Trunk shows provide a wonderful opportunity to score big savings on the bridal gown of your dreams, or to simply feel like a princess for a day. After all, how often can you try on a $50,000 piece of meticulously hand-beaded couture?Keep in mind, however, that trunk shows provide for savings because they are one-time events. You will likely be expected to commit to purchasing your gown on the spot in exchange for that 10-15 percent discount or those free alterations. So before you go to your appointment, make sure to:
- Do your due diligence. Visit several bridal salons before your trunk show appointment to get a sense of the other available designers and styles. You can always go back to these boutiques if you don't find the dress of your dreams at the trunk show. But you can't go back in time and take advantage of the trunk show discounts when you don't find gowns elsewhere, after the fact.
- Circle the wagons. Make sure you have any and all of your "principals" with you at your trunk show appointment: mom, future mother-in-law, maid/matron of honor, and any other VIPs whose opinion you seek or require before purchasing your gown. It may be hard to convince your mom over the phone that she should pay for the designer gown you've just fallen in love with, sight unseen, especially if she had her heart set on being with you when you found "the one."
- Stand your ground. Surrounded by the glow of the designer exquisiteness at a trunk show it may be VERY hard for you to walk away from the dress of your dreams once you've put it on, even if you know you can't afford it (I speak from personal experience). It may be particularly difficult if the salon is serving champagne and the bubbly is now coursing through your veins (again, personal experience!). Set your gown budget ahead of time and stick to it. Keep in mind that your wedding day look--including gown, alterations, shoes, undergarments, veil, jewelry--should be no more than 10 percent of your overall wedding budget. Keep also in mind that you'll likely be trying on these gowns very early in the planning process, and that there are MANY other wedding-related expenses to come. Go in to the trunk show prepared with a predetermined range of what you're willing to spend on your gown, and don't try on anything with a price tag beyond the outer limits of this range. As a fail safe, give your principals full authority to drag you out of the salon door kicking and screaming the minute you start rationalizing an extravagant gown purchase by noting you can refinance your home or sell your car to afford it.
- Be prepared. Be emotionally and financially prepared to put down your deposit or purchase the dress outright if you find something you absolutely love at the show. It's unlikely that the salon or designer will be willing to offer you a discount after the event date, or even after your scheduled appointment. Bring major credit cards like MasterCard and Visa, as some smaller boutiques may not accept American Express. Be also prepared to write a check. Though unlikely, the host salon or the designer may not accept credit cards.
- Be conscious of time. Note that most if not all couture (i.e., sewn by hand) gowns take several months to craft, and another couple of months to alter. Don't even think of tempting yourself at a trunk show unless you have at least 6-8 months of lead time before your big day.
With these tips in mind, one of my favorite bridal salons, Hitched in Georgetown, is now accepting appointments for fall designer trunk shows:
- Modern Trousseau Trunk Show (Bridal and Mother of the Occasion)
Friday and Saturday, September 19 & 20 - Oscar de la Renta Trunk Show
**my personal favorite and shown above. Sigh!**
Friday and Saturday, October 24 & October 25 - Judd Waddell Trunk Show
Friday and Saturday, November 7 & 8 - Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija Trunk Show
Friday and Saturday, November 21 & 22 - Augusta Jones Trunk Show
Friday and Saturday, December 5 & 6
