Wedding planning can be a very expensive time, so if you could find the wedding dress you want at a discounted price.. well, why wouldn’t you! Many designers and boutiques offer sample sales to offer the catwalk dresses, prototypes and ex-samples at a reduced price. There’s no more satisfying feeling than finding the piece you want for a reduced price.  Bridal sample sales are the perfect place to find your dream wedding dress at your best price. It is just a case of finding the right sample sale for you. While it can be easy to be amazed and awed by the price cuts at sample sales it is important to keep in mind what you are looking for. So the SS team has devised our top tips for bridal sample sale shopping to help all of our lovely brides find their perfect gown at their perfect price…

Image credit: Francois Boutemy, Dress – Hazel gown from SS 2012 collection

1. Good Research for styles– It is important to have a basic knowledge of styles or cuts that you are interested in so that you are not overwhelmed. Spending some time in a bridal boutique trying on a variety of styles will help give you a reference for what you are looking for. It will also make sample sale shopping less intimating if you have already spent some time thinking about dress options.
2. Look online in advance for events– Many designers and boutiques hold sample sales and you want to find the perfect sale for you. Make a list of the designer sales and the designs that you are interested in. Initial research is always handy particularly when you are looking for your wedding dress. You are the bride that deserves a special dress whether it is sale or not. Look at magazines for details of the best sample sales around, Elle magazine recently detailed the ELLE’s pick of the best bridal sample sales , while Hello magazine covered the the best picks for the budget conscience “Best of bridal sample sales: Where to find designer wedding dresses at dream prices” and Brides magazine’s online Calender is definitely worth a visit..you will always find best of bridal events in the UK there.
3. Attend sample sales from designers or boutiques that you actually like the styles – You do not want to overwhelm yourself and there is no point in visiting a sample sale from a designer who’s designs are not your style or the boutiques which does not hold the styles you prefer. While, it is always important to keep an open mind you should narrow your search down a little to stay focused.
4. Find sample sales that have appointments – Sample sales are busy times; it is important that you have a specific time slot so that you do not feel rushed or overwhelmed. It is easy to get frustrated and tired when bridal shopping so be kind to yourself to ensure that you enjoy each and every moment of the experience by spreading out the appointments over the space of a few weeks if possible. Appointments also allow you to have a concentrated time with the designer (or boutique consultant) and still receive the same service you would receive normally but with the extra special bonus of a discount.
5. Be Wedding style Ready– Think about the kind of bridal underwear you might wear on the big day and wear it to the sale, this will make dress try-ons much easier as you will be able to see how visible it would be underneath the fabric of your gown. Take a hair tie so you can see how different gowns may look with a sophisticated hair-up style, and wear a little bit of make up so you have some colour and won’t feel washed out. Also if you have specific shoes or a heel height you would like to wear take a similar pair along so you can see how the dress will hit the floor. If you are looking your best (and feeling your best) when sample shopping it will make it easier to put things into perspective and make a realistic decision about how this dress will look on your wedding day.
6. Go with a friend or family – With such great discounts it can be easy to make a spur of the moment decision so bring loved ones to offer some impartial but valued advise. Always go with the one that you trust the most. They will able help you realise whether this really is your dream dress, or just your dream price! If you know the style you love already then shopping alone can be very exciting too as you will be able to grab the best bargain for the gown you already have fallen for. 
7. Ask questions – Do not be afraid. Sample sales discounts can sometimes go further so do not be afraid to be up front and ask if there are any further offers. The old saying goes, ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get”. If you love the designer but have missed the sale dates make sure you double check as sometimes samples sale will also be extended you might be able to still grab the opportunity. Also if you have found the perfect wedding dress but may need mending, ask if they can advise dry-cleaning or alteration service.
8. And finally, Enjoy it!

Always remember it is your dress and it’s important that YOU love it regardless of whether it is full price or half price! Shopping for your wedding dress should be a memorable, enjoyable moment that you will cherish forever. Make the most of the day even if you come away empty handed and if you enjoyed the atmosphere of Sample sale shopping but didn’t find your perfect dress then it might be worth considering a designer day. A designer day is when bridal boutiques or bridal designers hold a special event giving the brides the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the designer and get expert advise when choosing their dress. There will always some special offer and gifts for the special brides. Intimate and very exciting they are an excellent way to find your wedding dress in a unique and personal way.

The next Sanyukta Shrestha Designer Day will be at Frou Frou Bridal Boutique in Tunbridge Wells on the 2nd & 3rd of Feb