If you're on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress on a budget, we've rounded up our top tips for outlet shopping
As bridal shop owners, our main purpose is to ensure that every dress shopping bride can find 'the one'. The perfect wedding dress. No matter your size, budget or style - we want our shop to feel inclusive for all. Which is why we created Confetti & Curves, our sister shop for plus size brides. And last, we opened Our Ivory Outlet, a dedicated wedding dress outlet space. Somewhere brides can book an appointment for, have a browse, try on, and find the bridal of their dreams for a fraction of the original price.
Our new wedding dress outlet has proven really popular with brides in Bedfordshire, and has attracted many others from much further afield. Which tells us we're obviously doing something right!
If you are a bride short on time, or with a limited budget, a wedding dress outlet can be a real lifesaver. But 'shopping off the rack' is different to the average bridal shopping experience, and there are things you should watch out for if you're considering a visit to Our Ivory Outlet, or any other wedding dress outlet.
Wedding Dress Outlet Tips: Find Your Dream Bridal Dress on a Budget
We share our expert wedding dress outlet shopping tips, and help you potentially find the perfect bridal on a budget.
1. Do Your Research
Before stepping foot in a wedding dress outlet, do your homework. Research different wedding dress styles online, and get a feel for what's out there. Familiarize yourself with the main types of bridal silhouettes and once you've found one or two you like, that will help you narrow down your options on the appointment.
2. Set a Budget and Stick to It
One of the main advantages of shopping at a wedding dress outlet is the potential for significant savings. However, it's easy to get carried away by the excitement of finding designer dresses at reduced prices. Set a budget before you start shopping, and stick to it. Remember to factor in additional costs such as alterations, accessories, and post-wedding cleaning.
GA2366 from Gallery £550 reduced from £945
3. Be Open to Different Styles
While it's great to have a vision of your dream dress, be open to trying on different styles at a wedding dress outlet. Sometimes, dresses that look unassuming on the hanger can totally transform when you slip them on. Keep an open mind, and you might discover a style that flatters your figure more than you imagined.
4. Check the Quality and Condition
Since wedding dress outlets carry sample dresses or overstock, it's crucial to inspect each gown for any damage or wear. Look for loose threads, missing beads, or stains. While minor issues can often be resolved with alterations, it's important to be aware of a dress's condition before making a purchase.
The gowns you'll find in Our Ivory Outlet have all been cleaned and expected thoroughly to ensure every dress is pristine.
Jenna from GAIA £600 reduced from £1,445
5. Take Your Time
Shopping at a wedding dress outlet can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of options available. Allocate plenty of time for your visit, and don't rush the process. Try on multiple dresses, take photos, and consider each option carefully. If possible, bring a trusted friend or family member for a second opinion.
6. Be Ready To Buy
Our off-the-rack gowns are usually single samples and not re-orderable. Meaning, once they're sold, we can't get another. This does add another level of stress to the wedding dress outlet shopping experience, but knowing in advance should help you decide.
Elton Lane from Sottero & Midgley £862.50 reduced from £1,725
7. Enquire About Alterations
Most wedding dresses require some alterations to achieve the perfect fit. Ask the outlet staff if they offer in-house alteration services or can recommend a reliable tailor. Understanding the cost and feasibility of alterations beforehand will help you make an informed decision.
Our Ivory Outlet doesn't have an in-house alterations service, but we'll certainly recommend some local suppliers during your appointment.
The perfect wedding dress doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. With a little patience, research, and an open mind, you'll find 'the one' at a wedding dress outlet.
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