Perfecting Imperfections: A Guide for Sample Bridal Gowns
We take great pride in our inventory! In fact, each dress that graces our boutiques is personally handpicked, ensuring it meets our high standards. If a gown arrives and it doesn't meet our standards, we send it back to its original home. Now, real talk: we do accept samples that may need a little extra love. This may include a loose button or broken zipper, but we're confident that a skilled seamstress can fix these imperfections. The best part? These minor imperfections mean major discounts! We believe in full transparency, so we’ll always clearly note any flaws or imperfections in the gown’s description as soon as it arrives.
Why Buy a Sample Wedding Dress?
At traditional special order boutiques, brides try on sample gowns until they find the one that makes them say "yes!" Once they’ve chosen their dream dress, the boutique returns the sample to the rack and places a special order for a brand-new, custom gown in the bride’s size and color. In about 6-9 months, the gown is ready for pick-up and final alterations.
Buying a sample gown is different! When you find the dress of your dreams, we don’t put it back; we lovingly zip it into a garment bag and send it home with you that very day.
Luxe Redux partners with authorized bridal retailers nationwide to curate our exclusive collection of designer sample gowns. These stunning dresses, while still in excellent condition, often need to be cleared out to make space for new collections and styles. Boutiques needing to responsibly downsize offer dresses that are in great condition but need a new runway. Rest assured, all of the bridal gowns we receive are entirely real, 100% authentic and still have the designer label and care tags attached on the inside of the gown. We never accept counterfeit items or gowns from sources we don’t have a trusted relationship with.
Perfecting Common Imperfections
Sample gowns are a great way to get a designer gown at a deeply discounted price! Why pay full price for a wedding gown, when you can get it for 20-90% off retail price? Sample wedding dresses are also more sustainable than buying something brand new, and are perfect for accommodating shorter timelines.
Oftentimes, minor imperfections can be fixed easily by an experienced bridal seamstress. If you love a sample gown that has a missing button or boutique dust along the hemline, don't worry! We’re here to guide you through simple solutions for common signs of wear, ensuring you and your dream dress look flawless on the big day.
Boutique Dust
Boutique dust along the hemline of a gown is a common imperfection with a very simple fix! Often, a sensitive, unscented baby wipe will do the trick, although we advise against this for crepe fabrics, as it can leave a small water mark on the fabric. Another option is to have the gown spot cleaned at a dry cleaner, however some fabrics may require a full dry cleaning. When it comes to cleaning, it’s crucial to choose a reputable, trusted dry cleaner. We’re happy to recommend some of our favorites in your area to ensure your gown is in good hands!
Beading Replacement/Repair
If you spot small beading imperfections on your wedding dress, don’t panic! If the beads are still attached but need re-tacking, this is a simple fix during alterations. It’s normal for a few beads to come loose, as they’re hand-applied and tied off individually. If some beads are missing altogether, you have a couple of options:
- If the dress needs hemming or other alterations, your seamstress can often repurpose beads from other parts of the gown to replace the missing ones.
- If your dress fits perfectly and doesn’t need any adjustments (which is pretty rare!), most seamstresses have a selection of beading they can use to replace the missing ones during your alteration appointment.
In either case, a skilled seamstress can easily restore your gown’s sparkle!
Oxidation
Oxidation is a natural process that occurs when a wedding dress is exposed to too much light, causing the beading to turn darker over time. In most cases, oxidization is not noticeable or dramatic. Although there isn't a true fix for oxidization, it allows for a unique color to your bridal gown. Consider her a 'one of a kind'!
Holes in Tulle or Illusion
Don't let small holes in delicate parts of a dress such as tulle or illusion fabric deter you from the dress of your dreams! If the dress has lace or beading, your seamstress can use the lace appliqués or beading from other parts of the gown to cover the holes. Similar to beading repair, a seamstress would take excess beading or lace from the hem or sides if the gown needs to be taken in. A seamstress can also use clear thread to close up the hole. While it is slightly visible, it isn't overly noticeable and would only be seen when viewing very close up!
Hook + Eye Replacement
Hooks and eyes are the fasteners used for areas of stress such as waistlines and neck openings. If the hook and eye on your dream dress is damaged, this is one of the simplest fixes! A seamstress can easily repair or replace the closure in minutes.
Loose Button Loops
Button loops may get stretched after fastening multiple times. Don't worry, your seamstress can simply tighten them or replace them entirely!
Button Replacement
Don't bat an eye at a missing button when it comes to your dream dress! Seamstresses generally have buttons they can use to replace ones that have fallen off. If not, you can purchase them from a dress boutique, fabric store, or even Amazon! Missing buttons can easily be replaced - and why not replace them all and add a personal touch?
Loose or Broken Straps
Straps are a common feature to be added, removed, or altered on wedding dresses, whether it's a special order dress or a sample gown! If the straps are in repairable condition, your seamstress will simply reinforce them according to your measurements. If they're not repairable, the seamstress can create a new strap using leftover fabric from the hem, or even from other gowns. For a completely unique look, you can opt for a custom strap made from purchased fabric or choose from a selection of pre-made straps we offer at Luxe Redux.
Cup Replacement/Repair
Occasionally, the cup will loosen and come untacked inside of a bridal gown. This is an easy fix! Your seamstress can easily re-tack it, problem solved!
Pull in Fabric
Fixing a pull or snag in fabric is more tricky, but still possible! For particular fabrics, such as tulle and organza, you or your seamstress can pull the impacted area in the opposite direction, which helps loosen and relax it. From there, you can steam out the pull and it typically makes a really positive difference! While it won't be entirely gone, tulle and organza are great with masking it! For crepe, satin, mikado, etc., steaming the fabric will typically improve the pull, but it won't truly go away.
Your Dream Dress for Less
The fit and perfection of your wedding dress is everything! Your gown should make you feel comfortable and confident, and alterations can help take your dream dress to the next level. Alterations happen after you've said YES to the dress, and help ensure that the gown you searched high and low for is absolutely perfect for the big day [and no one needs a wardrobe malfunction on their wedding day].
After your yes moment, your Luxe Redux stylist will refer you to a trusted seamstress in your area, who will help fit the dress to you and complete any repairs. Alterations are a game changer and are necessary for any bridal gown, whether you purchase a designer sample gown with us or order a brand new dress from a traditional boutique!
Now that you're armed with everything you need to know about perfecting sample gown imperfections, let's find your dream dress!
