Running of the Brides at Filene’s Basement in Union Square is this Friday, February 5th — and we know it’s going to be NUTS! The key to getting the right gown: preparation. Here’s the top ten tips we’ve compiled to successfully run with Filene’s brides:

From NY Daily News

10). Buy a size bigger

You may think you’re a size four, and we know you’ll starve yourself right up until the wedding… but if you can’t get just the right size, you’re best buying up. All our tailors agree – it’s easier to take a gown out than to add more in!

9). Think about the season you’re planning your wedding for

If you’re planning a tropical wedding, it goes without saying that less gown is more comfortable. On the other hand, brides planning to get married in the fall or winter may appreciate a little extra coverage. You’ll be in the dress all day – make sure you’re comfortable.

8). Consider your comfort when choosing a gown

You’ll wear your gown all day… through the ceremony and dancing as well. Make sure it’s comfortable! We’ll never forget the bride who comes in to preserve a gown two week after the wedding with marks still in her shoulders from her 50lb gown!

7). Planning a destination wedding?

Transporting a gown onboard an airline is major hassle than often ends in wrinkles. Fortunately, we have the solution – specialized travel kits that can comfortably fit in an overhead luggage compartment (and of course we’ll pack it to ensure proper pressing).

6). Don’t be afraid to try on a gown that’s not exactly what you had in mind.

At the Running of the Brides pricing, it very well may be worth your while to have us tweak a dress that’s close to, but not exactly, the gown of your dreams. And with the frenzy of brides out there… those who dawdle may end up empty-handed.

5). If you’re the indecisive type, and can’t decide between more than one dress…

Don’t worry about taking two home. Many brides don’t settle on just one gown during the bridal event, and later consign a second gown, or sell it on eBay (often at a profit!)

4). You like the bodice on one dress… and the skirt from another…

Buy them both! Not only can our seamstresses alter single gowns, but our unique reconstructive surgery can easily merge two gowns.

3). Know your dirt.

Some of the gowns at Running of the Brides have blemishes which may or may not clean completely. On almost all kinds of fabric we can remove surface, or ‘pickup’ dirt. Fabric abrasions, on the other hand, are more difficult to clear up, especially in silk.

2). If a gown has one particular imperfection

Don’t fret! Even if we can’t repair worn fabric, we may be able to help. Some old tailoring tricks include cover-up through ornamentation such as beading or lace, or shifting a fabric panel to move the blemish behind the seam.

1). If you’re mostly happy with a gown, but find it a bit dull

Let us add a little pizzazz! We work closely with M&J Trimming, who will be on hand to supply beads, lace and embellishment. It’s easy to add tasteful accents while preserving the lines envisioned by your gown’s designer.