How different is the actual gown from the sample?

I know it sounds CRAZY, but often the sample dress you are ordering from looks different from the actual gown once it’s made.  This variation can be very slight and hardly noticeable or can be a completely different color or fabric.  Even normal wear and tear can cause the sample to seem different than an actual gown based on it.  So, it is important to know what to expect before you put the deposit down.

Here’s an inside tip about how I learned this the hard way during my first year of owning my own bridal salon.  When designers first produce samples for a new gown, they often haven’t fully perfected the manufacturing behind it. The manufacturing process doesn’t necessarily get perfected until actual orders come in, so inevitably, somewhere in some magical back room, someone realizes something about the original production design that doesn’t make sense… and they change it. Vera Wang maids would do this to me all the time… they would ship me samples and show the dress on the website one way, but when it came to the actual production, something was different… not all color choices were available, or the flower pin was for the runway only, or there would one less ruffle tier!  Luckily, most brides trust Vera Wang’s reputation and vision for her gowns, and so they were ok with it.

A good rule of thumb: the older the sample, the more changes you’ll see.  When a dress is new, it tends to be a little stiff, and this stiffness softens over time. Also, colors fade and dresses get dirty… has the dress you are trying on ever been cleaned?  This too might alter the color beyond a simple dye lot variation.  Is the finish on the hem the same?  From time to time, designers change production facilities or fabric distributors, which can slightly alter the feel of the gown.

If your salesperson doesn’t know the answer, then ask the owner/manager.  If need be, you can always call the designer directly. Understanding what changes to expect will help alleviate any misunderstandings when your dress arrives.

Keep in mind, lace patterns do vary slightly and that’s impossible to predict.  As long as it’s the same type of lace ( chantilly, alencon etc..) you’ll be fine.

It’s important to love the dress because of how it makes you look, and that won’t change from the sample to your gown.  However, if you fell in love with the dress because of the color of the fabric or the way it felt, then you might be better off just buying the sample!

I would love to hear your experiences, please post it below!

It happens so often, but what do you do? How do you decide? In the boutique I would see it all the time – strong confident woman reduced to tears because they simply can’t decide. I’ll never forget one bride of mine who came in 17 times until she finally chose between the 2 gowns.

Granted, 17 times is a bit extreme, most brides finally decided by the third or fourth time. However, assuming you have followed all my guidelines about the best silhouette / neckline / fabric for your body and you are truly stuck between 2 equally flattering dresses, and your friends and family don’t have any useful opinions, then here are a few factors which should come into play.

1. Alterations. Talk to the seamstress or manager about possible problems with either dress for alterations. For example, if one dress has crazy intricate beading at the hemline, this will be an extremely difficult dress to alter. It’s not impossible, but if you love both dresses equally, then choose the one with the easier hem line. Bridal salon owners loathe alterations, and will be absolutely honest about what could go wrong and which dress would be easier.

2. Where is it made? If one is made in the USA and the other isn’t, please buy American.

3. Price. If you love both these dresses equally, then go with the less expensive one. Save a few dollars, or buy something extra special for the honeymoon.

Still can’t decide? Email me!