The “running of the brides” tradition over Valentine’s weekend in South Jersey will continue on Saturday, Feb. 13 at Goodwill’s Pennsauken Store, located at 5461 Route 70. The nonprofit agency’s eighth annual Valentine’s Bridal Sale Extravaganza begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 9:00 p.m. This popular annual fundraiser will feature over 350 brand new deeply discounted designer wedding gowns plus scores of accessories, shoes and other bridal attire. Proceeds fund job training programs that help local residents with disabilities and disadvantages get to work.

The sale gives brides access to a special Bridal Room stocked with brand new gowns valued at $199-$2,500 from designers such as Alfred Angelo, Justin Alexander and Mia Solano. Gently-used gowns will also be sold. Gowns are priced from $49-$299. Brides can chose from a wide selection of sizes and styles. The sale will also include shoes, veils, tiaras, jewelry and other bridal accessories.

For crowd control purposes, Goodwill will issue “entry tickets” to brides as they arrive. This will ensure a pleasant shopping experience in Goodwill’s Bridal Room. In past years, brides have lined up for entry tickets by 5:00 a.m. in hopes of finding that dream gown on a budget! Entry tickets also make each bridal eligible for a prize drawing at the top of every hour between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

“We spend all year getting ready for this annual event so that we can bring immense happiness and savings to area brides,” said Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ & Philadelphia Chief Operating Officer Michael Shaw. “We are incredibly thankful to the area bridal boutiques that generously donate gowns to us and support our mission. All monies raised from this sale fund job training programs that help local residents with disabilities and disadvantages get to work.”

Goodwill offers these tips to brides who plan to come to the sale:

• Arrive early for the best selection of gowns but for a less chaotic shopping experience, come after 12:00 p.m.
• Wear a bodysuit, sports bra or swimsuit underneath clothes to expedite the “trying on” process. Dressing rooms are available but this sale typically draws a crowd!
• Bring a friend or loved one to provide you with that ever important second opinion. Prior to the sale, show them photos from magazines of gowns you like so that they can help you pick from the racks.
• Pack light for the day: use a small clutch versus a bulky purse. Gowns are heavy and bulky!
• Avoid wearing make-up. Every bit shows on white.
• Most gowns—new or used—need alterations. Letting a hem out or sides taken in can be easily done by an experienced seamstress.
• Be considerate. A gown not right for you might be on the top of someone else’s list. If you don’t want a gown, give it to a Goodwill employee or place it back on the proper rack.
• Like Goodwill on Facebook (facebook.com/GoodwillNJ) for a special sneak preview of gowns to be sold.

With the average wedding in the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area costing nearly $37,000, Goodwill’s annual Valentine’s Bridal Sale Extravaganza provides local brides and their families and friends with an avenue for saving valuable dollars while simultaneously supporting a local charity.

Goodwill’s Pennsauken Store & Donation Center is open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Donations are accepted at the side of the building. Cash and credit cards are accepted as payment. Coupons are not accepted on bridal attire. All sales are final. The “snow date” for this event is Friday, Feb. 19.

Founded in 1948, Goodwill Industries^® of Southern New Jersey is a community-based, nonprofit organization. Its mission is to put people with special needs to work. Goodwill offers a variety of career services and employment training programs that help prepare local residents with disabilities and disadvantages for success in the competitive workforce. Through the mass collection and resale of gently-used donated items, Goodwill’s 20 plus retail stores generate the revenue necessary to fund these worthwhile programs while contributing to America’s recycling efforts. For more information on Goodwill, please call 856/439-0200 or visit www.goodwillnj.org.