For short engagements
Sample rail
Ex-sample gowns from £295 to take home the same day. For the wedding that is soon, or the budget that is real.
If your wedding is under sixteen weeks away, a gown cannot be ordered in time. The sample rail is the honest answer, and there is nothing second best about it.
When a maker retires a style, its sample comes off the main rail and goes on this one. About twenty gowns at any time, in sizes 10 to 22, from £295 to £950. They have been tried on, so they get cleaned and mended before they are sold, and any mark we know about is written on the tag.
Each one is sold as seen, so if it is the one, it goes home with you that day or waits for Helen to alter it. Book an hour on the rail, and bring your shoes and your best friend.
How it works here
- About twenty gowns, sizes 10 to 22
- From £295 to £950, all marked with the original price
- Any marks or repairs written on the tag
- Take it home today, or leave it with Helen
- An hour to yourself, by appointment
What it costs
Sample gowns are from £295 to £950, usually 30 to 60 per cent below the original price. Helen alters them on the usual terms. Every price is on the prices page, and your timeline works out your dates.
Questions about sample rail
Can I return a sample gown?
Samples are sold as seen and cannot be returned once altered. You have 14 days to change your mind before any alteration, provided it comes back as it left.
Is there a sale day?
Twice a year, in January and July, we take a further 20 per cent off whatever is left. Otherwise the prices are the prices on the tags.
Two hours, a pot of tea and no sales talk.
Appointments are free and there is nothing to sign. Tuesday to Saturday, on Eastgate. Saturdays go first, so look at the weekdays if you can.