BOSTON, June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The semi-annual "Running of the Brides" takes place at Filene's Basement in Boston on Friday, June 15, 2007. Hundreds of brides-to-be and their helpers are expected to be at the original store in Downtown Crossing when the doors open at 8:00am.

The sale is wildly popular among brides because the savings are so great. Over twenty five hundred designer and famous-name wedding gowns will be priced at $249, $499 and $699. In bridal salons these dresses would cost between $900 and $9,000.

The gowns come from both American and European manufacturers and from bridal shops. "We promise our vendors that we won't reveal the labels, but I can say that these are well known names featured regularly on the pages of popular brides' magazines," said Anna Podore, the Basement's wedding gown buyer. The assortment represents both contemporary and traditional styles in a variety of fabrics. Sizes range from 4 to 24.

Filene's Basement's Bridal Gown Sale is often referred to as the "running of the brides," because it reminds people of the famous "running of the bulls" in Pamplona. Lines begin to form outside the store as early as 3:00am. When the doors open at 8:00am, the brides-to-be and their helpers run full speed towards the racks. In less than 60 seconds, the racks are stripped bare (store employees have to hold on to the fixtures so they don't topple). The women grab whatever gowns they can, haul them off to a corner, strip down to their underwear and start trying on dresses. Minutes later the trading begins. Every dress, no matter what size, style or color, gets bartered for another, as each bride tries to find the gown of her dreams at a cut-rate price.

Filene's Basement will open early for the sale at 8:00am and close at 8:00pm. Checks, credit cards and cash are accepted. For more information go to and click on "Bridal Event."

Upcoming Filene's Basement "Running of the Brides" Events June 15 Boston (Downtown Crossing store) July 13 Towson, MD July 27 Chicago, IL (State Street store) August 3 Washington, DC (Mazza Gallerie store) Contact: Patricia Boudrot 617-348-7273 or 617-680-3485 Pat.boudrot@filenesbasement.com

Source: Filene's Basement