying to trade dresses with other teams. Don’t pick the shy little cousin for this job, its best to have someone who is a little more outgoing with good negotiation skills.
• Advisers: Be sure there are a few people on your team with good taste whose opinion you trust.  You will be trying on dresses and you’ll want a good second opinion.
• Experts: Dependable Cleaners is on your team, be sure your helpers knows where our Wedding Gown Specialists are located. You will need someone who can give you expert advice on alterations, cleaning, and any other care your gown may need. Just stop by the Dependable Cleaners table, we're here to help you.

Dressing for the Dress

There will be hundreds of brides from all over looking to find their dream dress for a dream price, however there will only be a small number of fitting rooms. That means you are most likely going to have to change into your gown out in the open or wait hours for a fitting room to open up. Try to wear a swim suit, sports bra, or a body shaper like spanx under your clothes so you can change in and out of gowns anywhere. Try not to wear makeup; you won’t want it showing up on your dress.

Accidents Happen

Let’s say you found your dream dress, however, some less graceful bride spilled coffee all over the hem. It happens, but the dream dress may still be salvageable. Just walk your gown over to our Wedding Gowns Specialists and get a quick consultation. Our Experts can let you know if a stain can come out or if a rip or snag can be repaired. We also offer a discount on cleaning for brides who purchase their gown at the Running of the Brides.

You now know what you need to find your dream dress at the Running of the Brides. Happy hunting, and remember Dependable Cleaners is here to help your trip to the Running of the Brides be a success.