Our October Half Term Sample Sale is coming up very soon, so for those of you who have booked or are thinking of booking a space, here are some tips to make the most of your Sample Sale shopping experience.
1. Know what you want
Have information ready about the brands, styles or sizes you need and be FOCUSED. Sample sales are not for discovering your styles and finding out what you love, as the choice in the boutique will be limited during sale times.
2. Prepare to buy
Bring your decision making team, and have a budget in place to make the most of one-off dress bargains, then be prepared to buy on the spot on the day. We mostly only have one of each dress in the sample sale, so if you really love it, claim it!
3. Rare treasures
A sample sale is a great way to pick up a rare piece from the archives - we often get dresses out of storage for these events! We also add in one-off bespoke pieces we've made for special projects and shoots.
4. Save on takeaways
Serious cost savings can be made if you offer to take the dress away as is. Usually cleaning, remedial work and storage is built in to the cost of a sale dress, so if you are happy to take the dress away on the day, a greater discount can sometimes be negotiated. Remember to get any faults or shop soiling noted in writing and know that this extra reduction will come without the boutique service.
5. Slimming
Do not buy a dress with a view of slimming into a style. You don't need the added pressure - most of the time this only results in stress and heartache.
6. Don't go big
Do not buy by more than a size too big. Whatever cost saving you make will be swallowed up in alteration charges - make sure you ask your stylist on the day for advice.
7. Designer Bargains
Use a sale as a chance to pick up a famous brand name wedding dress at a reduced price. Barring any red wine or dance floor accidents your dress will hold more value and may be able to re-sell easier than a unbranded cheaper gown.
8. Busy
Be aware that shopping during sale times can often be a lot busier, especially on our sale evenings when we have more than one appointment happening at once. Be prepared for this on the day by having a plan in place.
9. Service
The full fittings and alterations service is still available on sample gowns - just because you're buying a sample dress, this doesn't mean you have to miss out on the luxury wedding dress experience.
10. Have fun!
Wedding dress shopping is supposed to be fun - so enjoy yourself!
