Goodwill's Wedding Gala scheduled for June, hundreds of new dresses starting at $100
Here's the most important save-the-date for all you summer brides out there.
Goodwill’s Wedding Gala, a major annual wedding gown sale, is scheduled for June 9 in Brandon and June 16 in Spring Hill. The two Goodwill stores will offer more than 400 brand new wedding gowns in sizes from 2 to 26 with prices starting at $100. We're not talking poof sleeves and bad appliques. We're talking fresh off the design line. Proceeds benefit Goodwill's programs for people with disabilities.
The stock of dresses will be split between the two stores, about 200 gowns at each event. Brands include Priscilla of Boston, House of Wu and Melissa Sweet. These dresses were donated by Athena’s Bridal, CC’s Boutique, Diana’s Bridal, Olga’s Bridal Boutique and Priscilla of Boston. Some of the original price tags go up to $4,350, people. You heard right. Check out a preview of some of the 2012 gowns right here.
We should warn you, the blushing brides are friendly and orderly, but they tend to camp out and line up for this event. Make sure not to lollygag if you want to get a good spot in line. Goodwill suggests campers bring lawn chairs so your bridal bums are comfy. Once you get inside, there will be drinks and snacks donated by Publix, music, dressing room areas, full-length mirrors and pedestals. Some of our friends from the Times went to the sale a few years back. You can read about their experience here.
Bonus Deal Diva advice? Wear your wedding shoes if you have them (or pick up a pair at the sale!), plus the proper undergarments and something you can slip in and out of easily. You don't want to be unbolting your favorite boned corset and leather pants while some chick in a sundress is beating you to your dream gown. Just saying.
Doors open at 6 a.m. June 9 at the Goodwill Superstore at 1106 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, and at 6 a.m. June 16 at the Goodwill Superstore at 4750 Commercial Way in Spring Hill. If you don't find something at the first sale, you can always try the second.
Let us know if you score!
Deal Diva Stephanie
Photo: That's Rachel Condon of Tarpon Springs, who was first in line for the 2010 sale. Hope she found her dream dress! Photo by Douglas R. Clifford, Times.
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Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at 850) 224-7263 or 
Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or 
A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or 
From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or 
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