Now until November 13th select bridal shops across the country will be giving away bridal gowns to qualifying ladies thanks to Brides Across America.

Brides Across America was founded to help support our troops and their families. Many in the bridal industry understand that military couples don't often have the time and money to have a traditional wedding. These individuals want to help military brides get the dress that they want without having to worry about financial stress. Trust me ladies, you'll have enough things to stress about with being married to the military!

Each store will have a select number of gowns to give away. Most of the donated gowns are samples and overstock with a variety of different prices points. The gowns are from well name designers such as Demetrios, Augusta Jones, Watters and Watters, Amsale and Kenneth Pool.

To qualify you must be engaged or had a civil ceremony and planning a formal wedding within the next 18 months.  The bride must have been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan or Qatar within the last 5 years and finally will have the wedding of her dreams. Or your fiancée must have been deployed within the last 5 years to Iraq, Afghanistan or Qatar. Or you or your hubby have orders stating you will be deploying soon. You MUST bring your drivers license or military ID.  Also, you MUST bring a copy of orders for you or your fiancée which states time and location of deployment.

Remember each salon has a limited selection of gown.  Gowns are given away on a first come, first serve basis. Once the limit has been reach, the salon will put you on a wait list for an upcoming event. There are different times and dates through out the country.  Make sure you check back to see when a salon near you is giving gowns away.

While looking for my dream gown, I was able to visit a few locations in New England that were giving away gowns.  I ended up falling in love with a gown that wasn't free but the salon gave me a "military wife to be" discount. I also ended up making friends with other military brides while on my hunt. Good luck on your hunt for your gown! I'd love to hear if anyone found a gown through this program.