Secrets of the Sample Sale

As a bride and consumer, learning how to be a savvy bridal shopper can be overwhelming. When announcements of sample sales come out, the "bridal buzz" kicks in and the shopping frenzy begins. While sample sales are an excellent opportunity to snag designer couture at unbelievable prices, we thought a few tips from the experts might be in order:
1. Remember, everything is always a FINAL SALE. Before you dive into your wallet, make sure that you will have no regrets about your purchase.
2. It helps to bring ONE trusted opinion with you. It can be anyone from your mother to your future sister-in-law to your maid-of-honor that you've known since kindergarten. Just make sure that you value this person's opinion. You do not want to bring any more than one person, as the store will undoubetdly be short of space, and multiple opinions can be overwhelming when decisions need to be made.

3. It is rare that a gown at a sample sale will fit perfectly. Most dresses can be easily altered to at least 2 sizes down. It is often more difficult to "open up" the seams to allow you to fit in a dress that is too small, but with a litle creativity and a good seamstress, you can make this happen (within reason). Options to consider for "enlarging" a gown by a size or two would be to: a) let out all side and zipper seams as much as possible. This is best for only plain gowns with no lace or bead embellishments. b) if it is too tight accross the rib cage, consider lowering the back neckline. This creates a more dramatic and sexy silhouette, while freeing up the constricted part accross your back. c) consider a corset or "lace-up" style back. Most seamstresses can adapt a tight zipper into an open lace-up with relative ease.

3. Check with a seamstress. Most bridal salons have a seamstress on site, or even on-staff. If the dress you are considering needs repair or alterations, it is best to check the opinion of a trusted seamstress before making your purchase. Don't be bashful--ask the seamstress how much it will cost for the changes you envision.
4. Consider cleaning costs: Bridal Gowns are different from your prom dress. Cleaning delicate silks can take up to a month, and cost anywhere from $75 to $150, depending on the process involved, and if pressing is included. If there is only a small spot on your sample, ask your trusted cleaner to do a "spot clean", which is much more economical.
5. If you are working within a strict budget, make sure you stay within your means. You can ask your bridal consultant to only show you dresses below a certain price point. Also, don't be afraid to ask for a better price! You may just get what you ask for!
6. If you have already purchased your bridal gown, you may want to stop into a sample sale anyway! Don't tempt yourself with other gowns, but you'd be shocked to find great bargains on other miscellaneous items that you need, like veils, shoes, headpieces, jewelry, garters, unity candles, guestbooks, and more!
We hope you have found this helpful in your quest for the perfect wedding at the perfect price. Cheers, and happy sale-ing!