If you are a bride shopping for a wedding gown, you have probably noticed announcements for upcoming bridal trunk shows at local boutiques (including ours!). Many brides, however, are not quite sure what a trunk show really is, or why they would want to attend one. For the answers, read on...
In short, a bridal trunk show is a traveling collection of wedding gowns by a designer. The group of dresses will go from one salon to the next, travelling from province to province, state to state. A trunk show is usually held at each boutique for one weekend, which means that if you want to attend, it is important to book your appointment early.
Trunk shows are very exciting events for various reasons. First of all, the gowns included will be the newest and best styles from the designer. This means that you may have the chance to try on dresses that are not otherwise available in stores yet. Oftentimes, the sample in the trunk show is the only one in existence of its kind. This makes a trunk show the perfect opportunity to find a dress that will be unique and current!
Because couture boutiques tend to be small and may only have a handful of styles by each of their designers, a trunk show is a great opportunity to find gowns that you may have seen in magazines, on television or in other salons around the country by that label... Maybe you have visited a store and fallen in love with a designer but haven't found the exact 'perfect'style- a trunk show would be a great time to return as chances are when 20 gowns by the label are available vs. the usual 5- you will!
Another thing that can be nice about trunk shows is that they can give a bridal store a chance to gauge response to a designer that is new to them. The stores will bring in a trunk show from a gown designer that they do not currently carry to see if their brides like them. So you might get to see gowns from a designer who is not normally available in your local market.
There are some other things that make trunk show tons of fun. Often a representative from the company will come with the gowns, and occasionally, the designer themselves might make an appearance. Having someone from the company right there means that if you have any questions or special requests, you can get them answered on the spot. Who doesn't love instant gratification? If there isn't a rep present not to worry- the boutique staff will be equipped with loads of knowledge about the gowns and designs before the show begins and will be ready to help!
Sometimes during a trunk show consultants have permission to throw in extras at no additional charge. Many times pattern changes that would usually incur a hefty surcharge, such as longer trains or neckline re-designs, will be done for free as a trunk show special. The bridal salon may also give you something extra if you order a gown during a trunk show. What that may be will depend on the particular boutique. One common thing is for a bridal store to offer a 10% discount on gowns ordered during the trunk show. If you think about it, 10% off of a designer gown would be quite a big savings. If you were purchasing a $3500 dress, wouldn't it be great to save $350? With the money you save, you could splurge on fabulous shoes and accessories!
Trunk shows are really fun events for brides who are looking for that perfect gown. They are a great opportunity to see unique styles, gain knowledge about a particular designer or label, and maybe even get a discount as well. Trunk shows do move on quickly, though, so if you are planning on attending one, and come across your dream dress, be prepared to order it on the spot or you might never see it again! Bring the people closest to you- who's opinions you value and trust and get ready to be wowed by an endless selection of gowns by your favorite designers! We hope to see you all at one of our trunk show events this summer ! xx
