Sample sales - the do's and don'ts

My local bridal shop having a sample sale this weekend and I've never been to one before. Therefore, I'm unsure if you can try on dresses on sale day (new to all this). I can be an impulse buyer and have dresses still with tags on to prove it!

I'd be grateful if you would pass on your pearls of wisdom to us brides-to-be with regards to the do's and don'ts of sample sales.

Thanks

January

Yes you can try dresses on!

They usually only let a few people into the shop at a time so be early as there may be a queue outside.

I think I tried on 5 dresses at the sample sale I went to. Only bring at most two people with you as, again, space will be limited.

Arbiter of Good Taste

Have you fitted on dresses anywhere? If you haven't, I think you would be better off trying some dresses before you go to the sample sale. That will give you an idea of what suits you, what kind of cut you want, etc, etc.

kandr10

Yeah I second trying on elsewhere first. Much better if you know the type of thing that suits you. It also will help you to see what kinds of questions you will need to ask re alterations. Check the sample carefully for marks/ pulls /stains and don't buy if you're not 100%.

Thanks guys, I have tried on 3 dresses already and I have an idea of my style.

I suppose the best thing to do is inspect all dresses for rips and stains.

pooch90

I had my dress more or less chosen before the shop had its sale,I arranged to go in during the week with my mam and bought it then,they still gave me the discount that they would have given me on the day(wasnt a sample though)just something to consider if u want to avoid the hysteria.

kandr10

Now if they're a reputable place, the sample sale isn't an effort to get rid of dodgy stock. Nothing should be too badly worn and the staff should be helpful in pointing obvious flaws out. I certainly didn't find them disingenuous and there wasn't a mark on most of the ones I tried. In terms of your personal alterations, like adjusting length and taking in etc, just make sure it's nothing that will change the design or details or cost too much. For example, to alter a scalloped lace hem is expensive. A decent sales assistant should be able to give ball park figures for what you need done. Bear in mind also that you may need to source your own seamstress depending on where you buy.