Shall I buy a sample dress? Pros and Cons
Sample wedding gowns can be a tempting alternative to bespoke and pre-ordered wedding dresses. They are often heavily discounted due to wear and tear and the difference in size. If the sample bridal dress is in good condition and fits within two sizes, it might be worth considering.
The downside of buying a sample wedding dress is that it is essential to keep a sufficient budget for alterations, repairs, and dry cleaning to make the dress perfect for your wedding day.
Sample Wedding Dress – Too Big
If a sample gown is two sizes bigger or smaller, bear in mind that the dress almost needs retailoring. Seams need to be unpicked and resewn, which can take time, especially with complex couture gowns whose bodices are corseted, boned, hand-finished, and sometimes with overlapping laces. We resize and our seamstresses re-apply the distinctive couture finish.
Sample Wedding Dress – Too Small
If a wedding gown is too small, we need to add panels and gussets to add extra width. We regularly restyle bodices and turn them into laced corsets, which can be a beautiful feature on your dress.
Alteration Costs for Sample Wedding Dresses
Alteration costs of bridal wear depend on the style, construction, and fabric of your wedding dress. With many different bridal types available, it is impossible to provide cost estimates without seeing your dress. For first enquiries, please send us photographs of your dress and you wearing it – front – side and back view.
Time Estimates
Sample Ball Gowns & Couture Gowns
Take-in corseted bodice – 8/10 hours
Restyling of a too-small corset into a laced corset – 8/11 hours
Shortening – full-skirt layers, depending on the finish – 1 hour per layer
Sample Wedding Dresses
Take-in sides, from underarm through hips – 2.5-3 hours
Lift shoulders – 1/1.5 hours
Reshape neckline – 2/3 hours
Adding a modesty panel – 2/3 hours
Charges
Our charges are based on time at an hourly rate of £90 for bridal alterations and fittings. Final prices vary according to the complexity of the alteration depending on the dress construction.
Enquiries
B&A offers free consultations pre-wedding dress shopping to equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the correct style, size, and finish to buy the perfect dress for your wedding day. Contact us!
Photo reference:
Top: Alice Temperley bridal showroom, Somerset
Bottom: B&A workroom
