The Sample Rack of Philadelphia, PA is your premier choice for deeply discounted wedding dresses and bridal gowns. We carry a wide selection of bridal gowns from some of the top signature designers nationwide. Schedule your appointment now. We ensure that each of our gowns is available for same-day purchase in our store.
Stop waiting for your dream dress to ship from overseas, and come down to our shop today! Our prices are not negotiable but we are happy to offer a 10% discount if you pay cash for a gown during your initial appointment. Since 2007, we have proudly served the Tri-State area & beyond - spanning our wedding services from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and Delaware.
Stop waiting for your dream dress to ship from overseas, and come down to our shop today! Our prices are not negotiable but we are happy to offer a 10% discount if you pay cash for a gown during your initial appointment. Since 2007, we have proudly served the Tri-State area & beyond - spanning our wedding services from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and Delaware.
Services
The Sample Rack opened in 2007 as a unique concept with a few wedding gown samples and word of mouth advertising. The gown appointments were on the 3rd floor of La Fourno Trattoria at 636 South Street. Jim Whittaker co-owns the restaurant and supplied the idea, the gowns and the space. For a few years The Sample Rack was Philadelphia's best kept wedding industry secret.
Planning a wedding can quickly become stressful and expensive. Our sales associate, Carlene, is professionally trained, and always takes a personal approach with every client. That means, no matter the type of day you have planned, we work with your budget to make it perfect! Get your dream dress right here in store and have access to our exclusive line of top-rated referrals including alteration specialists and tailors.
With our complete bridal assessment sessions, never be rushed again. Since all of our consultations are by appointment only, we have the added advantage of customizing your customer experience. You will always have a personalized specialist to cater to your needs. The Sample Rack prides itself on being able to continually provide the local Philadelphia area with exclusive discounted wedding gown options.
We take the hassle out of gown shopping by offering a personalized no-rush session that encompasses your vision of that special day. Take a look at our wedding gowns and brides to see examples of what we have in our showroom; then schedule an appointment with us! This was the perfect place for me! I wanted a personal environment where I could find a dress that suited me at a reasonable price and this place fit the bill.
At the The Sample Rack expect personal attention by a wedding gown expert who will advise you on size, style and alterations that will enhance your fit and image while maintaining the integrity of the gown. At the same time, you will never be pressured into a decision for which you are not ready. Many brides-to-be bring friends and family with them to help with making a decision.
Reviews (27)
Chloe Reeves
Dec 12, 2021
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I came in to try on dresses with my mother after a long day of appointments at other shops. We worked with Coraline and it was a dream experience. First of all, she was able to get us an earlier appointment when she found out she had a cancellation, which was so nice of her to offer. She educated us on wedding dress sizing, was not pushy in the least to pick the expensive option, and allowed us to browse the racks first (which was surprisingly not offered at the other shops we tried). I walked out with a beautiful dress after loving multiple others as well. I will recommend in the future!
Paige G.
Nov 11, 2021
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I want to start off by saying we had a really good experience at The Sample Rack. We called ahead and made an appointment. The shop is beautiful inside.
I was asked about my wedding details, the type of dress I'm looking for and what I don't want. Carlene also asked if I had been to other bridal shops. Based on what I told her, she pulled some dresses off the rack.
I wanted a modest dress and knew that this wouldn't be the easiest dress to find these days. However, I was hopeful that I could find something here since there is a great selection. One thing I didn't realize
I was asked about my wedding details, the type of dress I'm looking for and what I don't want. Carlene also asked if I had been to other bridal shops. Based on what I told her, she pulled some dresses off the rack.
I wanted a modest dress and knew that this wouldn't be the easiest dress to find these days. However, I was hopeful that I could find something here since there is a great selection. One thing I didn't realize
Katrina Black
Oct 22, 2021
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Ellen Manneschmidt
Oct 19, 2021
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Nina
Oct 14, 2021
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Irene M.
Sep 19, 2021
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I could not have dreamed up a better dress shopping experience. Carlene is amazing at what she does. First of all, she called me a few days before my appointment and asked me about my wedding and what I was envisioning for my dress. I was so impressed that she took the time to do that. I did not give her much to work with other than that I was picturing a non-strapless flowy A-line dress and I didn't want anything too fitted on the bottom. She worked her magic and knew instantly what to pull for me. Though she spent two hours (way past my scheduled appointment time) showing me a wide variety
Caleb S.
Jul 18, 2021
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Kandi K.
May 14, 2021
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What a great shop but more importantly what a great salesperson. I had already found "the" dress. Or so I thought. From the minute I started my conversation via email and text to the moment I showed up at the shop, my experience was top notch. Carlene is very good at her job. She listens and has deep knowledge of all the dresses in the shop. The cost of such an awesome one of a kind dress was unbelievable. Don't miss this shop ladies even if you "think" you already found your dress. You might be surprised and without hesitation you will "know" you found your dress
Jocelyn B.
Apr 08, 2021
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I am only giving this place 1 star because the dresses on the site were beautiful and the booking process was relatively easy. I booked a bridal appointment and i was scheduled for 3pm.I confirmed my appointment with an associate twice. As you can see the location is downtown and parking in center city is practically impossible. I left my house in northeast philadelphia and arrived in center city 10 minutes before 3pm. I drove around for 25 minutes looking for parking before i just decided to park in a pay garage. At 3:15pm, the same associate texted me and proceeded to say" Hi, your appointment
Maria Torres
Jan 28, 2021
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K. H.
Jan 20, 2021
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Pros:
So many positives, I’m not sure I can list them all!
1. There are so many choices of wedding dress styles in this shop. Variety from constantly adding to their inventory.
2. Designer dresses. These are high-quality fabrics only. I didn’t see any cheap-o David’s Bridal or Anthropologie-type dresses that fall apart.
3. Fabulous stylists who can give an opinion and assist in many ways. The stylist recommended several different tailors (it’s a wedding dress, everyone needs alterations).
4. Easy to make an appointment.
Cons:
Wanting to buy more than one dress?
I am so grateful
So many positives, I’m not sure I can list them all!
1. There are so many choices of wedding dress styles in this shop. Variety from constantly adding to their inventory.
2. Designer dresses. These are high-quality fabrics only. I didn’t see any cheap-o David’s Bridal or Anthropologie-type dresses that fall apart.
3. Fabulous stylists who can give an opinion and assist in many ways. The stylist recommended several different tailors (it’s a wedding dress, everyone needs alterations).
4. Easy to make an appointment.
Cons:
Wanting to buy more than one dress?
I am so grateful
Michelle S.
Jan 19, 2021
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The booking process was easy on their website, and I filled out a questionnaire. Bethany texted me beforehand to confirm and answer any questions I had. Not only did she pay more attention to my questionnaire than any other shops did, but she also has the most fun personality, and she really knows her stuff! Her selection is beautiful and in exquisite condition. The store itself is charming, organized, and smells great. :)
I tried on a dozen gorgeous and unique dresses in different colors, materials, shapes, and styles. At the end of the day, when I officially decided that I was still in love
I tried on a dozen gorgeous and unique dresses in different colors, materials, shapes, and styles. At the end of the day, when I officially decided that I was still in love
Jenny W.
Oct 09, 2020
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I scheduled a bridal appointment around mid September for October. I received several emails about confirmation and reminders. I was also called by the salon to talk about my appointment. The consultant asked who would be joining me. I informed her it would be 4 people. She then informed me that I was only allowed two because of Covid. This was not posted anywhere on there website nor was it mentioned in the many emails I received. I understand precautions however the salon owner should make it very clear how many people can attend, since this is often an important time when brides
Crystal L.
Sep 06, 2020
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They didn't have much there that I liked in my size. There was one dress that was ok but it was very worn, frayed and dingy looking, definitely not worth $1,000!! Also the girl helping me kept stepping on the dresses in her big chunky heals. She literally stepped on every dress I tried on multiple times!! I'm not going to take home a $1,000 dress you just stepped all over.
Samantha W.
Sep 05, 2020
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I just got back from celebrating saying "yes to the dress" today at The Sample Rack. Let me tell you-- from start to finish, my experience was amazing, and I can't thank Carlene enough!!! For starters, when I made my appointment, Carlene called me the same day to discuss what I was looking for. I told her I was having a micro wedding, so I didn't want to spend to much on the dress. She was honest that she wouldn't have much in my price range, but said if I was comfortable spending $200 more, she was certain she would be able to find me something. She also suggested another
Helen G.
Mar 02, 2020
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Before I scheduled an appointment at The Sample Rack, I had visited four salons and grown more disappointed after each one. I felt sure I would end up settling for a dress, and never have that "wow" moment I wanted. Carlene called two days before my appointment to discuss what I was looking for. After explaining my taste, she said she had something I would love. To be honest, I didn't believe her, but was looking forward to visiting the store anyway.
When my mom and I arrived to our Saturday afternoon appointment, Carlene had put some dresses aside for me already and asked me about
When my mom and I arrived to our Saturday afternoon appointment, Carlene had put some dresses aside for me already and asked me about
Lynne L.
Dec 20, 2019
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I was optimistic about The Sample Rack, largely thanks to other reviews. Unfortunately, this was by far the worst experience I had out of the four total wedding dress shops I visited.
Carlene and I played some phone tag prior to the visit, and perhaps we got off on the wrong foot because I wasn't very excited to shop for a wedding dress and didn't have clear ideas about what I was looking for. Things got worse when I arrived at the store with my parents and best friend, who were expressly discouraged from looking around at the dresses and told to simply stay put in their seats. This
Carlene and I played some phone tag prior to the visit, and perhaps we got off on the wrong foot because I wasn't very excited to shop for a wedding dress and didn't have clear ideas about what I was looking for. Things got worse when I arrived at the store with my parents and best friend, who were expressly discouraged from looking around at the dresses and told to simply stay put in their seats. This
Meline G.
Dec 11, 2019
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I had such a wonderful experience at The Sample Rack recently. My mom, sister, and future SIL were in town from LA and TX, so I thought I'd take the opportunity and go dress shopping. The three of us plus my future MIL stopped at SR first then headed over to Philly Bride. I cannot describe the difference in my experience. Rosemary was my sales rep. She was kind, personable, helpful, and knowledge. Needless to say, I should've never left and just bought my dress the moment I put it on. After going to Philly Bride, we came back to SR, tried the dress on one more time, and walked out with
Elizabeth M.
Oct 14, 2019
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Went here on a whim, a month before my wedding, upon realizing that I hate my original dress. I looked online and grabbed the only available appointment for 2 days later. You fill out a form online about the type of dress you're looking for, budget, and a day before my appointment I received a call from Carlene who chatted with me about their inventory and store policies so that I'd be prepared for my appointment. She warned me that they only had 2 dresses that fit my criteria (which was really nice to know in advance!) but had lots of ideas since I was open to different styles. Long
Kristin K.
Jul 04, 2019
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It was clear that Carlene really paid attention to my preferences and style both before, and during, my appointment - every dress pulled for my appointment was really spot on (I ended up buying the second one I tried on).I appreciate that she really took time to get to what I liked during my appointment, and that I didn't feel any sales pressure while trying things on. My dress shopping experience was really easy, and I left with an absolutely stunning dress. Thanks so much!
Tyneisha M.
Mar 04, 2019
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While I didn't end up purchasing a dress here I still received great service and the prices were reasonable. From what I remember however there were no prices listed on the dresses and I had to call back and ask afterward. I stated what my budget was when I entered and I guess they pulled dresses from that. Personally however I still like to see the price.
Andrea Y.
Feb 16, 2019
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I had already decided on a dress at BHLDN but I wanted to visit this store, just out of curiosity. I scheduled an appointment with Carlene, and before my visit she contacted me to find out more about my preferences. I also sent her pictures of dresses I've tried on before.
I went without an entourage (all family and friends on the other coast), but Carlene and Amelia made me feel comfortable and immediately at ease. It's not easy shopping for an expensive dress by yourself, and I appreciated their opinions, compliments, and honest critiques! Not only did they pull dresses that I thought
I went without an entourage (all family and friends on the other coast), but Carlene and Amelia made me feel comfortable and immediately at ease. It's not easy shopping for an expensive dress by yourself, and I appreciated their opinions, compliments, and honest critiques! Not only did they pull dresses that I thought
Amanda J.
Aug 07, 2018
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The women at the Sample Rack are truly exceptional. They made you feel like family right from the start. Although, I did not end up buying my gown there, they provided me with the best experience during the process. They worked with me to understand my style and did not push any gowns on me. They allowed my mom and sister to look through the racks and gave us all the time we needed. I truly wished they had my dream gown in the store because I would have loved to purchase from these ladies! This place is a must stop when wedding gown shopping!
Ellie E.
Aug 26, 2016
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Carlene is an angel.
I called on a Friday afternoon and left a message requesting an appointment. That evening, around 6:30 pm, (way after regular business hours) Carlene returned my call.
Carlene introduced herself and then proceeded to ask questions about my fashion style as well as my body type and the location of my wedding. As I talked I could sense her excitement for my big day growing. As I shared my vision for my big day and the type of dress I was looking for, Carlene began to excitedly talk about the types of dresses she had in the shop that fit what I wanted. Indicating I was
I called on a Friday afternoon and left a message requesting an appointment. That evening, around 6:30 pm, (way after regular business hours) Carlene returned my call.
Carlene introduced herself and then proceeded to ask questions about my fashion style as well as my body type and the location of my wedding. As I talked I could sense her excitement for my big day growing. As I shared my vision for my big day and the type of dress I was looking for, Carlene began to excitedly talk about the types of dresses she had in the shop that fit what I wanted. Indicating I was
Julie M.
May 19, 2016
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I would definitely recommend the Sample Rack to brides-to-be. This was the 6th store I went to, so I knew what I wanted by the time I came here. I sent Anna pictures ahead of time, and she and Rachel had already pulled a number of great options when I arrived. The atmosphere is friendly and having the store to yourself makes the experience feel more relaxed. I came in with my mom on a Thursday and actually found 3 dresses I liked, but I couldn't decide. Rachel and Anna were very accommodating in letting me come back another day with my sister to make a final choice. One small note: if you
M. B.
Apr 13, 2016
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We came in on time and they weren't ready for us for another 10 minutes. We looked through the racks and I didn't see anything I liked. I can't remember who was helping me but she made me try on a "gorgeous" gown in her mind that was nothing like the pictures I showed her. It was terrible. And then she blamed my budget even though no matter how much it would have been they had nothing to offer that I would have liked. They were discouraging and said "that kind of dress will cost way more than your budget". Thanks for your help and encouragement for someone looking
Michelle C.
Feb 02, 2015
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I've passed The Sample Rack countless times while driving down Pine Street. There are always gorgeous dresses in the window and they rotate constantly. I called to book an appointment and spoke with Carlene, who explained the unique nature of the shop (samples only; designer dresses offered at a discount, etc.).
The shop is open by appointment only and you receive the undivided attention of the staff. Carlene and her colleague (whose name I forget - she was so sweet!) pulled a really lovely array of dresses according to my preferences. I tried on an incredible gown that was discounted by
The shop is open by appointment only and you receive the undivided attention of the staff. Carlene and her colleague (whose name I forget - she was so sweet!) pulled a really lovely array of dresses according to my preferences. I tried on an incredible gown that was discounted by
