Top 5 Tips for Shopping for a Sample Wedding Dress
Find Your Dream Dress for Less Without the Stress!
Finding the perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting moments of wedding planning, but it doesn’t need to be stressful or costly. At our Muswell Hill bridal studio, we specialise in stunning designer ex-sample wedding dresses priced between £500-£1000, all ready to take home the same day. Shopping for a sample gown is a smart choice for brides looking to save money and time while still looking incredible on their big day.
If you’re new to the world of sample wedding dresses, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Here are our Top 5 Tips to make your shopping experience fun, stress-free, and successful!
1. Come prepared Shopping for sample wedding dresses is a little different than ordering a made-to-order wedding gown. Since most sample dresses are ready to take away on the day, it’s helpful to come prepared to decide at your appointment as often there will only be one of each style:
Bring your essentials: A strapless bra, and skin-toned underwear; at Betty Gets Hitched Bridal we have a selection of heels to try on with your wedding dress selection, so you don’t have to carry an extra pair with you! However, if you have a particular heel height you’ll be wearing on your wedding day then it’s always helpful to bring them along to your appointment.
Set a budget: Know what you’re comfortable spending so you can shop with confidence; at our Muswell Hill bridal boutique our wedding dresses range from just £500-£1000, so there’s something for every budget.
Be open-minded: Sample wedding dresses can come from a range of designers and in various styles—so don’t be afraid to try something unexpected as it might surprise you!
2. Focus on Fit, Not Perfection
Sample wedding dresses are often available in limited sizes, but don’t let that discourage you!
• A dress that’s slightly too big can be tailored by a professional seamstress (like our in-house alterations team) to fit you like a glove.
• When trying on wedding dresses, focus on how each bridal gown makes you feel and envision how it will look after it has been altered. Adjustments such as taking in seams, adding straps, or adjusting hemlines can completely transform a dress.
Pro Tip: Our in-house alterations team can guide you with their expert advice on what’s possible with alterations and help you see your wedding dress’s full potential.
3. Act Fast If You Find “The One”
Unlike made-to-order wedding gowns, we only usually hold one of each specific designer wedding dress in our bridal studio in North London. If you fall in love with a dress, don’t wait!
• Sample wedding dresses can sell quickly, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
• Trust your instincts - if you can’t stop smiling and imagining yourself walking down the aisle in the dress and how you’ll accessorise it, then it’s probably “The One.”
#bghbride Ana wearing a David Fielden wedding dress with custom Betty Gets Hitched veil
4. Don’t Forget About Accessories
Accessories can elevate your wedding dress and bring your entire bridal look together. When shopping for your gown, think about:
• Wedding Veils: Do you want a cathedral-length lace edged veil for drama or a simple fingertip plain veil for elegance?
• Bridal Belts and Sashes: Adding a bridal belt can define your waist and add a touch of sparkle or colour to your finished look.
• Bridal Headpieces and Bridal Jewellery: Complete your bridal style with carefully chosen accessories that reflect your personality.
At our Muswell Hill studio, we offer a beautiful range of bridal accessories to help you complete your wedding day look – we can help you to choose your wedding dress and accessorise to perfection all in one appointment!
5. Plan for Wedding Dress Alterations
Even though you’re buying a designer off-the-peg wedding dress, alterations are almost always part of the process to achieve a beautiful fit. Here’s what to consider:
• Factor in time and budget for bridal alterations after purchasing your dress.
• Ask about common adjustments, such as shortening the hem, adjusting the bodice, or adding details like sleeves or buttons.
• We offer in-house alterations on all wedding dresses purchased at our bridal studio, ensuring your gown fits like it was made just for you. We can also accommodate style changes where possible; our team can advise you at your appointment of the best options to achieve your desired wedding day look in your chosen wedding gown.
#bghbride Leonie wearing Bianco Evento with a lowered back and neckline modified in-house; paired with a custom Betty Gets Hitched lace edged veil
Ready to Find Your Dream Dress?
Shopping for a designer sample wedding dress is an amazing way to say “yes” to a designer gown at a fraction of the cost. At our North London bridal studio, you’ll find a beautiful collection of carefully selected designer ex-sample dresses, ready to take home on the day of your appointment for £500-£1000, alleviating the stress of lead times and rush fees.
Appointments at our Muswell Hill bridal boutique are relaxed, personal, and fun. With expert guidance, accessories on hand, and in-house alterations, we’re here to make your dream bridal look come true – the ultimate one-stop bridal shopping experience!
Book an appointment and let us help you to find “The One”!