For some women this holiday season, the ideal gift is not electronic -- or even diamond.

It is the stuff of Cinderella's dreams: a wedding gown.

Weddings are notoriously expensive; so are the gowns. For women dreaming of getting married with a traditional ceremony but who need help making ends meet, Babette's Inc., a formal wear store on 384 Carol Ave., Bridgeville, is offering a chance for a free gown. There will be 60 lucky women.

For three days next week, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Babette's will give away 20 wedding gowns each day to the first 20 women arriving at the store that day. Because this opportunity is meant to help those most in need, to quality, women must be receiving welfare benefits. Women are required to present their electronic benefits transfer, or EBT, card, issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, and photo identification.

The 60 lucky brides-to-be (20 each day) can select any gown from the store's inventory. Dresses on the racks there can cost up to $2,500 retail.

"People are stretched financially thin this time of year," said store manager, Elizabeth Kubicek. "This opportunity makes a difference in many people's lives."

The store also offered 60 free gowns last year, and because the three-day event was so successful, the manager plans to make the gown giveaway an annual tradition.

The store opens at 10 a.m. Last year women were lined up around the block, as early as 8 a.m., Ms. Kubicek recalled.

"The look on their faces when they found the perfect gown was priceless," Ms. Kubicek said. "I see this event as an opportunity to give back to the community."

The store has already selected one lucky bride-to-be. Jessica Fletcher, 28, of East Pittsburgh, who is not on welfare, but has some financial hardships, had entered an earlier drawing for a free gown at the store.

"She seemed very disappointed when she didn't win, and said she really needed the gown, so I told her she could be the first bride to select a dress this December."

"I'm not a picky person," Ms. Fletcher said, "but having a ceremony with the right dress is very important to me."

Ms. Fletcher and Lester Ashby, also of East Liberty, met at the town post office about five years ago. The couple has been engaged since 2004, but has put off scheduling a wedding in part due to the expense. Ms. Fletcher said that the costs of renting a hall and providing food and flowers were higher than she expected.

"I was very surprised at the cost of a wedding," she said. "Receiving a free dress will really help." A friend has also agreed to provide DJ services at a reduced fee for her reception.

"I hope to find a pretty, flowing dress," said Ms. Fletcher. "I want to find a dress like Cinderella wore."

The couple is planning a spring wedding.

For more on Babette's, call 412-221-8088.