Weddingbee Blog

I’ve missed this sample sale. How do I find out about the next one? Please help. You are fabulous!

After an appointment at the VW boutique and appts. elsewhere I decided that I could not wear anything else but a VW on my big day. Her stuff just fits perfectly–for those on the same boat as me you know exactly what i mean. I tried on a few dresses at the boutique, If you are looking for a gown I suggest you experience VW, they offer champagne, a small gift and an overall great experience without being pushy. I told them my budget was around 7K so that limited the dresses I could try on, I should have said 13K. After MUCH thought, I decided not to pay full price for one of her dresses, so I waited for the Dec. 2008 sample sale, and I must say it was worth the wait!

The event took place at the New Yorker Hotel, I booked a room so I could make sure I could access the hotel without being hassled. 3 of my future bridesmaids accompanied me- I was prepared for war.

I tried lining up at midnight, but security said I could not line up–I checked back a few hours later just to be on the safe side and the shift had changed and they said I could line up but should get some rest–I told them I wanted to wait and came back down with pillows, my friends slept while I waited. There were already a couple of people in front of me. Everyone was very friendly, except for the security guards who said that they escorted ppl out the year before–they gave us very strict orders for standing in line –fear tactics galore. The bulk of the line started building at 6am.

At 8am when the sample sale was scheduled to start they only allowed in VIPs (probably workers and friends) who did not have to wait in line. At 9 am they allowed 20 or 30 ppl in- dont remember the exact number, but they count friends and fiances and all.

We all rushed in not knowing exactly what to expect. They had 2 rooms one with new gowns (probably dresses women did not pick up prices ranged between 1k and 3k) in bags and another room with probably earlier seasons and veils, clips, BM dresses and such. I started in the new gown room, and must have tried on 20 dresses, they only allow 3 at a time per person, so make sure your friends find some for you too. I found one of the dress I really liked at the VW store , unfortunately, it was a size too small and white ( i could have lost the pounds, but i did not want a white dress).

Since I started off in the new gown section and found a couple i liked and fit me, I had one of my friends wait in that room with them because they dont allow you to take them to the other room. In the other room my 2 other friends were waiting with a few dresses, i tried them on and did not like any, so i went out to take a look for myself and found THE DRESS! it was hanging there and as soon as i took a look at the cut and the beautiful, pefect lace i was convinced, but i had to try it on–i did–and though it was a size 10 ( i usually wear a size 4 or 6 in regular dresses, I am 5′4 and 125 lbs) it fit well enough to not destroy its integrity after alterations, both my friends gasped when they saw me in it–other girls trying on dresses stared, how could they have passed this dress? they were waiting for me to put it down, but i did not. the inside label had a price of $1200, but since it was in that second room it was 1/2 off so it was $600!! and since I had heard someone say you could name your deal i talked to a supervisor and she said i could take it for $500! I could not believe my luck, I had gone in with a $5k budget and came out with the dress of my dreams for $500!!

My advice:
I spent a total of 3 hours trying on dresses, so be patient.
If you like a dress have a friend hold on it, while you look some more.
Wear undergarments similar to what you would wear on your big day, I wore spanx and a strapless bra and boy was I happy, other girls commented on my great idea, because i did not have to hide straps or wonder how a snug gown would fit.
rent a room if possible at the hotel where event takes place
dont bring a male, they wont allow him in the fitting rooms
spare the rest of the ladies and dont wear a thong
most of the girls trying on dresses are nice, and will give you a dress they tried on if you ask nicely and don’t just grab it
be open to trying a large variety of dresses, you will be surprised
dont buy a dress there only because it is a VW, make sure you absolutely love it
I took it to get altered at a couture bridal boutique, the owner and designer took great care and commented on the immaculate shape of the dress for a sample piece. i wanted a mantilla style veil, he was able to cut the bottom of the dress and create my veil out of the remaining part–and he did not charge me for materials only for making it. it was gorgeous, lots of comments from guests on how well it went with the dress, even though they did not know that he had made it out of the bottom of my dress.

Update:
I just wore my VW on my big day–I felt so beautiful in it, just like a bride should (BTW-my dress was very light and comfy).