Save on Your Wedding Dress with Sample Sales

Tipper here! For most brides, the most important aspect of her wedding day (aside from the groom showing up) is her wedding dress. While it could cost a fortune, it doesn’t have to! Shop your local sample sales to find the best wedding dress for the best price! A sample sale in Birmingham, Michigan is where I scored my dream wedding dress: an ivory, French lace Monique Lhuillier. Originally priced around $4,000 US – I walked away with it for just over $1,000 US!

Monique Lhuillier "Elle" from Tipper's wedding
Photo by Stevie B. Photography

So, what is a sample sale?

Wedding dress retailers keep a stock of designer wedding dresses for their brides to try on during the discovery process. Once a bride chooses her perfect gown, the bridal consultant then orders the correct size for the big day – alterations are made and the sample goes back on the rack. If you keep a close eye on your bridal shops, they will occasionally run sample sales to savings-savvy brides.

While the savings can be well over 50% off for a designer wedding dress – some brides may cringe at the idea of a previously worn dress. Have no fear! Dry cleaning for wedding gowns range from $200 - $500 (US) for a professional service – depending on your wedding dress choice, you can still save a stash of cash with this option.