LookLoveSend Blog

A newly engaged woman has many immediate tasks to be done – booking a location, sending save the dates, and changing her Facebook status!  But the most enjoyable task for many brides is simply THE DRESS. We’ve already highlighted some potential wedding dress shopping pitfalls, but read on for some tips on how to take advantage of sample sales and designer trunk shows to get the most dress for your money.

'Gwyneth' gown by Watters

Be informed about upcoming events

Designer trunk shows and sample sales take plan throughout the year so do your research to find out when events come to your area.  Bridal magazines and wedding event websites are good sources of information so check them regularly.  If you love a particular designer, checkout their website and join email lists to be alerted of their upcoming trunk shows.

Sample Sale Prep

Sample sales are usually when stores sell discounted gowns that have been used as floor models or in bridal expo shows.  Therefore they are usually in smaller sizes and may need cleaning and/or minor repairs.  Have an idea of the silhouettes and styles you like ahead of time so you can make a beeline for those dresses when the doors open (and expect crowds!)  Bring a friend or relative to help you scout out dress options (and to barter with other shoppers as you trade styles and sizes).  It’s helpful to wear undergarments similar to those you plan to wear on your wedding day so you get the best possible sense of how the dress fits.  And finally, be prepared for communal dressing rooms which are most common at these events.

Trunk Show Prep

Trunk shows usually offer discounted items by a single designer and are by appointment only.  Trunk shows are also a great opportunity to find designer bridal accessories such as veils, headpieces and shoes.

One final piece of advice if you’re dress shopping but don’t have luck going the sample sale or designer trunk show route.  The February/March and August/September months are best to find discounts at your local bridal stores as this is when designers typically introduce their new lines and discontinued styles are discounted the most.

Happy dress shopping from the team at LookLoveSend.  Shop us for stylish Save the Date cards and full wedding invitation suites printed on high quality paper stock.  Click below to enter our monthly sweepstakes for a chance to win $500 off your wedding stationery order with us.