What to look for and beware ofwhen trying on sample dresses
While it is good to have some direction so that you don’t try on every last style available, you should be somewhat open. So if you declared your preference to be a princess style, but the saleswoman suggests you try an elegant eggshell empire gown, take a few minutes to slip it on. You may find it more flattering on you than the silhouette you had envisioned. However, that does not mean you should let the saleswoman flatter you into buying a dress that you do not actually find appealing.
Some salespeople are trained to gush over the gowns, especially the expensive ones, to promote the sale. I've been told of a well-known one in New York where the salespeople sometimes snap pictures, telling the bride-to-be that they would like to have the picture of her in the gown on file. That stratagem make the buyer feel that the gown she is trying on makes her as beautiful as a model, which, obviously, would make her feel more inclined to buy it. In order to avoid such undue influence on yourself, you can insist you cannot put a deposit on the gown on the spot. You can put your money where your mouth is by not bringing any along. Also leave your checkbook, credit card, and ATM card behind so that you can honestly say it is out of your power to put down that 50% non-refundable deposit on the spot.
Bear in mind that the sample dresses may not reflect the true size or the true shade of the dress you will receive. As sample dresses can be tried on so many times, they may stretch beyond the original size, which is why your usual size may feel roomy. That does not mean you could order a size smaller; you must use your actual measurements to determine the size you order, and it is safer to err on the larger side than the smaller. Also due to so many prospective brides putting on the sample gown, its color may change. A dress that started out pure white may have taken on a shade more suggestive of cream due to wear. So be sure to ask for a clean swatch of the fabric to better judge the color.
When you try on the dress, you should try a few more movements than a single twirl in front of the mirror. You want to be sure the dress allows you not only to stand but to sit, walk, and dance. While you may love the sophisticated silhouette of a column dress, you may find it does not allow you the freedom of movement you need to really kick up your heels at your wedding celebration.
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