Off the Rack vs. Made to Order:
What Every Bride Should Know
written by: Charlee
When you’re ready to start dress shopping, one of the most important things to understand is the difference between buying off the rack wedding dresses and ordering brand new ones. Bridal lingo can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what either option really means for your timeline, budget, or alteration needs. So let’s break it all down in a way that actually makes sense!
Off the Rack Dresses
Off the rack means purchasing the exact dress you tried on and typically taking it home the same day you say “YES!” to the dress. When your bridal stylist uses the term “off the rack,” it usually signifies one of two things about the dress. Either the gown is a discontinued style that’s no longer available for order, or it’s an active sample that your stylist may suggest purchasing off the rack if you don’t have time to order a new one. The benefit of discontinued gowns is that they’re often nicely discounted. And even when the gown is still actively available for order, buying the sample can be a smart move if your timeline is tight.
If you’re going off the rack, the most important thing to consider is size. The closer the gown is to your actual size, the less you’ll have to budget for alterations. Typically letting your stylist pull gowns for you ensures the dress is as close to your size as possible. At Fiancée Bridal Boutique, we make a point to guide our brides toward samples that not only fit their style and price point but also minimize the tailoring needed. I always recommend avoiding gowns that are more than two sizes too big. Seamstresses can work wonders, but once you go beyond that range, alterations become more complex, more expensive, and can sometimes affect the gown’s original structure or design.
You’ll also want to assess the condition of the gown. Take a close look at the hem, underarms, zippers, and beading. Don’t let a little dirt or minor damage scare you away from saying yes to a dress, most issues can be cleaned or repaired. What’s important is knowing exactly what the gown needs so you can plan accordingly. At Fiancée Bridal Boutique, we take pride in keeping our gowns in great condition, even the off the rack ones. Our samples are carefully maintained, and any damage is typically very minimal. While discounts often reflect the gown’s condition, that’s not always the case. Sometimes you’ll score a beautiful, nearly flawless dress at a great price simply because it’s no longer being produced.
To give you a real life example, I actually purchased my own wedding dress off the rack! It was a discontinued style, the price was amazing, and it was the perfect dress for me. While it didn’t look dirty at first glance, I noticed some slight dirt along the inside of the train and decided to have it cleaned before my wedding day. If you’re in a similar situation, your seamstress can often arrange to have your gown cleaned or recommend someone who can. Just don’t take it to a regular ol’ dry cleaner, they’ll likely just turn you away. Bridal gown cleaning is not as scary as it sounds, but where you have it done is important!
Ordering a New Dress
Now, if you have plenty of time before your wedding day, ordering a new gown is definitely an option worth considering. Keep in mind that most wedding gowns take about five to six months to arrive after placing the order. You’ll also want to plan for another two to three months for alterations. Ideally, you should order your dress at least nine months before your wedding day. If ordering a new gown is important to you, you’ll want to begin considering when to start wedding dress shopping as soon as you get engaged! Some designers do carry stock and can ship fast, your stylist will walk you through those options during your appointment.
It’s also important to understand that even a made to order gown won’t arrive fitting perfectly. Alterations are always part of the process. Your stylist will take your measurements and recommend a size based on those measurements, not just how you fit into the sample you tried on. Since samples stretch over time and size charts can be updated, measurements are a more reliable guide. If you fall between sizes (most brides do) I always recommend choosing the larger size. It’s much easier to take a gown in than it is to let it out.
When ordering a gown, you can typically expect to need at the very least a hem, strap adjustments, possible cup changes, and a bustle for your train. These are all standard alterations, so be sure you’ve allowed time for them and considered the additional cost in your budget.
What’s Right For You?
In the end, whether you buy off the rack or order something new, both options can lead you to your dream dress! Don’t be afraid of buying off the rack. Sometimes the perfect dress is already hanging there, waiting for you. And if you’re ordering, just be mindful of your timeline. Ultimately, once you find the one, don’t wait. Go ahead and place the order or snag it off the rack so you have plenty of time for everything that comes next.
The right dress is out there, whether it’s hanging on a rack or arriving in a box. Trust your stylist, trust your instincts, and trust the process!
