What Is a Wedding Dress Sample Sale?

If you're dreaming of a stunning designer wedding dress but want to stay within your budget, The Ivory Outlet in Milford, Derbyshire, is the place to be. Unlike traditional sample sales that happen only occasionally, we offer sample dresses at discounted prices all year round. Whether you’re after a classic, timeless look or something more contemporary, we’ve got you covered — and at prices that won’t break the bank.

But what exactly is a sample dress, and why should you shop at The Ivory Outlet? Let’s dive in.

So, What’s a Sample Sale?

At The Ivory Outlet, we stock sample dresses that are normally found at our sister shops during seasonal sample sales. These gowns have been used for bridal fittings and display purposes, meaning they’ve been tried on by brides in-store. While they’re not brand new, they’re still in fantastic condition and ready to be altered for your special day. The best part? These dresses are available at discounted prices all year round, so you don’t have to wait for a specific sale event to find your perfect gown.

Instead of waiting for a one-off sample sale, you can shop our carefully curated collection of sample dresses at The Ivory Outlet anytime you like, knowing you’re getting a designer gown for much less than the original retail price.

Why Are Sample Wedding Dresses Cheaper?

You might be wondering why sample dresses are so much cheaper. Here’s why:

  • They’ve been tried on: These dresses have been used as fitting samples, so they’ve been tried on by other brides. Each of our dresses have their condition listed, and we work alongside fantastic seamstresses and cleaners to ensure every dress is perfect for your special day.

  • Limited sizes: Sample dresses are typically available in specific sizes. Click here to shop by dress size.

  • Discounted pricing: Since these gowns are from past collections and have been tried on in-store, we offer them at discounted prices year-round — so you can enjoy savings without waiting for a seasonal sale event. Click here to shop by price.

But don’t worry — our dresses are carefully inspected for quality and ready for alterations to ensure they fit perfectly for your big day.

Why Shop at The Ivory Outlet?

Shopping at The Ivory Outlet comes with several great benefits:

1. Huge Savings

A designer wedding dress that would normally cost £2,000–£3,500+ could be yours for up to 70% off. You’ll find gorgeous gowns from top designers, all at a fraction of the price.

2. Available Year-Round

Unlike traditional sample sales, our dresses are available to shop at discounted prices all year long. There’s no need to wait for a specific sale event to find your dream gown — you can visit us anytime!

3. Designer Gowns for Less

At The Ivory Outlet, we stock high-quality wedding dresses from designers such as Milla Nova, Madi Lane, Essense of Australia, Watters, and many more, so you’ll have access to gorgeous, luxury styles without the luxury price tag.

Tips for Shopping Sample Dresses at The Ivory Outlet

Here’s how you can make the most of your visit to The Ivory Outlet:

  • Do your research: While we stock a variety of designer gowns, it’s a good idea to check our website or give us a call to see which designers and sizes are currently available. You can follow us on Instagram to see our new dresses as soon as they hit the boutique floor.

  • Be open-minded: Since our sample dresses are discounted, you might find a gown that’s slightly different from what you envisioned. Trust our team to guide you to a dress you’ll fall in love with! Our sample dresses come in a variety of styles and sizes. Have an idea of the silhouette that suits you best, but don’t be afraid to try on a few different options to see what works.

  • Bring essentials: Wear nude underwear, if you know roughly how you might like want you hair come with it styled that way (but don’t worry if not!), and invite a trusted friend or family member for support.

  • Be ready to commit: Our dresses are sold as-is, so once you find your perfect gown, it’s yours to take home right away.

Common Questions About Sample Dresses at The Ivory Outlet

Can I alter a sample dress?

Absolutely! Most brides need some alterations to get their sample dress just right. We recommend checking with our recommended local seamstresses in Derbyshire who specialise in bridal alterations for any tweaks you need.

Are sample dresses in good condition?

Yes! While they’ve been tried on by other brides, all our sample dresses are carefully inspected and the condition listed within each dress description. Minor imperfections like loose buttons or slight marks are usually easy to fix, but we’ll make sure you’re happy with your choice and recommend seamstresses who can perfect your dress.

Can I return a sample dress?

Since all our sample dresses are discounted and sold as-is, they’re final sale. Please make sure you love the dress before making your purchase, and don’t hesitate to ask our team for any help you need during your decision-making process.

Is a Sample Dress Right for You?

If you're looking to save money, want your dress right away, or simply love the idea of owning a designer gown for less, shopping at The Ivory Outlet is a fantastic choice. Our sample dresses are available year-round at discounted prices, so you can find your dream dress whenever you’re ready. And with our expert team on hand to guide you, you're sure to find something you’ll adore.

Ready to find the perfect wedding dress at an unbeatable price? Visit The Ivory Outlet in Milford, Derbyshire, and browse our beautiful selection of sample dresses today!