What Is A

Trunk Show?

Brides looking for the supreme wedding dress shopping experience may want to consider adding a trunk show or two to their planned stops. A trunk show is a special event in which a wedding dress designer, or a representative from the company, visits a bridal boutique on a set day with his or her entire line of new dresses.

Brides schedule appointments to try on the dresses and meet with the designer. Attending a designer’s trunk show can maximize your chances of finding your dream dress.

Since most bridal salons often only carry a few dresses from a select group of designers, trunk shows allow customers the opportunity to see and try on dresses they wouldn’t ordinarily see at that store. A bride also benefits because she has the opportunity to talk to the actual designer, to discuss the gowns and any changes she may want to make to one she is considering.

A trunk show is not a sale; the dresses are not discounted. But if you are serious about purchasing a dress you try on at a trunk show, the designer may throw in a few extras (buttons down the back, additional length on the sleeves or the train) without charging you more. This relatively small savings could make a big difference if you’re working with a tight budget.

Watch for advertisements in the newspaper for upcoming shows, or call around the bridal shops and just ask if they have any trunk shows planned.

—courtesy The Knot