Franklin Dean
Buying a wedding dress is a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. Wedding dresses can cost anywhere from a hundred dollars to tens of thousands, so it's important to set a budget and find a retailer that suits your needs. Shopping online for a wedding dress can be tricky, but it often costs less than buying in-store. Many retailers offer well-curated bridal collections, allowing you to find your dream dress from the comfort of your home. This article will explore various places to buy a wedding dress, both online and in-store, to help you find the perfect one for your big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online Shopping | Reformation, Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, Halston, Stillwhite, eBay, Depop, David's Bridal, Macy's, Vow'd, ASOS, Shona Joy, Luxe Redux Bridal, Azazie |
| Budget-Friendly | Stillwhite, Azazie, Reformation, Nordstrom, Macy's, Vow'd, ASOS, Shona Joy, Baltic Born, AW Bridal, Cocomelody, Eloquii, Ivy City |
| In-Store | Nordstrom, Saks, Mac Duggal, Azazie |
| Accessories | Anthropologie, Nordstrom |
| Returns | Reformation, Nordstrom, Stillwhite, Azazie |
| Eco-Friendly | Reformation |
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What You'll Learn
Online vs in-person shopping
Shopping online for a wedding dress can be a convenient and appealing option for brides-to-be. Online retailers often offer a wide range of styles and sizes, competitive prices, and great shipping and return policies. They also allow you to shop from the comfort of your own home and avoid the potential pressure of in-person sales.
However, there are some challenges to buying a wedding dress online. It can be difficult to determine what a dress will look like in reality, especially if the website doesn't provide detailed product descriptions and customer reviews. It can also be tricky to find the right size, as wedding dresses often fit differently from regular clothing. To address this, it's recommended to get professionally measured before shopping online and to consult with a personal stylist or the online boutique's virtual consultation service.
In-person shopping at a bridal salon or boutique can be a magical experience for brides who want to try on different styles and get a feel for what suits them best. It can also be helpful to have the assistance of a salesperson or stylist, especially when it comes to understanding different fabrics and silhouettes. However, in-person shopping can also come with its own set of pressures and challenges, such as the potential pushiness of salespeople and the limited selection of styles and sizes in-store.
Ultimately, both online and in-person shopping have their advantages and disadvantages. Some brides may prefer to start their search in-person to get a sense of different styles and then order their dress online, while others may opt for the convenience and variety offered by online retailers. It's important to consider factors such as sizing, shipping times, return policies, and the level of personal assistance needed when deciding between online and in-person shopping for a wedding dress.
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Department stores
One of the most popular department stores for wedding dresses is Nordstrom. Nordstrom carries a wide range of gowns, catering to different tastes and budgets. They offer in-store alterations and will measure you before ordering a gown to ensure a perfect fit. This makes the experience feel like shopping at a bridal boutique without actually having to go to one.
Another popular department store for wedding dresses is Saks. Saks is known for its luxurious and elegant options, offering high-end designer gowns for brides seeking a couture experience.
For brides who are environmentally conscious, Reformation is a great option available at department stores. They offer sustainable and eco-friendly wedding dresses, and their shipping process is also simple and casual, without the pomp and circumstance of traditional bridal shops.
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Second-hand options
There are many options for purchasing second-hand wedding dresses. Borrowing Magnolia is a platform that connects buyers and sellers of second-hand wedding dresses. The platform is transparent and user-friendly, allowing buyers to browse dresses, contact the seller, and purchase the dress directly through the website. Borrowing Magnolia also emphasizes the sustainability aspect of second-hand buying, promoting environmentally conscious choices in the fashion industry.
Nearly Newlywed is another online marketplace that specializes in connecting brides with new, used, and sample wedding dresses. They offer a curated selection of dresses and provide a thorough authentication process to ensure the dress's authenticity. The website also handles all buyer interactions and shipping, making the process convenient for sellers.
Other online options include Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, featuring over 97,140 wedding gowns. Stillwhite allows buyers to chat safely with sellers and pay securely through PayPal. Local bridal resale shops and consignment salons are also an option for those who want to see and try on dresses in person before purchasing.
For those looking for a unique and sustainable option, Loved Twice Bridal in LA offers a huge selection of second-hand wedding dresses, with a boutique space for trying on dresses. Additionally, online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and Poshmark are worth exploring, as well as local options such as Goodwill and independent bridal salons.
Finally, The Knot, a popular wedding planning website, offers a Vendor Marketplace to find local consignment salons and connect with professionals about resale options. They also feature a blog with tips and inspiration for buying and selling second-hand wedding dresses.
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Budget-friendly retailers
For brides on a budget, there are plenty of options to find the perfect wedding dress without breaking the bank.
ASOS, for example, offers trendy yet affordable wedding dresses. While there is no dedicated bridal section, searching for "wedding dresses" or filtering for fancier dresses in the colour white yields decent options. Prices range from under $200 to $600, and there are tall, petite, and plus-size options.
Lulus is another online store that offers on-trend wedding dresses at affordable prices. Bridal designs in graphic lace, dreamy organza, and body-skimming stretch knit will only set you back $100 or less. The site is easy to navigate, with designs organised by different dress codes, fabrics, and styles.
Azazie is also a great option for brides on a budget, with most dresses retailing for under $300. From sexy fit-and-flare gowns to boho-inspired silhouettes and flirty mini-dresses, Azazie has something for everyone. They offer a "try at home" option, where you can try up to three dresses for $15 each, including shipping.
For those looking for a designer dress at a discounted price, TheDressWarehouse is a perfect choice. The site offers a broad selection of styles, from contemporary to traditional, with prices starting at $99.
Lastly, for brides open to "non-wedding" dresses, there are plenty of options to explore. Bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, and vintage or second-hand dresses can often be found in a variety of colours, including white or off-white. Consignment shops are also worth considering, as you may be able to snag a fantastic dress at a fraction of the original price.
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$62.99
Eco-friendly and sustainable options
If you're looking for eco-friendly and sustainable options for your wedding dress, there are several brands to consider that offer ethical and environmentally conscious choices.
Reformation is a popular choice for eco-conscious brides, with a number of sustainability practices in place. They utilize deadstock, recycled, and vintage fabrics, reduce waste, and are 100% carbon neutral. Their dresses offer a range of styles, from classic to cool-girl, and they provide free shipping and returns on all orders.
Whimsy + Row is another eco-conscious brand that specializes in high-quality, sustainable clothing. They use eco-friendly materials like Tencel and Cupro and commit to producing their pieces locally to ensure the ethical treatment of their workers. No scrap of fabric goes to waste, and they also have a range of Oeko-Tex STeP certified products.
For custom, natural fiber wedding dresses, Pure Magnolia is a great option. They incorporate European laces, Indian silks, colorful patterns, organic cotton, and vintage and recycled fabrics into their classic designs. Each dress is tailor-made to fit the bride's unique style, body, and wedding.
If you're looking for a rental option, Rent The Runway offers sustainable wedding gowns and eco-conscious bridesmaids' dresses. They've been dubbed "the Netflix model of haute couture" by The New York Times, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional bridal boutiques.
Finally, if you're open to pre-owned dresses, you can check out curated online closets like Borrowing Magnolia or Stillwhite, which offer designer wedding dresses at more affordable prices.
With these options, you can find a wedding dress that aligns with your values and vision for an eco-friendly celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're looking for a wedding dress under \$500, you can try DB, StillWhite, or Azazie. For under \$800, you can explore options at Baltic Born, Vow'd, AW Bridal, Cocomelody, ASOS, Shona Joy, and Eloquii. Bridal by Eloquii offers plus-size bridal outfits for under \$900.
Some popular online retailers for wedding dresses include Nordstrom, Saks, Kleinfeld Bridal, and Anthropologie.
When buying a wedding dress online, it's essential to review the retailer's shipping and returns policy. Familiarize yourself with different fabrics and read product descriptions to understand how the dress will fit and feel.
It's recommended to buy your wedding dress about nine months before the wedding to allow time for any alterations.
The average cost of a wedding dress was about \$2,000 in 2023, but prices can vary from under \$100 to tens of thousands of dollars.
