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Tipsheet: How to Work a Sample Sale

Many of the city's top bridal salons offer sample sales two to three times a year - in December or January, and spring or late summer. Here, some tips on how to navigate these bargain bonanzas:

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BY MARCY LOVITCH
 
Dress by Anne Barge at The Bridal Atelier, $3,350.

1. Do some pre-shopping to get an idea of what styles look good on you.

2. Since there may not be a dressing room, Mark Ingram, owner of Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, suggests wearing a strapless bra and whatever undergarments you'll have on under the dress, such as a body slimmer or control-top hose.

3. Carefully inspect dresses for damage and stains. "If the bottom of the dress is soiled, most likely it's salvageable, but if the stain is smack in the middle, you might want to leave it on the rack," says Henry Roth, designer and co-owner of Michelle Roth, a midtown bridal showroom.

4. Don't be shy: Many showrooms offer cleaning and alteration discounts even if you purchase a dress from their sample rack.

5. If you've got a low tolerance for chaos, choose a sale where you make an appointment. Several retailers such as One of a Kind Bride Designs by Candice Solomon and Paula Varsalona control traffic by booking only a few brides at a time.



Photo by Kenneth Chen.

 

 
 
 

Adriennes
155 Orchard Street
NY, NY 10002
(212) 475-4206
www.adriennesny.com

Designer Gina Pedone mixes her own custom pieces with other independent designers as well as great vintage-inspired dresses and accessories.

Bridal Atelier by Mark Ingram

127 East 56th Street
NY, NY 10022
(212) 319-6778
www.bridalatelier.com

Conveniently located in East Midtown, the Bridal Atelier is an exclusive salon featuring the collections of Monique Lhuillier, Romona Keveza, Anne Barge and many others.

The Bridal Garden
54 West 21st Street, Suite 907
NY, NY 10010

The Bridal Garden sells couture and top designer wedding gowns for a fraction of the retail cost. Benefits Sheltering Arms Childrens Service. Appt only!

The Bridal Suite of Manhattan

262 West 38th Street, 17th Floor
NY, NY 10018
(212) 764-3040
www.bridalsuitenyc.com

This penthouse boutique brings elegance to the garment center. Brides can shop for gowns, shoes, headpieces and veils in one place.

The Gown Company
312 East 9th Street
NY, NY 10003
(212) 979-9000
www.thegowncompany.com

The Gown Company is fun and relaxing and home to a varied collection of bridal gowns from sexy sheaths to ballgowns.

Jane Wilson-Marquis
130 East 82nd Street
NY, NY 10028
(212) 452-5335
www.bridalgowns.net

Marquis Designs couture, bridal and evening wear ($3000-$7000) specializing in simple elegant couture gowns. The ready to wear bridal is a recent addition to the collection ($750 - $2500). By appointment only.

Michael’s, The Consignment Shop for Brides
Delicately Used Designer Wedding Attire
1041 Madison Avenue
NY, NY 10021

The bride who wants the VERY MOST for the VERY LEAST will find her dream dress at Michael’s. Michael’s is famous for its’ selection of couture gowns, sizes 2-14 by designers like Wang, Dior, Herrera, & Christos at prices from $350 to $1500.

Night Out, New York
147 East 72nd Street
NY, NY 10021
(212) 988-1122

A special boutique for modern eveningwear. Non-traditional bridal and youthful Mother-of-the Bride/Groom. NYC’s best kept secret! Maternity Division (Moms Night Out) next store.

One of A Kind Bride Designs by Candice Solomon
20 West 20th Street, Ste. 603
NY, NY 10011
(212) 645-7123
www.oneofakindbride.com

Couture bridal gowns all designed and created by Candice Solomon White Glove Service in a couture UPSCALE Atelier. For the bride who expects the very best service she deserves and the couture fit. Price range $4950 to $15,000. By appt. only.

Reva Mivasagar
28 Wooster Street
NY, NY 10013
(212) 334-3860
www.revadesigns.com

Reva Mivasagar is unique in the world of bridal. His designs are based on classic yet modern looks, concentrating on detail rather than embellishment. He emphasizes simple and stylish shapes using luxurious fabrics like silk crepe, chiffon, organza and silk duchess. Reva and his staff custom make and fit all their gowns at their shop.

VeKa Bridal Couture
284 Mulberry Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 925-9044
www.vekacc.com

Exclusive contemporary and avant-guarde designer collections are offered in this intimate Nolita boutique. Each bride is able to work closely with the owners and designers to customize her unique look and personality.
From the 2003 New York Wedding Guide