“Since I started browsing for my dress online (I haven’t made it to the shops just yet!) I’ve seen a lot of bridal shops advertising sample sales. I’m on a particularly tight budget for my dress and accessories and I heard that sample sales are great for getting dresses at reduce costs, but are the dresses usually in bad condition? And are they all a size 6 like in designer sales? Can you tell me a bit more about sample sales and what I should expect if I decide to go to one?” – Georgia
From the Experts
1. Belleza Bridal – www.memoriesbridalboutie.com
At sample sales, dresses are usually priced taking the condition into consideration and maybe the length of time the shop has each gown. Usually they only have minor flaws if any that any qualified seamstress can take care of for you if you ask them to give the dress a once over for you. Also they may need to be professionally cleaned as they will have been tried on and may be shop soiled. Dresses can also be taken in or out 1-2 sizes and the sales assistant will tell you if this is doable if necessary on your chosen gown. The main thing to remember is these are final sales, with no returns or refunds due to them being heavily reduced. It wouldn’t be a good idea to go to a sample sale day for ideas as usually it’s a non appointment day with lots of hustle and bustle going on around you, staff may not have the time to spend with you as they would on a regular appointment day and it’s usually best for the brides who are serious about buying on the day.
2. Bridal Boutique Cork- www.memoriesbridalboutie.com
You can certainly snag a great bargain at a sample sale but remember you’ll need to get the dress cleaned and store it yourself, so factor that into your costs. Check the dress carefully for damage. A lot of tears can be repaired but not all. And remember that you’ll be buying the dress off the rail as is so there’s no coming back if damage can’t be repaired.
3. Abelle Bridal – www.abellebridal.com
Hi Georgina, sample sales are a great time to pick up a designer dress at a fraction of the original cost. Sample sales include dresses that are previous season that are no longer being made, or sometimes the shop may just have ceased to carry that line anymore, so you may even pick up a current season sample. The samples are only sold in the size and condition and colour that you see in the shop that day. As for condition, it really depends on the shop and how they maintain their dresses throughout the year. Some shops will clean their gowns sporadically throughout the year, also prices very often reflect the condition of the dresses in a sample sale. But a good seamstress will more than likely be able to carry out any repairs needed. Just ensure you inspect the dress thoroughly before purchasing and make sure you are happy with the condition it’s in before committing to buy.
weddingsonline – Exciting news ladies, we’re teaming up with lots of fabulous bridal suppliers and will be bringing you gorgeous styles and the best bargains at the Bridal Event of the Year! Yes, the weddingsonline Designer Bridal Sample Sale is back and is taking place on April 27th in Clontarf Castle. Pop back next week for more details!
Main image from Lovely.com
