Free wedding gowns for military brides

TAMPA - Free wedding gowns? It's an amazing offer. But only if you're a bride To be and either active military or marrying an active military member currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

The event is this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It is at the Rusty Pelican Restaurant on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. The event, called Operation Bridal Gown, is a first in Tampa.  It is being put on by Operation Homefront, a non-profit group that supports the military.

Brides to be must have proof of military status or deployment papers.

Two hundred dresses from Alfred Angelo Bridal are being donated. The dresses are first come, first served.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Carrie Simonds said it's an amazing opportunity.

"For companies just to come out and offer this, it means a lot. It makes me feel, what we are doing, there are people that appreciate it out there, " she said.

Bridal consultants at Alfred Angelo will be on hand to help fit the brides.  They said the dresses come in all styles and many colors.

Katherine Caro, explained, "every taste, available. everything from the very traditional to the very modern, to the casual to the couture. We have destination gowns, from destination to divinity. Short, long, long train, short trains, a sweep of a train."

Caro said their store, on North Dale Mabry and I-275 in the Target shopping center, always has military brides come in.  They are thrilled to be helping.

The Rusty Pelican Restaurant is at 2425 N. Rocky Point Drive.

Brides to be must register at the event for the dress of their choice. If the dress is not in their size, Operation Homefront will see if it is available in storage.