What Is A Wedding Dress Sample Sale?
Are you looking for a wedding dress on a budget? Have you been searching online for a designer dress at a discount? Maybe you’ve already said yes to the dress but are looking for a second gown? Or maybe your searching for your elopement wedding dress or intimate wedding gown! If you answered yes to any of these, then a Sample Sale may be for YOU!
Today on the blow, we’re breaking down what a sample sale is, why you should shop during one, plus a few tips on shopping at a Charlotte's sample sale!
Q: WHAT IS A SAMPLE SALE?
A sample sale is a shopping event where bridal stores clear out of some of the gowns in their inventory by marking them down at low prices! This means savings on savings for brides (perfect for our brides planning their wedding on a budget!)
Bridal stores will often host sample sales for these 2 reasons:
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To make room for new gowns when designers release their new collections!
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When gowns have been discontinued by a designer and are no longer available for special order
These are gowns that were previously samples for brides to try-on in store before special ordering their gown. Because of this, some wedding dresses may have light wear such as makeup marks, scuffs on the train, loose beading, etc. Gowns in our sample sales may have some of these blemishes, but all of them can be fixed with a dry cleaner or in general alterations!
Q: IS IT WORTH BUYING A SAMPLE SALE DRESS?
Yes! It’s perfect for brides who are looking for a wedding dress on a budget or something that’s more affordable and in their price range. For example, our special order gowns at Charlotte’s Weddings range between $1,500-$4,000 but during our sample sale. events, we have gowns priced lower - some as low as $399!
SOME TIPS FOR SHOPPING THE SALE:
Before you shop a sample sale, It's helpful to have an idea of your bridal size! This can help you maximize your shopping so you know what gowns to look through! Sample sales are more of a self serve shopping experience, so knowing what size you may fit into before you start shopping can help make sure you're searching through the right section of gowns when you arrive.
You can check out our how to determine your bridal sizing at home video here . Remember, bridal sizing is different than regular sizing, about 1-2 sizes bigger!
Alterations are a necessary part of wedding dress fittings, regardless of whether you purchase a sample gown or not. When shopping for a sample gown, note that a seamstress can usually take in a gown up to 2 sizes (so if you are a bridal size 10, you could fit into a gown that was a bridal size 12 or 14 after alterations!) It is always easier for a seamstress to take in a gown than to let a gown out, so if you're not finding a dress you love in your measured bridal size, consider looking up a size or two!