Its bridalwear sample sale season; a time when only the hungriest, deadline-driven brides should venture out. There are great bargains to be had from beautiful designer dresses but, be warned, only if you fall in to a narrow category...
Sample gowns tend to be sizes 10 to 12, fall either side of that number and dont waste your time going. It will cost the price of the reduction to have it re-built and sized to you. Dresses also look more than a little sad and grey around the edges after a season of having been pulled on to anxious brides-to-be so factor in around £150 plus for dry-cleaning.
Prepare for an experience at odds with the glass of champagne, one-to-one attention, shagpile carpet and 360 degree-mirror jaunt you might have dreamed of when shopping for the dress. However, if youve used up many a tissue weeping over the price tag of a Monique Lhuillier (pictured), Oscar or Phillipa Lepley, this is your chance to get the dress of your dreams (size 10/12, sharp elbows permitting).
Here are Januarys best sample sales in London;
Browns Bride
Up to 70 per cent off designer wedding dresses from Oscar de la Renta, Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera and more.
23 Jan. Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
12 Hinde St., W1U 3BE (020 7514 0056).
Phillipa Lepley
Couture bridal gowns, veils and accessories from £250.
Now until 22 Jan. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
48 Fulham Rd., SW3 6HH (020 7590 9771).
Sassi Holford
Up to 75 per cent off bridal gowns and veils.
Now until 22 Jan. Mon. & Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tues. & Wed., noon-8 p.m.
74 Fulham Rd., SW3 6HH (020 7584 1532).
Ana Cristache
Wedding dresses from £500.
Now until -14 Jan. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
48 Beauchamp Pl., 2nd flr., SW3 1NX (020 7584 8322).
Send us your wedding day images (portrait is preferable) with details of the couple's names, the items shown in the pictures and where you found them to elleukweddings@hf-uk.com
