brides across america?

evabee

So BAA has been mentioned to me by like 5 people in the last month. I googled it and I don't think I totally get what it is. Has anyone done this and how did it work? My FI wants me to wear a big white dress and I want it to be his dream wedding moment but it's definitely not my in my dream to spend boatloads on a dress.

I feel like this is something that should be saved for our servicewomen, not civilian SOs, but I'm not really sure. Opinions?

meltoine

I'd never heard of it before, but I googled it too and it sounds like a great programme. 

That said, I think if you can afford a dress, it's best to leave that opportunity open to someone who really needs it. My dress is gorgeous and it was $300 (PIB). I would look around first and if you can't find something you love in your price range, go for it!

And, FWIW, it looks like to programme is geared more towards civilian SOs than military women from what I read, but I'm sure they accept female servicemembers as well. I don't think you have to worry about not qualifying because you're a civilian SO. 

Future.Mrs.Carter

If you aren't keen on the dress you could win then I'd say don't enter. Someone else my have their heart set on it.
Also there are many other second hand dress sources. Look for trunk shows in your area and do a google search for second hand wedding dresses. After all these women only wore it once. Recycle!!!

justcherokee67

The way I read there rules is that the dresses they have are discontinued styles that are left over by choice salons. These are the dresses you would pick from depending on where you live. Service women are also welcomed to participate in this if you decide. Its nice if you want a nice dress but are on a budget. I really dont want to spend alot on my dress. As I was trying on gowns I noticed that they all fit your shape differently..so style is also a factor. So my suggestion is try on as many as you can and go back as often as you can until you find the perfect one. Never settle for something you didnt want but something that you really adored. Good luck on your wedding...Best wishes!

malanis

I actually got my dress from BAA.  It's an amazing program. My df was deployed at the time and we decided that it's definitely something we wanted  to participate in. Just be careful about the dress you choose. Mine is a GORGEOUS Henry Roth that has been discontinued, but is in new condition, and I really saw myself walking down the aisle in it. I was told that there would be no problem altering it to my size, but because the beading is so intricate, it's not possible to alter the bodice down several sizes. I am a size 2, the dress is a size 8. So I had to go out and buy another.

There are rules...you can only choose 5 dresses to try on and you have to choose all 5 at the same time. You can't try one on, go and look, and then decide you don't like the style. There are many different choices in styles, but I noticed at the BAA that I went to, there were very few in the small sizes and very few in the larger sizes. Most were in the middle size 8-12 range. 

christy henderson

Yes! I got my wedding dress FREE through this program. My AF reserve unit made an announcement that for Veterans Day, certain bridal shops across the country were donating dresses to military brides. I live in Atlanta and do my Reserve duty in Montgomery...the closest bridal shop that was participating was in New Orleans. Originally, I was not going to follow up until I heard (on Veterans Day, as I was pulling into work) that a military friend went to NO and got a $4000 dress FREE! I almost cried...I called the shop and asked if they would consider extending the offer one more day and I would be on their doorstep in the morning. They agreed so I flew to NO the next morning (I work for an airline so I fly free--FREE--are we seeing a theme here???). They had set aside the dresses I could choose from, which was about 20 since I was a day late and they had already given away many of their dresses, and I got busy! The dresses were a year or two old and they were donating them in order to make room for new styles. But I loved every one of them!!! The choice was difficult but after several hours I walked out with a beautiful Tara Keely dress that was basically what I had envisioned and wanted all along. The best part???? All I had to do was give them a photo copy of my military ID...that's it! No gimmicks, no questions asked, I did not have to produce orders..nothing. Just my I.D. and I walked out of there with my dress! 

This store (Town and Country Bridal in New Orleans, La.) said they have been doing this for the past few years. I think of this as a real gift and I know how fortunate I am to have had this opportunity. If I can help anyone or answer any questions about this program, please feel free to contact me. I just hope no one will abuse this wonderful show of appreciation for our men and women in uniform as it could ruin it for others! 

Good luck, Military Brides and God Bless America!!