‘Running of the Brides’ requires patience, timing

The annual “Running of the Brides” dress sale began Friday at 8 a.m. at Filene’s Basement, but soon-to-be brides were already lining up Thursday afternoon outside the Atlanta store.

Some tips on finding the perfect wedding dress, from Filene’s Basement manager Debbie Brown:

• Be patient. People pour through the doors when the store opens and it takes about 30 minutes for the racks to be picked clean. Within an hour, though, most of the dresses are placed back on the racks after brides have sorted through and rejected them.

• If you want to avoid the crowds, come around 10 a.m. or later. Things will have calmed down somewhat, and there will still be dresses to choose from.

• Wear something you don’t mind being filmed in. There will be photographers and cameramen from various media outlets in the store.

• If you have helpers, wear matching shirts so you can spot each other easily. Some groups also wear matching hats, since the racks are quite high and it can be difficult to see over.

Other useful information:

• There are a total of 2,200 dresses for sale.

• Dresses are at three price points: $249, $499 and $699.

• Sizes range from 4 to 24.

• The dresses are hung on 60 racks without regard to size, price or designer. The wedding gowns are grouped together on one side of the first floor.

• The store closes at 9 p.m. Friday.

— Andria Simmons