Sample Wedding Dresses

Posted in Dresses | 2 comments

Are you considering buying a sample wedding dress? It’s a hot trend lately because it’s very economical as well as “green,” you’re recycling a dress basically. You can get a couture designer dress for up to 75% off its retail price. Does this sound like a possibility for you? Well here are some facts to help you out in your decision.

Have these dresses been tried on by hundreds of brides before me?

Yes, they have been in stores, but it is highly unlikely that they have been tried on more than once or twice. The bridal industry unveils a large selection of new gowns prior to peak wedding seasons in spring and fall. Bridal boutiques and online wedding sites are always refreshing their inventory to showcase the industry’s latest trends and dresses. Also, large salons may have thousands of sample gowns in-store at any given time. Some may never even hit the dressing room… So don’t worry, most sample gowns are basically new.

Can I alter it?

Yes, you can! If the dress is too big or you want it to fit a little tighter, that can be done easily. The problem comes in when you need the dress to be bigger. Make sure you get a dress with a little bit of give, not one that’s skin tight or even too small. You don’t want to be uncomfortable on your big day!

Can I clean it?

Since sample gowns are typically sold “as is,” so make sure you examine every inch of the gown before buying it. Look for rips, tears, or unsightly stains in the fabric that may be difficult to mend or clean. Keep in mind that sample gowns in decent shape can most certainly be professionally dry-cleaned. With proper cleaning and care, a sample gown can look essentially brand new—no one even has to know that other brides have previously tried it on.

Can I return it?

Although some salons will deem sample gowns a “final sale,” you should still ask about the return policy up front. For example, many online sites allow returns, but don’t forget that you will have to pay return shipping. For order cancellations, you will often pay a restocking fee, which can be upwards of $65. To avoid any excessive shipping or return fees, make sure you are buying a dress that you truly love.

Where can I buy one?

Many salons will keep a handful of sample gowns (even if not visibly on the sales floor) that you can buy right off of the rack. Otherwise, the Internet might be your best bet when looking for sample wedding gowns and overstocks at a good price.