Shopping for your wedding dress is an exciting experience, but did you know that timing your purchase strategically can help you save big? Bridal boutiques and designers often hold sales at certain times of the year, making it possible to score your dream gown at a fraction of the price. If you’re budget-conscious but still want a stunning dress, here’s a breakdown of the best times to shop and the sales you should look out for.
1. Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales
Most brides don’t realize that Black Friday isn’t just for electronics and clothing—it’s for wedding dresses, too! Many bridal retailers, both in-store and online, offer discounts on gowns and accessories during this shopping weekend. Some stores provide percentage discounts, while others have specific gowns marked down. If you’re open to shopping online, bridal e-commerce retailers like Veil by Davids and other online boutiques often participate in Cyber Monday sales, making it a great time to snag a deal from the comfort of your home.
💡 Tip: Do your research ahead of time! Many bridal shops and designers announce Black Friday sales in early November, so sign up for emails from your favorite stores to stay informed.
2. Sample Sales Throughout the Year
Bridal shops frequently host sample sales, where they sell off floor models and discontinued dresses at deep discounts—sometimes as low as $400 for a designer gown! These events typically happen seasonally or when new inventory arrives, meaning you can find incredible deals multiple times a year.
📅 Common Sample Sale Seasons:
- January & February: Boutiques clear out last year’s inventory to make room for new collections.
- July & August: Summer sample sales are common, as stores prepare for fall wedding season.
- December: End-of-year sales are another great opportunity to score a deal before new arrivals hit in the spring.
💡 Tip: Sample sales are first-come, first-served, and most dresses are final sale—so come prepared to make a decision quickly!
3. Trunk Shows with Special Discounts
While trunk shows are not typically about sales, they do offer exclusive discounts and incentives on brand-new designer gowns. If you have a specific designer in mind, attending a trunk show could be a great way to get a discount (often 10–15% off) while also gaining access to the latest collections.
📅 Best Time to Look for Trunk Shows:
- Spring & Fall – Many designers debut new collections during New York Bridal Fashion Week (April & October), and boutiques will host trunk shows shortly after.
💡 Tip: Follow your favorite designers and local bridal shops on social media to stay in the loop about upcoming trunk shows.
4. End-of-Season Clearance Sales
Just like regular fashion, bridal salons clear out their older styles to make room for new arrivals. You can often find markdowns on dresses from last season’s collections, particularly during late summer (August) and winter (December–January).
💡 Tip: If you love a specific dress but it’s a little outside your budget, ask the boutique if they’re planning any upcoming clearance sales—you might get lucky!
Final Thoughts: When Should You Start Shopping?
While these sales are great ways to save, it’s still important to shop early to allow time for shipping and alterations. Most made-to-order dresses take 4–6 months to arrive, and alterations can take another 2–3 months. If you’re shopping a sample sale, you’ll have your dress immediately, but you’ll still need time for tailoring.
For a stress-free experience, start shopping 9–12 months before your wedding, and if you’re looking for the best deals, keep an eye out for these major sale events throughout the year!
