11 Tips for Shopping a Bridal Sample Sale

Our Annual Bridal Sample Sale is one of our favorite events at Memories! Check out this article to make the most of your Sample Sale experience.

What is a Bridal Sample Sale?

A Bridal Sample Sale is an event during which bridal stores discount their sample dresses for direct, off-the-rack purchase. Sample sales are perfect for brides who have stricter budgets, have fast approaching wedding timelines, or who just want to get an amazing deal on a designer wedding dress.  Sample sales give stores the chance to make room on their racks for next season's dresses while helping brides save big on their big day!  Plus, since sample sales focus on off-the-rack purchases, brides can often walk home with a beautiful dress that same day without having to wait for a special ordered dress to be made. 

Shopping at a Memories Sample Sale is a little different than regular wedding gown shopping, so we’ve put together 11 tips to help you make the most of your sample sale experience.

Sample Sale Shopping Tips

1) Shop Off-the-Rack for Biggest Savings

Stores want to make room on their racks for new styles, so the biggest discounts will be for purchasing dresses right off the rack in the size and color featured at the shop.  (Any special ordered dress will be at regular price). 

2) Explore Dresses in Larger Sizes

Bridal sizes run very small so don’t be afraid to look at dresses larger than you usually wear.  Most women wear one to two sizes larger in wedding dresses than in regular clothing.  Plus, with alterations, you can always have a dress made smaller to fit you.  With a good seamstress, you can typically have a dress taken in up to 3 sizes.

3) Be Ready to Purchase

Bridal sample sales are first come, first served, and typically shops will not have multiple samples of the same dress.  When you fall in love with a dress, come prepared to buy during your first visit.  You don't want to risk losing your dress to another bride.  (Stores typically do not offer holds during a sample sale).

4) Incentives for Special Orders, Too!

If the sample size and color aren't right for you and you have time to special order, there may still be incentives for ordering during a sample sale event!  All special orders will be at regular price, but at Memories, we usually offer discounts on accessories for all our special order brides during our sample sale. (This is a special Memories offering, and special order options will differ at other stores). 

5) Inspect the Gown

Before you purchase a sample sale dress, take the time to inspect the gown to make sure you're happy with the condition.  Sample sale dresses are all store samples that have been previously tried on, so they may have minor wear and tear.  At Memories, we offer free touch ups and spot cleaning on most sample sale dresses to make sure your dress looks as good as possible on your big day!  Occasionally, there may be a dress that has damage that cannot be repaired, and this is typically reflected in the price of the dress.

6) Explore Bridal Accessories & Bridesmaid Dresses

Many sample sales feature specials on other wedding related items, too.  At Memories, our Bridal Sample Sale also includes big discounts on in-stock bridal accessories as well as select off-the-rack purchases of bridesmaids and party dresses.  It’s the perfect time to find all your wedding day finishing touches at a great price and even snag a cute dress to wear for all your important pre-wedding day events!  (Just like with the wedding gowns, sale prices will apply to off-the-rack purchases only.  All special orders will be at regular price).

7) Arrive on Time

Shops usually book appointments back-to-back during sample sales to help as many brides as possible. This means arriving on time is very important as you will not be able to go over your allotted appointment time.

8) Choose Your Companions Wisely

Sample sales can be very busy and, depending on the set up, sometimes hectic if the store does not require appointments.  It is best to bring just one or two close family members or friends for moral support and to help with your dress search.  Sample sales are not a good time to try to shop with your whole entourage.  Plus, stores will often have strict guest limits during special events.  At Memories, our sample sales are by appointment only, so you don’t have to worry about things feeling too hectic, but it is still best to only bring 1 or 2 guests to your appointment.

9) Alterations Will Be Needed

Unlike regular clothing, all wedding gowns, whether off the rack or special order, will need alterations to fit perfectly.  At Memories, we offer a list of recommended seamstresses to help you find a great local seamstress.  Remember, it is always easier to have a dress sized down to fit you vs. trying to make a dress that is too small larger (many dresses cannot be let out).

10) Shop Early if You Want a Specific Dress

If you have your eye on a specific gown, be sure to grab an appointment as early as possible during the sale.  Most shops just have 1 or 2 samples of each style, and once they’re gone, they’re gone!  If you’ve just begun your dress hunt, feel free to book an appointment later in the sale.  We promise, we won’t run out of dresses!

11)  Make Sure You’re Happy with Your Purchase!

Due to the special nature of the wedding industry, most bridal shops have an “all sales are final” policy.  This is especially true for sample sales.  Even stores with more lenient return or exchange options will often have an “all sales are final” policy for sample sale purchases.  Don’t plan on returning or exchanging any of your items, and make sure you’re happy with your items before you purchase them.

Additional Information:

Can you alter a sample sale wedding dress?

Yes, sample sale dresses can be altered just like any other dress. A qualified bridal seamstress can repair many wear and tear issues and can customize the fit to your unique shape. Be sure to work with an experienced seamstress for best results.

Is it worth buying a sample sale wedding dress?

Yes!  Sample sales are the perfect way to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a designer wedding gown.  Just keep alteration costs in mind though.  You want to make sure the total cost of your dress plus alterations will still be a savings over ordering a brand new dress (which will require alterations as well).

How many sizes can wedding dress be taken in? Can a dress be made larger?

Most dresses can be altered down up to 3 sizes depending on the style.  For more intricate dresses, it may be best to only alter down 1 or 2 sizes. The closer the dress is to your actual size the better the outcome, but most seamstresses will charge the same amount whether you have your dress taken in 1” or 3”.  While every dress can be made smaller, not every dress can be let out.  Be sure to talk to your consultant about possible alteration options if you fall in love with a dress that is a little too tight.

Are plus sizes included in sample sales?

Yes, if a store has plus sizes on the rack those will most likely be part of the sale as well. At Memories, we feature samples in sizes 6-24, and will have sample sale dresses available in all sizes.  If you need to special order a different size, be sure to ask about any special order incentives during the sale (special orders will be at regular price, but often stores will offer other incentives for ordering during sample sales).

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