Have you ever wondered what bridal shops mean when they advertise “sample sales?” Have you been unsure about what happens at your bridal appointment when it comes time to choose your gown? Do you take it home, or do you get a new one? The fact is, you can choose to buy a dress in-store or order a made-to-order wedding dress in the style you try on. But which option is best for you?
In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between made-to-order and off-the-rack dresses, go over the pros and cons of each, and help you figure out which option might be the best fit for you.
By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what direction to take. And who knows? You might even be one step closer to finding the one (nope, not your fiancé, we’re talking about the dress!). Let’s get started.
What Are Made-to-Order Wedding Dresses?
Made-to-order wedding dresses are custom gowns made just for you after you place an order. Unlike dresses you can buy off the rack and take home the same day, these are designed to match your size, style, and preferences perfectly.
Here’s how it works:
Choose Your Dress: Start by picking a gown you love from a designer’s collection.
Get Measured: A consultant will take your measurements to find the closest size for you. Later, the dress will be tailored to fit like a glove.
Production and Delivery: Once your order is placed, the designer starts creating your dress. This process usually takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the designer.
Made-to-order dresses are ideal if you have a specific vision for your wedding dress. They’re a great choice for brides who want something special, crafted just for them. It’s an exciting and unique experience, designed to help you find the dress of your dreams!
Pros and Cons of Made-to-Order Dresses
Pros
Access to Designer Collections
Made-to-order dresses let you pick from beautiful designer collections. This means your dress will be unique, stylish, and made with high-quality materials.
Semi-Custom Fit
These dresses are ordered in standard sizes, but they’re tailored to fit your body just right. You’ll get a dress that feels like it was made just for you.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
Because the dress is only made after you order it, extra care goes into every detail. From the fabric to the stitching. The result is a dress crafted with love and precision.
Cons
Long Wait Times
The downside? These dresses take time to create, sometimes months or even up to a year. So, you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re going this route.
Higher Costs
Designer dresses can be more expensive than bridal samples, because they are made just for you. Plus, tailoring costs are usually extra, so it’s good to factor that into your budget.
Less Flexibility
Once your dress is being made, you can’t make big changes. If you’re someone who tends to second-guess decisions, this could feel a little tricky.
That’s where Ashley Grace Bridal stands out. With expertise in made-to-order dresses, Ashley Grace ensures a seamless process from start to finish. They guide you every step of the way, helping you feel confident in your choices while creating a dress that’s truly one of a kind.
Overall, a made-to-order dress can be a dream come true if you’re looking for something special and perfectly tailored. With Ashley Grace, you can trust that the time, cost, and commitment will all be worth it to create the dress of your dreams!
What Are Off-the-Rack Wedding Dresses?
Off-the-rack wedding dresses are gowns you can try on, buy, and take home the very same day. They’re perfect for brides who are short on time or working with a smaller budget.
Here’s how it works: You visit a store, browse the dresses, try them on, and if you find one you love, you can take it home right away—no waiting for orders or alterations to arrive weeks later.
Most of these dresses come from the store’s sample collection, so the sizes available may be limited. But if you’re open to a bit of flexibility, it’s a great option to consider.
Off-the-rack dresses are ideal for brides planning a last-minute wedding or looking for an affordable option without sacrificing style. If that sounds like you, this is the perfect way to find your dream dress!
Brides, get ready for the biggest sample sale of the year! Ashley Grace Bridal’s July Sample Sale is coming up July 5-31, 2025. Shop discounted designer gowns from the largest bridal collection in southern Virginia.
Pros and Cons of Off-the-Rack Dresses
Thinking about buying an off-the-rack wedding dress? Let’s break it down together.
Pros
Take It Home Today
If you’re someone who prefers to have their gown in hand, then off-the-rack dresses may be the perfect fit for you. With off-the-rack dresses, there’s no waiting around. You can take your dress home the same day you find it.
Save Some Money
These dresses are usually easier on the budget compared to custom-made gowns. And if you shop during a sample sale, you could score an even bigger discount!
Great for Last-Minute Weddings
If your big day is just around the corner and you’re short on time, off-the-rack gowns are the perfect option. You can take your gown home same day and begin alterations as soon as you need to for your wedding day timeline.
Cons
Limited Choices
The selection of off-the-rack wedding dresses depends on what the store has in stock. You might not find the exact style or size you’ve been dreaming of, so it’s important to stay flexible while you look.
Alterations May Be Needed
While you save money upfront, you might need to spend on alterations to get the perfect fit. Keep that in mind when budgeting.
No Customization
If you want to make your dress truly unique, like changing the fabric, adding sleeves, or tweaking details, an off-the-rack gown might not give you that flexibility.
Off-the-rack dresses can be a great choice, especially if you’re short on time or working with a tighter budget. At Ashley Grace, we specialize in helping brides find the perfect off-the-rack dress for their big day. With a curated selection and expert guidance, we make it easy to find a dress that fits your style and timeline. Just weigh the pros and cons, and let Ashley Grace help you say yes to the dress!
How Much Time Do You Have?
If you’ve got months (or even years) to plan, made-to-order bridal gowns might be the perfect fit. These dresses take time since they’re custom-made and include fittings along the way.
But if your wedding is just around the corner, or you’re looking for a last-minute elopement dress, Off the Rack is the way to go. You can walk out of the store with your dress and skip the wait.
What’s Your Budget?
Think about how much you’re ready to spend. Made-to-order dresses often cost more because of designer fees and extra tailoring.
If you’re sticking to a tighter budget, Off the Rack is usually more affordable. You’ll still find plenty of gorgeous options without breaking the bank.
Do You Want a Custom Look?
Dreaming of a dress that’s completely “you”? Made-to-order gives you tons of choices, you can pick the fabric, color, and all the little details to make it unique.
On the other hand, if you’re happy finding something stunning right off the hanger, Off the Rack is a great option.
How Do You Like to Shop?
If you love a well-planned, step-by-step experience, Made-to-order will feel exciting. It’s a process, with fittings and moments to look forward to.
But if you’re someone who likes quick decisions and instant results, off-the-rack shopping might be your style. It’s simple and quick, so you can focus on other wedding plans.
Take your time to think about what matters most to you, and you’ll find the dress that feels just right!
Your Wedding Dress Journey Starts Here
Your wedding dress isn’t just a dress; it’s a part of your love story. It should feel like you and match your vision for your big day. At Ashley Grace Bridal, we understand that finding your dream dress is one of the most special moments of your journey. Whether you dream of a custom gown or find the perfect fit off the rack, what truly matters is how it makes you feel. Confidence. Beautiful. Ready to shine.
At Ashley Grace, we’re dedicated to making your dress shopping experience easy, exciting, and unforgettable. Our expert stylists are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you choose a gown that feels just right and celebrates your unique style.
Book your appointment today at Ashley Grace Bridal. Your dream dress is waiting!
