According to recent surveys, 89% of brides decide on a budget before they start planning their wedding, and the bridal gown is often a big portion of that budget.
However, a few lucky military brides in Lenexa, KS and Corona Del Mar, CA were able to take that factor out of the equation, thanks to two bridal shops who provided dresses for free.
Anne Hafner and Madison Clay from Belle Vogue Bridal in Lenexa, KS. decided to create their “Gowns for Good” event to show support and appreciation for members of the armed forces and their families.
This past weekend, Belle Vogue gave away 150 brand new gowns to military brides. Special occasion gowns will also be offered at the low price of $25. Most of the bridal gowns being distributed are exclusive designer samples, worth up to $2,900.
“Every bride deserves to feel beautiful on her special day regardless of time constraints, budget, size of the ceremony, or any other planning obstacle that military brides may encounter,” Hafner, the store manager, told Fox 4 News. “This event ensures that our military brides will be a stunning vision when they walk down the aisle,”
A similar event was held last Thursday at The White Dress in Corona Del Mar. Owner Marlis Porter Fyke, herself the daughter of a Vietnam War pilot, is giving away over a dozen designer wetting dresses priced at over $3,500 each.
Dresses were available to the first 14 military brides to call in and make appointments. “People in the military have a lot of stuff going on in their world, and this is an opportunity for me to give back, Fyke told the Daily Pilot. She added that she hopes the timing of the event will help families dealing with the painful memories of the 9/11 terror attacks.
Thursday’s event was the store’s first military giveaway, but Fyke told the Daily Pilot she plans to hold another event in December.