Junior Rasmussen
The COVID-19 pandemic has made the process of buying a wedding dress more challenging, with the closure of factories and shops, travel restrictions, and limits on social gatherings. However, couples are finding creative ways to celebrate and plan their weddings, with some opting for smaller ceremonies and others choosing to postpone their weddings until a later date. Wedding dress boutiques are also adapting to the new circumstances, offering virtual consultations and providing flexible options for brides. For those who are unable to visit a boutique in person, online shopping has become a popular alternative, with many stylish options available from designers such as Roland Mouret, Whistles, and Monsoon. Additionally, wedding dress hire services offer a more affordable and sustainable option for brides, allowing them to wear designer gowns without the high price tag. Despite the challenges, couples are finding ways to make their wedding days special and memorable, even during the pandemic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress budget | Renting a wedding dress is a more affordable option than buying a new designer dress |
| Wedding dress trends | Going big with the décor, cake, and wedding dress is one of the top trends for 2021 |
| Wedding dress shopping | Online shopping is the only option due to the closure of "non-essential" businesses during lockdown |
| Wedding dress styles | Needle & Thread, Whistles, Roland Mouret, Ghost, and Monsoon offer a range of romantic, ethereal, vintage-inspired, and fairytale-like wedding dresses |
| Wedding dress consultations | Some bridal boutiques offer virtual consultations and fittings to accommodate government guidelines and travel restrictions |
| Wedding dress alterations | Some boutiques offer sample dresses that can be altered to fit in a short amount of time |
| Wedding dress purchases | Brides are encouraged to purchase their dream dress early to account for potential delays and alterations |
| Wedding dress logistics | Brides are encouraged to have a backup plan due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic and changing health guidelines |
| Wedding dress reuse | Brides may opt to wear their gown for an intimate ceremony and a larger celebration at a later date |
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What You'll Learn
Renting a wedding dress
The Dress Outlet, for example, offers unique and luxurious wedding dresses for rental, with a variety of lengths, designs, and styles. They have ball gowns, fit-and-flare dresses, and A-line gowns, which are all popular choices for weddings. Ball gowns, for instance, are considered royal and are a symbol of luck for your marriage. Fit-and-flare dresses are also versatile, coming in many colours and fabrics, and are flattering to most body shapes. A-line gowns are easy to move in and require a lot of dancing and mingling at weddings.
Something Borrowed Bridal is another wedding dress hire boutique that has provided countless designer wedding dresses to happy brides throughout the pandemic.
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Online consultations
If you're looking to buy a wedding dress during the pandemic, online consultations can be a great way to find your dream dress without leaving your home. Many bridal boutiques and salons now offer virtual appointments, where you can meet one-on-one with a stylist via video call. This can be a convenient and safe alternative to in-person appointments, allowing you to tour the store and browse gowns from the comfort of your home.
When scheduling an online consultation, be sure to ask about any virtual services offered by the bridal store. Some stores may offer free virtual consultations via popular video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or Facetime. During these appointments, you can expect a personalized experience, just like an in-person appointment. The stylist will show you in-store gowns that fit your style, budget, and preferences, and you can even invite your family and friends to join the call and help you choose "the one".
Before your virtual appointment, it's a good idea to research the bridal store's inventory and reviews online. Many stores have their gowns showcased on social media platforms like Instagram, so you can browse their collection in advance and save your favorites. This can help you narrow down your options and make the most of your virtual consultation. Additionally, be sure to check the store's website or social media for any important updates or guidelines, especially regarding health and safety protocols.
While online consultations can be a great alternative, it's important to note that some brides may prefer an in-store experience. If you're unsure about your preferences or want to see the gowns in person, you may want to consider booking an in-store appointment. However, keep in mind that due to the pandemic, in-store appointments may have limited availability and strict health regulations in place, such as wearing masks and social distancing.
If you're concerned about the cost or want a more sustainable option, consider renting a wedding dress. Wedding dress hire boutiques offer designer gowns at a fraction of the cost, allowing you to wear your dream dress without breaking the bank. Whether you choose to buy or rent, remember that planning a wedding during a pandemic can be stressful, but finding your perfect wedding dress can still be a fun and memorable experience.
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Buying online
If you're buying a wedding dress online during the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll want to start by finding the right boutique or brand. Many boutiques and brands are offering virtual appointments and online consultations to help recreate the memorable shopping experience of buying a wedding dress in person.
You can browse dresses online and save your favourites, and some boutiques will even send you a box with your favourites to try on at home. They may also include clips, veils, and a measuring tape in the box. You can then video chat with a stylist to discuss customisations and how to clip the dress.
If you're buying a dress that you've seen online but haven't tried on, you can contact the designer to arrange a virtual consultation to discuss your requirements, measurements, and further ideas.
Some boutiques are also offering discounts to health workers, so be sure to ask about any promotions when you book your appointment.
- Needle & Thread at Net-a-Porter: They offer romantic, ethereal bridal gowns, and you can get 15% off as part of their seasonal sale.
- Roland Mouret at Net-a-Porter: Meghan Markle's go-to designer creates sustainable wedding dresses and stylish jumpsuits, and you can get 15% off.
- Whistles at Selfridges: Their halterneck Maria wedding dress is similar to Meghan Markle's evening wedding dress, and Selfridges is offering free delivery.
- Ghost at John Lewis: They offer vintage-inspired wedding dresses, and their satin Willow dress is currently half-price.
- Monsoon: Their Hannah bridal gown features a Bardot neckline and a super feminine silhouette.
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In-store safety measures
While wedding planning and celebrations have been significantly altered by the pandemic, brides are still finding ways to shop for their dream wedding dresses. Bridal boutiques are also adapting to the new normal by implementing safety measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
- Limiting the number of guests who can accompany the bride to the boutique. This helps maintain social distancing and reduces the risk of exposure for everyone involved.
- Limiting close contact between staff and clients. While trying on dresses and assisting brides may require close interaction, boutiques are minimizing physical contact as much as possible.
- Increasing sterilization and cleaning throughout the day. Bridal boutiques are paying extra attention to sanitization, ensuring that high-touch surfaces are frequently disinfected and that gowns are properly sanitized between appointments.
- Requiring face masks for everyone inside the boutique. Both staff and clients are expected to wear face masks at all times to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
- Offering virtual consultations prior to in-store appointments. Some boutiques are introducing their stylists to brides through video calls before their in-store visit. This helps create a more personalized experience and allows stylists to curate a selection of gowns for the bride to try on when she arrives.
These safety measures aim to provide a safe and comfortable environment for brides-to-be as they search for their perfect wedding dress during these unprecedented times.
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Postponing your wedding
Stay Calm and Communicate
It's important to keep a level head and remember that postponing your wedding is a better option than cancelling it entirely. You will have the chance to celebrate your dream wedding, just at a later date. Communicate with your partner, families, and wedding party about your decision and keep them informed throughout the process.
Reach Out to Vendors
Contact your vendors as soon as possible to discuss postponement options and future dates. Be patient and understanding as you work with them to find a solution. Ask about their safety measures, cleaning procedures, and staff policies to understand the guidelines they are operating under.
Inform Your Guests
Send a simple "Change the Date" announcement to your guests to let them know about the postponement. You can follow up with a customised "Save the Date" later when you have confirmed the new date. Consider attaching a small wedding favour or including a fun video or photo with your updated invitations.
Plan a Small Celebration
Just because your large celebration is postponed doesn't mean you can't have a small, intimate civil ceremony. Outdoor ceremonies and gorgeous photos or videos at a safe distance can still make your day special. You can even incorporate virtual elements, such as Zoom weddings, to include guests who cannot attend in person.
Keep a Positive Mindset
Focus on the fact that you will still have your special day, even if it's at a later time. Embrace the opportunity to add personal touches and make your wedding even more memorable. Remember, you are not alone in this situation, and many couples are facing similar challenges.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dress shops have been forced to close during lockdown, meaning that online shopping is the only option. Some boutiques are offering virtual consultations, and some are also offering in-person consultations and fittings, with social distancing measures in place.
Wedding dress tariffs have resulted in price uncertainty, with some brides facing a surcharge of 10-15%. However, there are sales to be found online, with some dresses discounted by 15% or even 50%.
It's recommended that you buy your dress 6-8 months before your wedding to allow time for any minor delays and alterations. However, if you're buying a couture dress, the more time you can give your dressmaker, the better.
Some brides are opting to wear their wedding dress for their rescheduled wedding day, while others are choosing to wear something else and save their dress for the "big day". If you want to wear your dress twice, you could consider a design that can be altered to create a completely new look for the second event.
