Best Bridal Sample Sale In The UK

Sample sales have long been the fashion pack's secret to looking on-trend on a budget - but a bridal sample sale could bestow the same financial and fashion benefits to your big day, too.

If you're planning a wedding right now, finding The Dress is likely to be high up your list of priorities. But wedding dresses (and weddings in general) are expensive affairs! Granted your wedding day is likely to be the biggest party you ever host and we *hope* it will be a one-off, but even without the cost of living crisis hanging over us, savvy brides have always searched for discounts, to make their budget stretch further.

And, budget aside, considering the sustainable considerations of buying a dress to wear once (your wedding dress is the only item you don't want to ace the cost-per-wear ratio!) does it really make sense to splurge on a wedding dress?

Lockdown put weddings into perspective for many couples as the boom in micro-weddings has shown. And those rethinking the concept of a mega-ceremony will include the price of your bridal gown, a part so intrinsically and romantically linked to a bride (and one that often comes with a hefty price tag to match.)

But thankfully there are plenty of options for those who are looking to spend less on the dress. Aside from renting a wedding dress, a bridal sample sale is a brilliant way to find a dreamy gown for up to 80% off the regular price.

These secret sales are a chance for designers and boutiques to sell one-off samples that are used as the ‘try-on’ dress in-store or perhaps are overstock or returns. While IRL sample sales are coming back, most boutiques put all their stock online now, so you can browse at your leisure before booking an appointment to try on the dress of your dreams.

This is what you need to know about shopping at a bridal sample sale:

• Check your favourite sites regularly as stock can be updated seasonally, although some might be updated daily.
• You’ll need to be organised and book your visit in advance and be prepared that to make a quick decision. Most discounted gowns typically only come in one size, so if you like something, you may have to splurge that day.
• You'll also need to be prepared to take the dress away with you there and then (factor in driving to the store, rather than carting your new gown away on the bus…)
• Before you commit, be sure to give the dress a thorough inspection. Being a sample, it will have been tried on before and could potentially show some wear and tear. Dresses are often ‘sold as seen’ meaning you won't be able to return it if you change your mind.
• Always ask whether alternations are possible (some stores will offer a seamsters' help, while others will leave you to it.) Request the dress to be put on hold, if they’ll allow it, to give you some extra thinking time.

So, where can you find a bridal sample sale UK? This is GLAMOUR's Edit for 2023…

With Love Bridal, Stourbridge

Based in Stourbridge this ‘budget-friendly’ boutique carries an array of wedding dress samples in sizes 8-30. Everything is a one-off, only available in that size, but the prices are jaw-dropping. As we write, a stunning size 16 white satin strapless dress, with a fit and flare silhouette, is just £399.

Pronovias, London

If you sign up to this luxurious bridal designer’s newsletter (or keep an beady eye on Facebook and Instagram) you’ll be the first to hear about their upcoming IRL sample sales. Prices are discounted by up to 60% and dresses can’t be altered in-house (although the store can suggest local seamsters, if your dream dress needs a little tweak.)

Rachel Ash, Warwickshire

This boutique specialises in romantic designer labels, and constantly keep their offer fresh by selling on samples. We’re not complaining. You can buy a dress online, if you’re sure of your size, or book an appointment to try on IRL, before you make a purchase. The prices reflect the fact the dresses have been tried on before and may have incurred some damage, but we spotted some styles with discounts pushing 60% off.

The Wedding Dress Shop, London

As well as the incredible discounts on sample sale wedding dresses, a huge incentive in finding a bridal gown this way, is that it’s ready to go. Right now. You can take it away there and then, instead of waiting for months of fittings! With exquisite designer gowns and prices starting from £500, it’s well worth booking an appointment here.

Emma Louise Bridal, Bolton

With a mix of samples and overstock, availability changes daily at this boutique. If you’re looking for a bargain, keep checking back. One dress online right now is currently discounted by £2300!

The Bride, St Albans

Shave thousands of the price of a designer gown by perusing the collection of designer bridal sample sale dresses in this boutique. You’ll find styles from Sassi Halford, Suzanne Neville and Jenny Packham and although there is a reduced range of sizes, some of the dresses can be altered to fit. All measurements are listed on the website, too.

Evelie, London

The discounts are epic, with up to 80% off designer wedding dresses, but the contemporary edit in this boutique is what has our interest piqued. There are bridal skirts, tops and overlaid dresses which would all make a second wedding day look a far more affordable option. You can buy online if you’re sure you won’t return it (beware: there is a 20% deduction from your refund if you do send it back) or book an appointment to try on in store.

Alison Kirk, Dundee

Most of the dresses, out of the 85 currently online, come in at 3 figures. Book an appointment to try on and find The One at an amazing price.

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