Franklin Dean
Buying a wedding dress online can be a convenient and cost-effective way to find your dream gown. With a wider selection of styles, sizes and designers than in-store, you can find a dress that aligns with your personal style, all from the comfort of your own home. However, it can be a stressful experience, with concerns about size, fit, material and quality. So, if you're thinking of buying a wedding dress online, here's what you need to know.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Online shopping can save you money due to frequent promotions and the absence of expensive showroom rentals, sales staff and other operating costs. |
| Convenience | You can shop from the comfort of your home with access to your entire wardrobe for styling and accessorizing. |
| Inventory | There is typically more inventory available than in-store, with a wider selection of sizes and styles. |
| Reputable retailers | Always buy from a reputable retailer. If a price is too good to be true, then it probably is. |
| Fit | It can be challenging to find the right fit online, but many online retailers provide detailed instructions on measuring yourself correctly, and some offer "try before you buy" options. |
| Quality | It can be hard to discern the quality of materials and craftsmanship online, but online platforms provide a curated shopping experience from luxury fashion destinations to emerging designers. |
| Viewing | You can still have a special moment with your loved ones when your dress arrives by hosting a viewing party. |
| Pre-owned | You can save money by buying a pre-owned dress from sites like Stillwhite, and even sell it again on the same site after your wedding. |
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What You'll Learn
Compare prices and reviews
Buying a wedding dress online can be a convenient and cost-effective way to find your dream dress. There are a few things to keep in mind when comparing prices and reviews. Firstly, it is essential to do your research and read reviews from other customers. Websites like Lulus offer detailed reviews and customer photos from real brides, making it easier to find the right dress for you. You can also check out websites like Wedding Shoppe, which offers a wide range of designer wedding dresses at competitive prices.
When comparing prices, it is important to consider the additional costs associated with buying a wedding dress online, such as shipping, taxes, and alterations. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, as this could be a red flag. It is also crucial to be aware of a website's returns and refund policy, especially if the dress does not fit correctly. Websites like Meshki offer free standard shipping on orders over $130 and allow returns within 14 days, which can be helpful if you need to exchange your dress for a different size.
To ensure you are getting the best value for your money, compare prices from multiple websites and retailers. Websites like Stillwhite offer pre-owned and second-hand wedding dresses at a fraction of the cost of retail, allowing you to find designer gowns at affordable prices. You can also consider buying directly from the bride, which can save you money and give you the opportunity to negotiate.
When comparing prices and reviews, it is essential to keep your personal style and budget in mind. By utilizing online tools and virtual consultations, you can find the perfect dress that aligns with your individuality and stays within your budget. With the right research and planning, you can find a gorgeous wedding dress online that suits all your needs and expectations.
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Take accurate measurements
Taking accurate measurements is crucial when buying a wedding dress online. While it is recommended to get professionally measured, you can take measurements at home with the help of a friend. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure precise measurements:
Prepare the necessary tools and attire:
- Wear only your underwear or the undergarments you plan to wear under your wedding dress. Even a bra or nylon tights can alter your measurements, so it's best to minimise layers.
- Use a flexible measuring tape. Avoid fabric tapes, as they tend to stretch over time, which may result in inaccurate measurements.
- Put on the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day, or shoes with a similar heel height. Your shoe choice can impact certain measurements, such as the length from your hollow (collarbone) to the floor or the hemline of the dress.
Bust measurement:
- Wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms, ensuring it sits comfortably at the fullest part of your bust.
- Keep the tape slightly loose to allow for comfortable breathing and movement.
Waist measurement:
- Stand up straight and bend to one side. The crease created will indicate your natural waist, which is typically the smallest part of your torso.
- Wrap the measuring tape around your waist at this narrowest point.
- Ensure the tape is not too tight; you should be able to fit a finger between the tape and your waist.
Hip measurement:
- Stand with your feet together and distribute your weight evenly on both legs.
- Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips and the fullest part of your bottom.
- Again, the tape should be comfortably loose, allowing you to fit a finger between the tape and your body.
Additional measurements:
For a custom-fitted dress, you may need additional measurements, such as the length from your head or hollow (collarbone) to the floor or the hemline of the dress. These measurements are crucial for ensuring the dress has the correct length.
Double-check your measurements:
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to take your measurements more than once. Compare the results to confirm consistency. Additionally, consult the size guide provided by the online retailer and follow their specific recommendations.
Taking precise measurements is essential for achieving the perfect fit for your wedding dress. While it may be daunting, many online retailers provide detailed instructions and virtual consultations to guide you through the process.
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Try before you buy
There are a few options to consider if you want to "try before you buy" when purchasing a wedding dress online. Firstly, you could try on a gown in-store and then compare prices online. This way, you can ensure the dress fits and suits you, and then find the best price.
Some online retailers, such as Azazie, offer a try-on-at-home service. For a small fee, you can select a few sample dresses to try on at home, keeping them for a week before returning them. This option allows you to try on the dress in the comfort of your own home, with your bridal party, and style it with accessories from your wardrobe.
Avery Austin offers a similar service, with their Try at Home Program. You can choose up to three dresses to try on at home for seven days, and the sample cost is discounted from your order if you decide to purchase.
Another option is to use an online platform that offers virtual consultations and online styling services. These services can help you navigate options, receive expert advice, and make informed decisions about your wedding dress.
It is important to note that trying on a wedding dress at home may not provide the same experience as trying on a dress in a boutique. However, it can be a convenient and cost-effective way to find your dream dress.
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Check return policies
Buying a wedding dress online can be a stressful experience, especially because of concerns about size, fit, material, and quality. It is therefore important to be aware of the return policies of the online retailer you are buying from.
Many online retailers offer detailed instructions on how to measure yourself correctly to ensure a better fit. Some even offer virtual consultations and online styling services to help you make the right decision. However, if you do end up changing your mind about a wedding dress you purchased, it is important to note that all wedding dress sales are usually final. In such cases, you can try to sell your dress online and then buy another one.
If you are unsure about your purchase, it is always worth contacting the retailer to ask about their return policy and any possibilities for exchanges or refunds. Some retailers may allow you to exchange your dress for another one of the same or higher value, as long as the original dress is in its original condition with tags still attached. However, this may be subject to a time limit.
It is also important to buy from a reputable retailer. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. This may result in you receiving a cheap knock-off, or the dress not arriving at all. Therefore, always check the return policy and do your research before making such a significant purchase.
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Buy from a reputable retailer
Buying a wedding dress online can be a convenient and exciting experience, but it's important to be cautious. One of the most important things to remember is to buy from a reputable retailer. This will ensure that you receive a high-quality dress that meets your expectations.
There are many reputable online retailers that offer a wide range of wedding dresses to choose from. These include well-known department stores such as Nordstrom, which carries high-end and contemporary brands, including labels like Valentino and Tom Ford. Shopbop is another leading online fashion destination, offering a carefully curated collection of contemporary and fashion-forward designs from various designers.
In addition to these larger retailers, there are also many reputable independent designers and direct-to-consumer brands to choose from. These include brands like Carolina Herrera, which offers timeless elegance with a modern twist, and Rouvell Wedding, an independent designer known for creating dream-like vintage-inspired dresses.
To ensure you're buying from a reputable retailer, it's important to do your research. Read reviews from other customers, and look for retailers that are well-reviewed and recommended by real couples. You can also check for regular discounts, as reputable sellers often offer promotions on their online wedding dresses.
Finally, remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of extremely low prices, as this could indicate a cheap knock-off or a scam. By following these tips and buying from a reputable retailer, you can ensure that your online wedding dress shopping experience is positive and stress-free.
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Frequently asked questions
Buying a wedding dress online can save you money due to the frequent online promotions offered by online retailers. You can also save money by buying second-hand from sites like Stillwhite, which offers designer wedding dresses at affordable prices.
Buying a wedding dress online offers a convenient shopping experience, with a wider selection of sizes and styles than in-store. You can also try on gowns in the comfort of your own home and read detailed reviews from other brides.
It can be tricky to find the right size and style when buying a wedding dress online. There may also be additional costs for alterations, shipping, taxes and import duties. Some brides may also prefer the experience of trying on dresses in a boutique with their friends and family.
