The Running of the Brides at Filene's Basement is a Race for Wedding Dresses

What to Expect at This Annual Bridal Event

I've never been to the Burning Man Festival, nor seen the Running of the Bulls, but as of this morning, I have seen “The Running of the Brides” and lived to tell about it. 

It's true that I'm a bygone bride and still get my jollies from ogling over wedding gowns. But the Filene's Basement Annual Bridal Event is not a spectator sport. It has been in existence since 1947. Like any consumer-oriented tradition, the event has garnered a reputation for attracting an aggressive crowd. Thus, if you are like I was, hoping to help an engaged friend to find a deep-discount dress right from the rack, then your best bet is to arrive early.

The doors of Filene’s Basement won't open until 8am, but the true bridezillas are camped out by 6am. The queue forms and you can typically expect it to snake around the corner. Every last engaged-to-be-wed woman will be there, her bridesmaids and Mother of the Bride (MOBsters, indeed) in tow. 

The time will pass by quickly if the sun is shining and you’ve got a hot beverage in hand. You’ll glimpse all the twinkling engagement rings and you’ll ask, "When's yours? Oh, December? You've got some time then." You’ll be courted by assorted vendors who will work the line with pamphlets, brochures, cookies, and promises of free facials (!). 

Some of the strategists who read the tips (found at www.filenesbasement.com) beforehand, already know that you have to come equipped with proper signage. This displays the sizes of dresses you'll be searching for, Sizes 10-16, for example. You might carry your sign on a stick like a strike picketer, or if you're a professional, you'll wear it on the front and back of your hot pink custom-made T-shirt that says "Team Shannon: White, Strapless, Sizes 10-16." Also, New Year’s Eve tiaras and matching Sponge Bob pajama bottoms are all perfectly acceptable attire to encourage team spirit among your shopping cohorts.