Bridal Sample Sales- Kleinfelds et al.

I recently received a notice that on September 14th Kleinfeld's is having a sample sale. Has anyone been to this event or any sample sale/sale events (Vera Wang, Filene's et cetera)? What have been people's experiences? How often do these sales occur? I'm not getting married until August 2004, but I'm feeling pressured to start looking for a dress now (I thought that if I started looking at the end of November or beginning of December, even sometime in January that I should be fine). When did people start looking for their dresses and what is recommended starting time (I'm more focused on getting a band right now than a dress, which I think may be harder to get).

Thanks in advance for your responses.

My wedding is in Sept. 04 and I bought my dress - at a Kleinfeld's sample sale - this past July! If you have the time, I would definitely recommend making an appointment for the sale day. I believe they have a few sample sales every year (the receptionist there can verify this). From what I've been reading on these boards, buying a dress 1 year + before is not unusual at all!

A little info on Kleinfeld sample sales - I would recommend taking the earliest appointment available for a few reasons 1) you will get the best selection 2) your appointment is more likely to begin on time (the later in the day your apt. is, the more behind they get), and 3) the salesladies are at their most cheerful! You will have an hour. You and your saleslady will go through racks of dresses (with a bunch of other brides and salesladies - it can be pretty chaotic) in your price range that you like. Your saleslady will bring them to your room, and that's when the flurry of dresses begins!! I worked with Diane - she had me in and out of dresses so fast! I was amazed! (Also, if you're shy - like me - be prepared to be seen in your undergarments!) When I (finally) tried on a dress that looked great on me, Diane 'oohed' and 'aaahed' and walked me to the big mirrors towards the front of the store and added a veil and fake bouquet. (They will let you borrow shoes too.) Be prepared to make up your mind on the spot. It's either take the dress, or leave it. If you do decide to buy it, they will have a seamstress come in to make sure that it can be altered to fit you (although you don't have to get it altered there), you pay for it - and you take it home! They will not store your dress there! (Have a closet ready somewhere out of FH's site, or get it stored professionally.) Also, be prepared that most of the samples are a size 10, and some will be dirty/damaged - they will tell you if it can be cleaned propoerly or not - so cleaning is another expense to consider. (I lucked out and got a trunk show sample in great condition.)

Sheesh - I'm so sorry that this turned into a novel! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! (I hope this helped a bit!)

bellepoque:
I say go for it..
dont worry about buying a dress too soon. I ordered mine in August this year.. I get married Oct 2004!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought my gown at a Reem Acra sample sale. I would DEF start looking now if I were you. For starters, some gowns can take as long as 10 months to come in when you order, then you need time for fittings and stuff. Sample sales are hit and miss, so they're worth going to but not as a last resort option, IMO, because you have to get a tailor and get the gown cleaned, etc.

Thank you for your reply--very helpful. I actually can't make it to the September 14th sale, but I will check out the next one. Right now I just need to go to places and try on dresses and see what they look like on me, because I have no idea if what I have in mind will actually be flattering! I really like Reem Acra's and Angel Sanchez's designs, but it may not be right for me.

I'm going to check out the Gown Company as well. According to their website, they have in their Sample Room an all new collection of gowns by Angel Sanchez. According to their website, they majority of the sizes they have in their sample room are 4,6 and 8.

I'll keep you all posted with my experiences.