The Bride's Project

The Bride's Project: Fighting Cancer, one dress at a time.

A while back (maybe a little longer then I'd like to admit) I came across The Bride's Project online and felt instantly intrigued!

This team of ladies take donated dresses (most of them BRAND NEW) and creates a comfortable, real atmosphere for brides to visit, try on, and hopefully find a gown that is right for them- and at a discounted price! The system is excellent... proceeds go towards helping children and adults with cancer through children's camps, cancer research, support organizations and fund-raising events.

I know it almost sounds too good to be true, but I visited the house where all these gowns are held and let me tell you - there is no shortage of selection! The organization is run by a lovely lady named Helen and her team of incredible volunteers, all who aim to give you a comfortable, friendly and helpful gown shopping experience complete with a bit of humour. I've heard so many dress shopping horror stories from passed brides - this seems like the perfect alternative, free of snobbery and "no-touching-the-dresses" rules.

The entire thing is quite fantastic, and there are a number of ways that you can become involved:

1. Shop for and purchase your dress from The Bride's Project!
You'll have a comfortable experience, get a GREAT deal (most gowns are listed at half of their retail price) AND you'll be helping the fight against cancer through your purchase.

2. Donate your dress, veil and/or accessories to the cause.
Yes, I know that some of us have the old "I want to save it for my daughter to wear" tradition in mind, but if you don't think she'll be interested then why not part with your gown for a good cause? Not only will your donation go towards the fight against cancer, but you'll also be helping another bride who might not otherwise be able to afford a dress like yours. Why not let someone else enjoy that beauty?

3. Volunteer!
Helen and her crew are always looking for help within the store, so if you have a few hours to spare or a talent that you'd be willing to share with them to help the cause, please contact them and see if you can join the crew!

4. Spread the word!
Tell your friends, bridesmaids, mothers, sisters and men about this great project. The more people who hear about what is happening the better, if you know women who's might be interested in donating their gown let them know that they can make a difference!

Of course, I snapped a few photos during my visit to share with you all... I'd just like to reiterate though, most of these dresses are BRAND NEW and have been donated by wedding boutiques. So if you're just starting your dress hunt, why not make an appointment to stop by The Bride's Project and see if there's a match for you!

Any dress that has been donated by a bride comes with a personal letter outlining the dress' story. Some gowns have been re-donated by ladies three times!

Rooms are organized by size so that you won't fall in love with a dress that is too teeny:

Tons of styles are on hand, including the latest dress trends:

Be sure to make an appointment for dress fittings!

There is no shortage of gowns available... even the bathtub in this stunning Victorian is home to a dress:

Thanks to Helen for letting me stop by and take a peek! Trust me ladies, this is a great place to be dress-hunting... be sure to contact the team here if you'd like to make an appointment.

For more information on The Bride's Project and their team, please check out their website at: www.thebridesproject.com The Bride's Project is located at 431 Broadview Ave. in Toronto, and now has a sister location in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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