Three of my closest friends are getting married this year. I am playing the role of bridesmaid, bachelorette-planner, decor-advisor, and dress-shopper. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Although the girls have all found their dream wedding gowns with minimal stress (one from Brides of France, one from Amy Kuschel in San Francisco, and another from Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston, which, BTW, is opening at 50th and France in May), I know from past brides that finding THE dress is not always so easy. It probably has something to do with the wedding being the biggest day of one’s life, and the dress being the most expensive clothing purchase one will ever make. That can be especially daunting when you have Vera Wang taste on a David’s Bridal budget.
My advice is to hit Macy’s Bridal Sample Sale this Saturday. Couture bridal gowns and accessories will be 50-90 percent of the regular price, and bridesmaid dresses start at $50. The little hairs on my arm stick up when I think about getting my hands on a Reem Acra for $200. I’ve already had my wedding and my Angel Sanchez dress, but who doesn’t want another—just for fun?
I know what you’re thinking about this event: total chaos. Or that Friends episode where Monica practically tackles a Brideszilla to get her dress. But I say bring your mom (who will tackle the b-zilla for you), bring your girlfriends (who know what dresses will work for you), and get there before the store opens at 8:30 a.m. Here are a few other helpful tips from Lindsay Walsh, Macy’s public relations specialist:
- Arrive early. Normally the line begins to form by 8 a.m. When doors open at 8:30 a.m., attendees will be escorted to the 8th floor to wait in line until the event doors will open at 9 a.m.
- Brides are allowed to bring two people with them onto the selling floor.
- Brides are allowed to bring one person into the dressing room area with them. There will be a separate viewing area for the rest of their group.
- The dressing room area is communal–there are no individual rooms with doors. Wear a leotard or tank top and shorts under your clothes to make trying on easy, and embarrassment-free.
- There is a four wedding dresses maximum per bride allowed in the dressing room at one time, so choose wisely.
- All bridesmaids dresses will be priced at $49.97. And if you buy one you get one free!
Good luck!
Macy’s
700 Nicollet Mall (use the LaSalle Ave. entrance)
8th Floor
Minneapolis
612-375-2162
