We’re so excited to be holding a bridal sample sale this September 14-15 and wanted to share a few tips on how you can make the most of this opportunity! As you may be aware, bridal sample sales typically happen twice a year, where a number of sample gowns from the past and present season are significantly (we’re talking anywhere from 50-90%!!) marked down to make room for the upcoming season. You can expect to see over 300 gowns from bridal designers such as Maggie Sottero, Jim Hjelm, Kenneth Winston, Pronovias and more. Our past sample sales had lines out the door and it can be a little overwhelming, so we’ve gathered our top tips and things for you to keep in mind!
Best Practices and Tips
1. Skip the Squad
You’re opinion is the most important, so in general for sample sales, try not to bring more than one person with you. At Ferré Sposa, with Sample Sales, only one guest is permitted. We want to help you make the most of your time, and with such a crowded environment, it’s much easier to stay focused on finding your dress (at the best price!).
2. Know Your Dress
If you’re new to bridal shopping, or have yet to try on a gown, coming to Sample Sale may be a bit overwhelming. Skip the stress and do your research before shopping the sale. Find out what silhouettes and designs you like beforehand so you come in with tunnel vision. Have pictures of the dress you are looking for, it will help the consultants pull similar dresses.
3. Suit Up
To ensure you get the most accuracy out of your experience, make sure you’re bringing the right equipment. Sample Sales are a final sale so it’s good to see your dress as close to perfect as you can. Make sure you’re wearing the appropriate undergarments (strapless bra, spanx, nude underwear etc.) and appropriate footwear. They don’t have to be the exact shoes you’re wearing on your big day but anything close helps (heel height, closed or open toe). Remember - a hem can always be shortened, but you would need Cinderella’s fairy godmother to lengthen it!
4. Veils and Accessories Are On Sale Too
While Sample Sale is usually all about the dress, don’t forget about bridal accessories which are also on sale for a fraction of the regular price. Need a veil to go with that ball gown or some drop earrings to accent that OTS trumpet? We’ve got veils of all lengths starting at just $50 while earrings and bracelets start at $10.
Things to Note at the Ferre Sposa Sample Sale:
1. First Come, First Serve
Unlike your usual bridal appointment, Sample Sale appointments are half an hour and operate on a first come, first serve basis. In these 30 minutes brides are to look, pull and try gowns on. Holds cannot and will not be made.
2. Sharing is Caring
Sample Sale is the perfect time to exercise that age old rule you learned in elementary school. As this is not your typical bridal appointment, expect to be sharing your fitting room with 1-2 other brides.
3. Keep Calm and Shop On
The most important rule of Sample Sale is to keep your cool. Of course you want to find the perfect gown for the perfect price, but remember to have fun!
Just keep in mind that because of the heavy discounts, sample sale shopping is not a typical bridal experience. You can always come back, book an appointment with one on one consulting and take your time trying on different styles. Alterations are not quoted at the time of a sample sale purchase (due to restrictions with time). It can be overwhelming but when you find your dress at a fraction of the cost, that’s like winning the wedding lottery! Think of this as part of the process of wedding dress shopping - it's just one of a few appointments you're going to and you never know, you may find the one. Come with an open mind, gear in hand and be ready to shop!