Oct 15, 2015

Gowns for Good Bridal Boutique Saturday & Sunday, October 17 & 18

Zaman International is hosting a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it bridal bonanza for Detroit area women seeking designer dresses at discount prices.

The humanitarian organization this weekend will hold a two-day sale of hundreds of brand new wedding dresses and special occasion gowns at its Hope for Humanity Center at 26091 Trowbridge in Inkster. The merchandise, which also includes a limited selection of veils and flower girl dresses, is worth more than $250,000 and will be offered at 30-50% below retail prices.

The gowns were a gift to Zaman from Zeinab Salami, who recently closed her Canton bridal boutique, Bridal Magic, because of a health condition. The sale, which is open to the general public, will be held Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while dresses last. Shoppers will be invited to view and try on dresses in groups of 30 on a first-come, first-served basis.

The sale, dubbed “Gowns For Good,” will feature nearly 130 bridal gowns and 120 special occasion gowns in sizes 6 through 24. Shoppers can get steals on dresses from premier designers such as Allure Bridals, David Tutera, Enzoani, Eddy K., Alfred Sung, Vonny Bridal, and Alfred Angelo, personally selected by Salami from the New York and Chicago bridal markets. All proceeds will be used to support Zaman’s programs, which provide marginalized women and children throughout Southeast Michigan with crisis and basic needs assistance, vocational training, and infant burial.

Salami, who will be on hand during the sale to offer fit and styling advice to shoppers, said Zaman was the obvious choice when deciding where to donate her surplus merchandise.

“I have a soft spot for kids, and I admire everything Zaman does for children in the region,” said Salami, specifically referencing Zaman’s annual distribution of back-to-school supplies and winter coats. “With Zaman, you can see exactly where your money is going. This is a great opportunity to get a really great dress and help a really great cause.”

Helping create Zaman’s temporary bridal boutique is Jenan Dakroub, owner of Dearborn event planning company Yasmeena’s Floral, who has staged Zaman’s annual fundraising events for the past 10 years. Dakroub is giving shoppers a genuine salon experience by transforming a large portion of the Hope for Humanity Center with hundreds of yards of chiffon draping, furniture, mirrors, chandeliers, columns and flowers. Dakroub will also be on hand during the sale to offer wedding planning and personal styling tips.

Najah Bazzy, Zaman’s founder and CEO, said Salami’s dresses and Dakroub’s set design have made possible an event that’s a wonderful fit with the organization’s mission.

“Women can buy a beautiful wedding dress from Zaman and know on their wedding day that they are helping other women and children,” Bazzy said. “It’s a lovely way to give back.”

For more information about the sale, please contact Monica Boomer, Zaman’s director of community engagement, at (810) 923-3151. Learn more about Zaman International at http://www.zamaninternational.org.