53 Wedding Dresses Given Away By Farmingdale's Princess Bridals

FARMINGDALE, NY — Princess Bridals celebrated its 53rd anniversary by giving away 53 dresses — more than $100K worth — to the future brides of Long Island, according to a news release. Princess Bridals, at 200 Fulton Street, has been a Farmingdale fixture for 24 years.

The shop has helped more than 15,000 brides find their dream wedding gown.

Owner Charles Prokop Jr. said his shop wanted to give back to the community for brides in need, meaning those who have suffered a financial hardship, lost parents, rebounded from an illness, etc. The business launched a contest on Veterans Day where entrants applied by telling their stories.

"These 53 wedding dresses represent not only our years of service to our brides but also symbolizes the thousands of heartfelt connections we’ve made with the brides who have chosen to entrust their special day to Princess Bridals," Prokop Jr. said.

The store received more than 100 applications, which made it "especially hard" to pick 53, Prokop Jr. said.

"Many contained love stories which were especially touching," he said.

The Contest ran through Dec. 20, and the winners were selected on Dec. 21. The contest winners
came in to select their gowns from racks of dresses the shop put out. On Jan. 18, the store brought them to Reid Castle on Manhattanville Campus in Purchase to celebrate. The shop also had 20
bridal venders, so it almost morphed into a "Mini Bridal Showcase," Prokop Jr. said.

"There were things they needed for their Wedding: limos, DJ’s photographers, etc. M & V Limos of Commack donated two party buses to bring everyone to the castle."