How to Buy a Wedding Gown at a Sample Sale

You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to get the wedding dress of your dreams. Sample sales offer discounts on high end wedding dresses by well known designers. These dresses served as try on dresses for customers to special order. At the end of the season, they're often sold off the rack at huge discounts. Before you shell out big bucks for you wedding gown, read the information below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Research dresses. Familiarize yourself with designers, styles and price points for different wedding gowns.

2. Narrow down your search. Decide on a couple of lines and styles you're interested in and find out where the dresses are sold.

3. Contact the salons that carry the dress lines and inquire about upcoming sample sales. If no sales are planned, ask if they carry the dress style you're interested in and if they would be willing to sell the sample.

4. Attend sample sales and try on gowns. Bring your wedding day shoes and the appropriate foundation garments when trying on dresses.

5. Make sure the dress fits or can be altered to fit. Bring a trusted seamstress with you. You're going to have to make the sample size work, so get expert advice on the alterations before you buy.

6. Look for signs of wear and tear. The sample dresses are discounted because you are buying it "as is."

7. Negotiate the price. Many bridal salons are willing to haggle, so always offer less than the discount price. Mention that you'll buy the dress on the spot if they honor your price.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't buy the dress if it's too small. Altering a dress down is an option, but making a dress bigger is nearly impossible.
• Be prepared for a no return policy on sample dresses. Be completely certain it's the dress of your dreams before purchasing the dress.