Wedding Dress Shopping for a Cause

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BABC wedding cincinnati

courtesy Brides Against Breast Cancer

For brides to be who want to save money and support a good cause, Brides Against Breast Cancer’s Nationwide Tour of Gowns is a boon from the wedding goddess.

Founded 16 years ago, the national organization has had a presence in the Cincinnati-Dayton area since 2012. The trunk shows offer designer dresses at up to 80% off retail, while sales proceeds are used to deliver free educational information and support services to families impacted by cancer. Local wedding planner Kathy Piech-Lukas of Your Dream Day is the City Coordinator for Cincinnati and Dayton, and has been involved with Brides Against Breast Cancer since it came to the area. “I lost my sister to breast cancer six months before my wedding,” recalls Piech-Lukas. “My family went through it.”

How it works
Gowns are donated to the organization by retailers and boutiques who want to clear last year’s designs out of their inventory and brides who want to donate their dresses to charity. Over 500 of those gowns travel around the country to trunk shows, where brides-to-be can shop racks of once-worn and brand new dresses ranging in price from $75-$1,800. The revenue generated from gown sales goes to Health Support Network, which offers free information, programs and services to cancer patients, caregivers and family members, while connecting them with others who are undergoing a similar experience.

How to help
Even if you’ve already said “I do,” you can help the cause by donating your wedding gown (which is easy as filling out a form and dropping it off at the event), volunteering at a show, or hosting your own personal fundraiser.

Whether you’re interested in donating or shopping, the trunk shows are a fun experience. Each time a lucky bride says yes to the dress, they get to ring a bell to the sounds of applause by the crowd. “Everybody is cheering and clapping,” laughs Piech-Lukas. “It’s always great to be part of that ‘a-ha’ princess moment.”


Brides Against Breast Cancer’s Nationwide Tour of Gowns will take place on Saturday April 11th from 11am-4pm at the Hyatt Regency downtown. Register at www.bridesabc.org

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