Has anyone purchased a sample dress? How was your experience?

I purchased a sample dress. I was lucky because it had only been on the floor of the bridal shop for a week, so it was in awesome shape. The shop cleaned and steamed the dress for me. I also saved several hundred dollars buying the sample. It fit me so well that it just made sense to buy the sample dress rather than order a new one. I would only buy it in person though, I'd be nervous about the condition of the dress if I ordered online.

My roommate just bought one! It was also on clearance so she got a $1200 Pronovias for $300.

You just need to inspect it VERY carefully, especially if there is beading and lace. It may need more alterations than something ordered in your size, but if you're saving a significant amount of money it will still be cheaper!

I bought a sample dress. I wasn't really planning on it, but they weren't ordering that dress anymore. It's gorgeous, and I only spent half of my budget. I'm a little nervous about altering it later because it was big on me and I want to lose some more weight, but that would have happened if I had ordered a dress at the size I was then too. It's nice that it's in my closet, and I don't have to worry about what it'll look like when it comes in. I don't know that I would want to order a sample online, but if you can return it, go for it!

I bought a sample dress online from David's Bridal. Perfect condition but it was too short on me (I'm 5'9). The return process was super easy. The consultants at David's Bridal thought it was a sample because the hem was too short.

I did for a second dress because I don't want to risk my main dress getting damaged/dirty at the reception, since we have a photo shoot the next day.

It's perfect quality wise. I didn't find any stains or tears, and it was really no different than buying one of the on the rack samples in store. I got it for less than $200, so I consider it a win!

I bought two dresses off the rack. One for $99 the other for $199. I was so happy with both purchases. I would feel better buying in person rather than online to be able to see the dress.

*raises hand* I did! I did! LOVE my dress--it has all of the features I dreamed of having in my wedding dress. It was originally $1500, down to $300! I still can't believe I got that lucky. I would definitely weigh the cost of alterations and make sure you're getting a good deal. I had an awesome consultant who was honest about what she thought alterations would cost on all of the dresses I tried on.

I was at a shop that was all samples/overstock/clearance. I wanted to see if I could find something I loved at a discount, and only look at more expensive dresses if I couldn't. Splendid Bridal in Florence, Kentucky if any of you are in that area. I'll tell anyone who will listen that they need to go there.

I bought a sample dress from a bridal salon that only sells samples and consignment dresses. I got a really great deal on a maggie sottero from a few seasons ago. However, the dress is huge on me and the alterations are costing nearly what the dress did. I think it's a great option but I agree with the other girls about being careful about purchasing online.

My dress was a sample. I hadn't planned on buying a sample but the dress had been discontinued and I was in love. I bought mine off the rack, not online though. Mine had been there a good long while & the underside of the train was a bit dirty & there was a few loose beads. My seamstress was able to clean the dress and fix the beads to restore my dress to like-new. My dress was originally priced $800 & I paid $299.

LOVE mine! 1800 for 580 and got a coupon that I used to buy the sash to go with it! Inspect them very carefully and ask if the repairs/cleaning to get it to "like new" are included in the buying price. Mine were, but all it needed was a light cleaning and a button reinforced.

I bought a sample dress from DB. A $1400 dress for $450, yes please!! Just make sure to inspect it for any rips or tears before you leave the store. Some could be fixed and others can't so be sure to ask. When I took it in for alterations, they cleaned/steamed it and it looked great.

Mine was a sample! I love it! $3000 dress for $500 Hell yeah I bought it.

Mine was a sample. Fit like a glove and was only on the floor for two weeks. Perfect condition and they gave me 20% off for buying it off the rack.

I did!! Just got it in yesterday and it is GORGEOUS and in immaculate condition. I say go for it!

I did and I love it! Alterations are costing a pretty penny, but i would be paying the same amount if I bought new (I'm severely pear shaped, multiple size difference between my top and bottom...).

But I got the dress for a steal ($1600 for a $4500 dress!) and so it's all worth it.

WOW! Thanks everyone for the great responses! Looks like I'm going to go for it!!! Fingers crossed!!!! Thanks again!!

Mine is a sample dress and it was in perfect condition. Likely because it's tea length and not as many brides tried it on, though. I got $500 off and it's perfect. With a return option, I don't see how you can lose!