Brides Across America (BAA) is a non-profit committed to loving one another by gifting weddings and wedding gowns to our military & first responders.
Whether it's for love of country or love at the altar, our military and first repsonders deserve our very best. Since 2008, Brides Across America has played a role in making their dreams come true by giving a military or first responder bride a free wedding gown during an “Operation Wedding Gown Event”.
To date we have gifted over 24,000 wedding dresses and over 22 free weddings. Each year we host dozens of Operation Wedding Gown giveaway events at participating bridal salons nationwide. Events are held in July (around Independence Day) and November (around Veteran's Day).
BAA believes that one seed planted can grow many leaves. It is our duty as Americans to support each other and pay tribute to our troops.
Our purpose is to have bridal salons and wedding professionals bring awareness and support by expanding their philanthropy efforts by holding bridal gown giveaway events in their community.
We believe in changing lives and transformation. If we can change one life and make a difference, we have done what we set out to do.
By taking action today, you can unite with us in passing on the love and making a dream come true.
In 2008, Heidi Janson founded Brides Across America. She was inspired to do something special to express gratitude for the dedicated men and women of the United Sates Armed Forces. Brides Across America began its work with a small network of salons that donated time and resources to head up the inaugural program. In that first year fifty gowns were given away to military brides. In 2016, the organization expanded its mission to include first responders that put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis.
Brides Across America has garnered the attention of ABC's Nightly News, People Magazine, HGTV, Steve Harvey and The Doctors Show. However, the highest honor was received from The Joining Forces Community Challenge at the White House hosted by Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. The event recognized twenty organizations for their contributions to improving the lives of military families. Brides Across America continues to support wounded warriors, post-traumatic stress and employment for veterans.
BAA continues to dream big and inspires us to unite our country and spread more love around the world, one dress and one wedding at a time. Several new initiatives (launched in late 2017) will enable us to expand our mission by creating person- and couple-specific directed giving opportunities -- including gifted weddings, financial support for specific couples, and the ability to honor a loved one through directed giving.
