And this weekend, some two hundred wedding gowns -- along with dresses for Moms and bridesmaids -- will be sold at 60% to 75% off retail. The sale will benefit The Career Wardrobe -- a local non-profit that helps women transition into the workplace.
The bridal sale was organized by the Philadelphia/South Jersey Association of Bridal Consultants.
"We just thought it was a great idea since bridal consultants -- obviously, it's an industry primarily dominated by women -- so we were looking for an agency where we could be women helping women," explains Association co-president Sheila Corbett.
The sale dresses are bridal shop samples that were never worn in anyone's wedding.
"Sizes range anywhere from size eight to size 14 primarily, but we do have some plus sizes going up to sizes 20 and 22," Corbett says.
Among the choices: a $3000 Chantilly lace sheath, a $778 Maggie Sotaro dress with a corset back and gold sash and a $1550 Waters and Waters strapless gown embellished with crystal beads. All will be at least 60% off those prices.
"We have a big dressing room, lots of mirrors, and lots of attendants to help the girls trying on their dresses," Corbett says.
In addition to the discounted gowns, the event will feature a silent auction for a selection of gowns from designer Nicole Miller and a raffle for catered dinners, a wine-tasting, and overnight hotel stays.
The Career Wardrobe Bridal Event is Sunday, February 28, 2010, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at The Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees (3000 Main Street).
