Cleveland wedding gown sale aids cancer support; 800 gowns to be on display at the Arcade

CLEVELAND - A chance to get a designer wedding gown at a deeply discounted price this weekend in Cleveland also aids a national organization in helping support those impacted by cancer.

The Brides Against Breast Cancer Tour of Gowns takes place at the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade , 420 Superior Avenue East, with a reception Saturday and the sale of gowns Sunday.

Sunday’s sale is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free. Those who register will receive a coupon for $5 parking at the 200 Public Square garage.

Saturday’s reception is open to the public, admission is $30 for two tickets and the gowns will be on display. The reception is 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Brides Against Breast Cancer takes donated wedding gowns and deeply discounts them.

“Brides Against Breast Cancer funds free programming for those impacted by cancer whether it be the cancer patient, caregiver or family member, we fund that free support,” said Ashley Ritter, senior show manager for the non-profit organization.

Gowns are donated from brides, while others are new, never worn gowns from boutiques and famous designers.

Standing beside a designer gown marked down to $1,200 from an original price of $2,913, Ritter gave a range of prices for the gowns.

“We have gowns ranging from $99 all the way up top $4,000,” she said.

At this weekend’s events, they will accept donations of gowns to be sold at other sales around the country.

Unlike some wedding gown sales, this one has no mad rush as the sale begins.

“It is not a crazy, hectic event, it is very relaxed and a ton of fun,” Ritter said.

Volunteers help gown shoppers with their wedding dresses and in the dressing rooms.

Two volunteers at Friday night’s unloading of the 800 gowns are brides-to-be themselves.

Engaged two weeks ago, Dena Tabor helped unload the “Big pink truck” of gowns. It gave her a chance to see the gowns in advance.

Joining her was Laura Weisensell, also engaged with a September wedding date. Weisensell also is searching for a gown but her chance to volunteer was very personal.

“My mother passed away from cancer and this is a good cause that I support,” Weisensell said.

Styles of the gowns are varied and sizes range from 0 to 30.