Here's How:
Before you leave home, make sure to gear up appropriately. This includes wearing comfortable clothing that will be easy to change in and out of, comfortable shoes (no heels or flip flops), and if possible, bring a couple of friends along to help you in your quest for the perfect wedding dress.
Arrive as early as possible to get in the front of the crowd. When the doors are opened (usually around 8:00 a.m.) there will be literally hundreds of other brides-to-be rushing into the store. If you don't want to tackle the madness, the bridal event lasts all day so you can come later in the morning or early afternoon and browse through the remaining stock. (And these won't be just pitiful leftovers- keep in mind that Filene's says only 1 in 3 or 1 in 4 women in line are actually there to purchase a dress. The rest come along as helpers).
Go with a plan. Have an idea of the kind of dress you prefer, from style to color. On the official Web site for Filene's Basement, they indicate that wedding dresses tend to run small, so don't be discouraged if that perfect find seems a tad too smug. With the hefty discounts, it might be worth buying the dress and having it altered yourself.
Grab a few dresses of interest and retreat to a corner to try on. Being able to get in-and-out of the dresses as quickly as possible is key, as you probably will not be so lucky as to find the perfect dress in just one try. Don't be shy about changing in front of strangers on the store's floor. Every other eager bride will be doing the same thing- that's why the store urges shoppers to wear a sports bra and shorts under their clothing.
Barter and don't be too proud to beg. While the other brides-to-be are essentially your enemy, they might be your next best friend if they are willing to trade a dress of your dreams for one in your clutches.
Don't despair if you don't find the dress of your dreams at the Filene's Basement Bridal Event. There are plenty of other places in metro Atlanta to shop for wedding dresses!