We've all heard the phrase "Sample Sale" either on social media or on the tv show, 'Say Yes to the Dress,' but what exactly is a sample sale? We are glad you asked!
In the wedding world, a "sample sale" typically means a bridal boutique is hosting a one-day-only event where they sell their sample gowns off-the-rack at a heavily discounted price. These gowns are sold on a first come-first serve basis, and the inventory is limited. Typically, brides who come to a sample sale are prepared to be decisive and make a thoughtful, but quick decision, since there are no holds on gowns.
Ladies of Lineage Bridal Sample Sale
This Spring at Ladies of Lineage, we are hosting an Off-The-Rack Sample Sale May 7th from 9am-1pm. We will have over 100 gowns available to purchase off-the-rack and take home the same day. Nearly all gowns will be priced between $500-$2,500.
Think that our Sample Sale sounds like something you'd be interested in? Below we've listed some sample sale tips to prepare you for our sample sale experience.
3 Important Things to Know Before Shopping a Bridal Sample Sale
1. Gowns are typically sold in a bridal sample size - Most often, bridal boutiques carry sample size gowns that range from size 8-12 along with plus-size samples between 18-24. These gown sizes differ from a typical street size (i.e. a bridal size 8 is around a street size 4 or 6).
When shopping a sample sale, it's important to get a clear idea about the sample sizes that will be available to try on. More than likely, most gowns will fall within the sample sizes listed above. At Ladies of Lineage, if a sample gown is more than two dress sizes too big for a bride, we will typically not recommend purchasing the gown, as the alterations cost will begin to exceed the amount saved through purchasing a sample wedding gown.
2. Quantities are limited - Occasionally, bridal sample sales will offer the same gown in two different sizes or another color option, but most often, there is only on gown of each style. This is why it is imperative that brides come prepared to decide the day of their appointment!
While many bridal sample sales have an overtone of mass-hysteria as brides rush to grab multiple gowns at once, our Bridal Sample Sale will have a completely different atmosphere. In true sample-sale fashion, our gowns are available on a first com-first serve basis, but brides can shop in a more relaxed environment, as we will only allow 15 brides enter at one time. Additionally, you'll have a stylist dedicated to your fitting room to answer all your questions and assist you with pinning and clipping the gowns.
3. Gowns are sold as is - Sample sale gowns are past-season wedding dresses that bridal boutiques have had as their stock pieces for brides to try on in their search to find their dream dress. These lightly loved wedding gowns are then put into a sample sale to make room for incoming inventory each season or year. This means that some gowns may have slight imperfections, such as a missing button or a small makeup smudge on the inside of the gown.
At Ladies of Lineage, most of our sample sale gowns are in like-new condition, as they have only been tried on a handful of times. In addition, all brides wash their hands before trying on gowns and we pull our dress trains off the floor to prevent them from collecting dust and debris. Any imperfections can typically be fixed easily in alterations.
Most importantly, our stylists are here to help you every step of the way, so if a sample sale seems daunting, let us do all the legwork while you focus on falling in love with your gown. Eager and ready for your Bridal Sample Sale appointment? Let's get you scheduled today! Visit our Events page and secure your ticket!
