The average U.S. couple will spend more than $25,000 on their wedding – a price tag out of reach for the millions of Americans who are still feeling the recession’s impact and too out of this world for budget-minded brides.
Numbers of Goodwill® agencies have answered the call for affordable wedding wear and décor by hosting bridal-themed events and demonstrating ways to make wedding invitations, centerpieces and more from items that can be found at Goodwill.
At Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota, more than 500 new- and once-worn wedding dresses and other formal were up for grabs last month during the agency’s “Bridal Days” celebration. Hundreds of shoppers turned out to browse the dresses, which included designer gowns from Nicole Miller, Vera Wang, Watters Brides and Demetrios donated from area retailers throughout the year. Take a look at the offerings in the video below.
For the fifth year in a row, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England celebrated its annual Goodwill Bridal and Prom Showcase in April, which featured hundreds of new and gently used dresses ranging from $9.99 to $299. The event included prize drawings, the opportunity to meet with wedding professionals and model volunteers showcasing a variety of dresses.
“In these times when everyone is watching their wallet, it is important to offer alternatives for formal wear. Everyone is looking for ways to save money and spend less. There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress, when you can spend a fraction of that and look just as great,” emphasized Manchester, NH, Store Manager Marc Mouser.
Dresses and formalwear aren’t the only wedding-related finds to be had at Goodwill. Goodwill Industries Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa has proved to be a go-to destination for couples looking to give their celebrations a vintage feel. Items like suitcases, vintage beaded clutches, cake toppers, picture frames and more have all been snatched up by brides-to-be for their special days.
