Maryland-Based Nonprofit Makes Designer Wedding Gowns More Accessible to More Brides

You might think that fairytales are only possible in the movies or in children’s literature; but six years ago, fairytales started to become a reality for brides who may have doubted that they’d ever have access to high-end, designer wedding gowns (without help from a magic wand or magic mice who know how to sew, of course!).  Rockville-based Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring was born almost six years ago as a 501(c) 3 non-profit boutique.

Offering brides the opportunity to purchase designer wedding gowns at a substantially-discounted price, compared to retail, Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring creates a unique buying experience that not only offers beautiful, designer gowns in a warm and inviting boutique-style atmosphere, but also a commitment to a “full circle of giving” philosophy that builds on the momentum of generosity.

Here’s how it works:

• Dresses are donated to Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring, who, in turn, offers the dresses to brides at prices that are well below retail. This is a huge benefit to brides and their families as they work to manage their wedding budget.
• Next, Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring takes a portion of the proceeds from dress sales and donates to charities such Suited For Change and Cystic Fibrosis Research.
• In addition, Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring goes further to give back to their local community, providing for a Montgomery College scholarship that’s designed to help empower young women, to be awarded to a Rockville High School student.
• Over the last four years, they’ve been able to do even more by providing free bridal gowns to military brides and first responders from local military bases and rescue-centered organizations.

Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring is managed by a host of volunteers who are not only contributing to the mission of the organization, but also receiving valuable learning opportunities as they work to manage sales, marketing, event coordination, and customer service.

This approach to wedding dress sales is exceptionally unique.  In fact, Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring is the only non-profit Bridal Boutique in the area – and the selection?  Let’s just say that they’ve been known to receive donations of dresses from the very same bridal salons that have been featured on the TLC television network.

Now THAT’S how you can feel great about saying “yes to the dress”!

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