4 Things You Should Do When You Buy an Off-The-Rack Wedding Dress

When you buy a custom designer dress, it usually means a wait of at least a few months before you can actually receive the dress. With the unprecedented times that we are living in now, chances are you may find yourself with a slightly tighter wedding timeline, and that is when buying an off-the-rack dress is a great option. It is convenient and oftentimes, budget-friendly. Also, there is nothing quite like the joy and excitement of being able to take your dress home the same day or sometimes, a few days. However, even though off-the-rack wedding dresses offer a slew of undeniable benefits, there are some things that you need to keep in mind when you shop for them. Here are some tips to find the perfect wedding dress off the rack:

1. Always check the dresses carefully

It is important for you to remember that off-the-rack dresses are often tried on by previous brides, which is why there are chances of slight wear and tear. You should always inspect the pieces carefully before you buy. Check for loose threads, makeup marks, and even armpit stains. Look at the beading, buttons, zips and other embellishments to make sure that everything is intact. If you do find a flaw, decide if it is worth repairing or you need to keep looking.

2. Buy a dress that is somewhat true to size

When you find a dress you love, it can be tempting to say yes to it even though it is the wrong size. This is an urge you should resist at all costs. You should always look for a gown that fits you as close as possible. Sure, bigger and smaller dresses can be altered but too much of a difference can affect the integrity of the design. For instance, it will not be possible to tailor down a size 10 when you wear a size two.

3. Know that sample and off-the-rack are different things

A common mistake most brides make when shopping for off-the-rack dresses is assuming that they are the same as sample dresses. While off-the-rack dresses are definitely less expensive than their custom counterparts, they are not always a bargain. If you are looking for a dress under a strict budget, you can always shop for end-of-season sales when you can find an array of sample dresses on the floor, usually at highly affordable prices.

4. You can still get some alterations done

Even when you shop off the rack, you may still want some basic alterations, like hemming the gown or adding a belt, and that is completely okay. But for that to happen, you need to have the time and budget because, depending on the changes, it may take up to a month or two, for your dress to be ready. For alterations for bridal dresses, no matter how small, you should always consult a professional.
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Shop for bridal dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and mother of bride dresses from some of the best brands and designers at Bridal & Veil. We also offer bridal dress alteration services. Get in touch with us for more information.