A salute to military brides

A Blaine bridal shop owner organized a generous salute to the armed forces, including 100 free dresses.

By PAUL LEVY plevy@startribune.com

Last update: August 19, 2008 - 8:10 PM

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TO ENTER THE CONTEST

Monday is the essay deadline in the bridal-gown contest. Winners will be announced Sept. 14, during the "Military Extravaganza, An All-American Day" event at Angelique's Bridal Salon, 12341 Aberdeen St., Blaine. The event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. For contest information, go to www.angeliquesbridalsalon.com/promo.php.

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A Blaine shop owner isn't trying to give away the bride, but she is planning to give away 100 wedding dresses.

Jacquelyn Basney, owner of Angelique's Bridal Salon, has made an unusual wedding vow -- a vow to help military men and women about to get married. She has organized "Military Extravaganza, An All-American Day" that will salute 100 couples with military connections with free bridal gowns of various styles and sizes.

The gowns will be given -- first come, first choice -- to couples with one or both members in the military who write a brief essay telling why they should win a free bridal gown. There's more: Addie Lane Floral is donating a total of $1,000 toward wedding flowers, and Formal Affair Tuxedos will offer free tuxedo rentals for an entire wedding party.

With other local vendors offering a free buttercream cake valued up to $500, a $300 gift certificate for jewelry, 10 gift certificates for engagement portraits, a $125 gift certificate for an ice sculpture, Twins tickets, even tickets for car washes, it amounts to quite a wedding party.

"I wanted to do something really big, a way to say thanks to our troops," Basney said. "This, at least, is a start."

Unveiled fascination

Basney said she came up with the idea after talking to colleagues at a trade conference in New York. She was told of other extravaganzas aiding various causes, and remembered how one of her employees is engaged to a military man.

"I keep hearing and reading that there could be a big deployment [of troops] in October," Basney said. "I felt there was an urgency to do this now."

A longtime hairstylist, Basney worked next door to a bridal shop for years, never masking her fascination. One day, the owner surprised her, asking if she'd like to buy the shop.

"How about if I manage it instead?" she replied.

She was hooked, eventually buying the store. Now, after nearly 13 years, she said she was ready for "a big adventure."

Her gratitude to the troops might be equaled by her amazement about the generosity of other store owners. Seven other bridal-gown shop owners have vowed to contribute to the giveaway. The gowns are sample dresses that have been cleaned and, if necessary, restitched, she said.

Contest essays must be completed by Monday, and winners will be announced Sept. 14, the day of the event. Even the afternoon of this salute to the military will have a party feel, with free roast beef sandwiches, chips, coffee and punch served during the drawing.

Winners must be present at Angelique's that day and must have two valid military IDs. Contestants with one member serving in the military overseas need to provide dog tags, photo copies of a military ID and/or a copy of deployment papers.

Paul Levy • 612-673-4419