If you’re newly engaged and diving into the world of wedding dress shopping, you’ve probably come across two terms: off the rack and special order. While they both lead to the same magical result, aka you in your dream dress, they are different shopping experiences. At Tie the Knot, we’re proud to offer brides the best of both worlds with two separate stores, Tie the Knot Off the Rack and Tie the Knot Bridal Boutique.
So what’s the difference? And most importantly, which one is the right choice for YOU? Let’s break it all down.
What is a special order wedding dress?
A special order wedding dress is what most traditional bridal boutiques offer. You try on sample gowns, choose your favorite, and the designer creates a brand-new dress for you in your size. Gowns typically take 4–6 months to come in, and then 3-4 months for alterations.
Pros:
- Order any dress to your size
- More styles and fabric options
- Ability to make certain customizations
Cons:
- Longer wait time
- Higher price point, dresses range from $1500-$8000
What Is an Off-the-Rack Wedding Dress?
Shopping off the rack means you’re purchasing a gown directly from the boutique’s floor—no waiting, no reordering. You try it on, love it, and take it home the same day!
Pros:
- Instant gratification—you walk out with your gown!
- Perfect for short timelines or spontaneous celebrations
- Often more budget-friendly, dresses range from $300-$2599
- You know exactly how the dress fits your body, with no surprises
Cons:
- Shopping within size (though alterations can make it work depending on the dress!)
- Once it’s gone, it’s gone. These are often one-of-a-kind finds
- Requires an open mind when shopping, since the selection is constantly changing
So, Which One’s Right for You?
Choosing between off the rack and special order really comes down to your timeline, budget, and how you like to shop. If you’re working with a shorter timeline, looking to stick to a budget, or just love the idea of trying something on and taking it home that same day, off the rack is likely the perfect fit for you. It’s ideal for brides who are spontaneous, planning a quick engagement, or simply don’t want to wait months for their gown to arrive. On the other hand, if you have more time before your big day and have a very specific vision in mind, special order might be the better route. It is best for brides who are willing to wait a bit longer for their dream dress to be made just for them. The great news? We offer both! At Tie the Knot Off the Rack the gowns are purchased off the rack and at Tie the Knot Bridal Boutique, you special order gowns! Both paths lead to your perfect gown, it just depends on what journey you want to take to get there.
At Tie the Knot Off the Rack, We Specialize in Off the Rack Magic
We believe that every bride deserves to feel beautiful and excited when saying yes to the dress. Our off the rack gowns are curated to offer you the best without the long wait or high price tag.
We carry a wide range of sizes and styles, and our bridal stylists are experts at helping you find a dress that fits your wedding dreams and fits your timeline too!
✨ Ready to find the one? Book your appointment today and say yes to your dress the same day!
