Date: Fri 05-Mar-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

bachelor-brides-film-O'Donnell

Full Text:

BRIDES: CT Gowns That Made It Into Hollywood For A "Bachelor" Party

BY KAAREN VALENTA

One scene in the upcoming movie The Bachelor is one of pure pandemonium: the

actor Chris O'Donnell is being chased by hundreds of brides in their white

gowns and jogging shoes.

The movie won't be out until late this year but the action shot appeared in

the January 11 issue of People magazine. What the magazine doesn't mention is

the gowns in the climatic scene came from Connecticut, with several dozen of

them from Julie Allen Bridal in Newtown.

"We send our discontinued styles to a consignment shop in Glastonbury --

Brides To Be, operated by Phyllis Kelly," Melanie Mattegat at Julie Allen

Bridal explained. "They had ten of my dresses. Then they came and took 40

more. All the gowns for the movie came from Connecticut."

Becca Finkle, the manager of Brides To Be, said the consignment shop sent 650

dresses to Hollywood for the movie.

"The only requirement for the gowns that went to Hollywood for the movie were

that they had full skirts," she said.

The shop, located at 351 New London Turnpike, features discontinued styles

from stores all over the state as well as vintage dresses from the 1920s to

1980s, bridal gowns consigned by brides (some used, some never worn);

mother-of-the bride dresses and dresses for attendants.

Sizes available range from 2 to 48. Bridal gowns are priced from $300 to

$2,000 with most in the $400 to $500 range.

"This is a very relaxed shop, a lot of fun. We don't require appointments," Ms

Finkle said. Brides To Be is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from

10 to 5; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 to 8; closed Sunday. For more

information, call the store at 860/633-3639.