Running of the brides sale heads to Pennsauken Goodwill

Bride-to-be Jennie Rothenberg tries on a wedding gown during Filene's Basement's annual sale, Aug. 4, 2006 in Washington, D.C.
Photo credit Mark Wilson/Getty Images
PENNSAUKEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Your odds of getting something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue all in one store are looking pretty good.

The Goodwill in Pennsauken opens its doors Saturday at 9 a.m. for its annual Bridal and All That Glitters Sale.

Think "Say Yes to the Dress," but more cut-throat: It's a running of the brides sale, and the deals are endless.

The sale features hundreds of new and gently used designer wedding gowns, ranging from $49 to no more than $299. Gently used dresses start at $49, and new ones begin at $99. 

And for the first time ever, the popular one-day sale will extend through Sunday.

The average cost of a wedding dress in the U.S. is $1,509, according to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, so this is a great opportunity to save some cash. 

Goodwill collects bridal gowns all year long in anticipation of the annual sale. It will also include bridesmaid, flower girl and special occasion dresses, plus shoes, jewelry and accessories.

For crowd control purposes, Goodwill is issuing "entry tickets" to brides on Saturday morning, but get there fast — brides in previous years started lining up as early as 6 a.m.

To ensure a positive experience — and prevent any bridezilla moments — follow Goodwill's advice:
  • Arrive early for the best selection of gowns, but for a less chaotic shopping experience, come after 12 p.m.
  • Wear a bodysuit, sports bra or swimsuit underneath your clothes to expedite the "trying on" process, as dressing rooms fill up fast and frequently.
  • Pack light for the day — leave your bulky purse at home.
  • Avoid wearing makeup, as even the subtlest shades can smear on white.
  • Most gowns — new or used — need alterations, so don't panic if you find your dream dress that needs some extra help.
  • If you say no to the dress, be considerate of others and put it back on the rack for another bride.