Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of the bridal journey - but it also comes with plenty of decisions. One of the biggest is whether to choose a sample wedding dress or a made-to-order gown.

At Peggy Bridal, we specialise in high-quality designer sample wedding dresses, many of which come directly from our sister boutique, Dotty Bridal. These gowns have been tried on in-store but are in excellent condition - and now available at a beautifully discounted price.

If you're unsure which route is right for you, we’re breaking down the benefits of both, with an honest look at why sample gowns might just be the perfect choice for you.

What Is a Sample Wedding Dress?

A sample wedding dress is a gown that has been used as a shop floor sample - tried on by brides but never worn for a wedding. These dresses are typically sold off-the-peg at a reduced price to make room for new collections.

Because Peggy Bridal sources sample gowns directly from Dotty Bridal, you’re getting premium designer dresses - the same luxury, quality and craftsmanship - just without the made-to-order price tag.

✨ The Pros of Choosing a Sample Wedding Dress

1. Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

This is the biggest win. Sample wedding dresses are often significantly discounted, giving you access to designs that may otherwise be out of budget. At Peggy Bridal, our gowns are premium designers - but with a much friendlier price.

If a designer dress is your dream, a sample gown is the smartest (and savviest) route to get it.

2. Take Your Dress Home the Same Day

No waiting months for your dress to be made.
No production delays.
No stress.

When you find a sample wedding dress you love, you can take it home that very same day. This is perfect for brides on a tight timeline or those who just want that instant, magical “I’ve got my dress!” moment.

3. More Sustainable, Eco-Friendlier Bridal Shopping

Opting for a sample gown means you’re giving a beautiful dress a second life.
It’s a more conscious, sustainable way to shop - reducing waste and minimising the environmental impact of creating a brand new gown.

Your wedding dress can be gorgeous and eco-friendly.

4. Try On the Exact Dress You’ll Wear

With a sample wedding dress, what you see is exactly what you get.
No surprises.
No wondering about fabric colours, fit, or small design differences.

You fall in love with that dress - and you go home with that dress.

5. A Unique or Discontinued Style

If you want something different, a sample gown can give you access to:

• Discontinued designs

• Rare styles

• Unique pieces that won’t be worn by every bride

It’s the perfect way to feel one-of-a-kind.

✨ The Pros of Made-to-Order Wedding Dresses

Of course, made-to-order gowns have their own benefits too. In traditional boutiques like Dotty Bridal, ordering new may be ideal if:

1. You Want a Specific Size Ordered In

Made-to-order gowns are created based on your measurements (with alterations needed afterwards). Great for brides who want a more tailored starting point.

2. You Want Custom Design Tweaks

Many designers allow small customisations when ordering new - think straps added, sleeves changed, or minor design adjustments.

3. You Prefer a Dress No One Else Has Tried On

If you love the idea of being the first person to ever wear (or even try on) your gown, made-to-order is the way to go.

So… Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re dreaming of a luxury designer wedding dress, want to save money, love the idea of taking it home today, and want to shop sustainably, then a sample wedding dress from Peggy Bridal is a perfect match.

If you'd prefer a gown made specifically for you, enjoy customisation options, or want a completely untouched dress, a made-to-order gown may be the route for you.

💗 Why So Many Brides Choose Peggy Bridal for Their Sample Gown

At Peggy Bridal, we pride ourselves on offering:

• Premium designer sample dresses

• Huge savings

• One-to-one bridal styling

• A relaxed, welcoming boutique experience

• Dresses ready to take home the same day

If you want the look, feel, and quality of a high-end designer gown without the high-end price tag, our sample dresses are exactly what you’ve been wishing for.

Ready to Find Your Dream Sample Wedding Dress?

Your perfect gown - sustainable, designer, and beautifully priced - is waiting at Peggy Bridal.

✨ Book your appointment today and discover the magic of sample wedding dresses. ✨