Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a destination wedding and looking for the perfect dress? You're in luck! There are many options available to find your dream dress, whether you're searching online or in-store. When choosing a dress for your destination wedding, it's important to consider the location and venue, as well as the weather, season, and dress code. You may want to opt for a non-traditional look, with a colourful, short, or printed dress. If you're travelling to a sunny location, lightweight and breathable fabrics like chiffon are a popular choice. To find inspiration, browse bridal magazines or websites, and don't forget to check out what other destination brides have worn. Happy shopping and congratulations!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online shops | Olivia Bottega, Adrianna Papell, Leggendabridal, Vogue |
| Brick & mortar stores | N/A |
| Dress code | Traditional and white, colorful, short, printed, black-tie optional |
| Fabric | Chiffon, crepe, tulle, lace |
| Style | Strapless, puff shoulders, midi length, plunging necklines, corsets, airy and flowing |
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What You'll Learn
Online shops vs. brick-and-mortar stores
There are several factors to consider when deciding between online shops and brick-and-mortar stores for your destination wedding dress. Both options offer distinct advantages and disadvantages that are essential to keep in mind to make an informed decision. Here are some detailed comparisons to help you choose the best option for your needs:
Variety and Convenience:
Online shops offer a vast selection of wedding dresses from various brands, both bridal and non-bridal, at your fingertips. You can easily browse through different styles, colours, and price ranges without leaving your home. This convenience is especially beneficial if you have a busy schedule or prefer a more modern shopping experience. On the other hand, brick-and-mortar stores provide an in-person experience that some may prefer. They often offer exclusive collections and allow you to try on dresses with your family and friends, making it a memorable part of your wedding planning journey.
Cost and Savings:
Online shops typically offer more affordable options because they don't incur the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar stores, such as rent and staff salaries. You can often find designer gowns at discounted prices, sometimes up to 40%-50% less than physical stores. Additionally, online shops often provide free shipping, saving you additional costs. However, brick-and-mortar stores may have sales and promotions that can make their prices more competitive, so it's worth keeping an eye out for those opportunities.
Customization and Alterations:
Some online shops, like Olivia Bottega, offer free custom sizing and easy alterations to ensure your dress fits perfectly. This can be especially valuable for destination weddings where you want to ensure your dress travels well and suits the location. Brick-and-mortar stores may also provide alteration services, and in some cases, they are included in the price of the dress. It's essential to inquire about these services and their associated costs when considering your options.
Time Management and Delivery:
When ordering online, it's crucial to plan and allow ample time for your dress to arrive. Some online retailers can deliver within a week, while others may take up to 6-12 months. Aim to have your dress shipped well in advance of your travel date to avoid last-minute surprises. Brick-and-mortar stores may offer the advantage of immediate availability, but they may also require lead time for alterations or special orders.
Legitimacy and Security:
While online shopping provides access to a wide range of options, it's essential to exercise caution. Ensure you're dealing with a legitimate merchant to avoid scams and counterfeits. Research the online shop, read reviews, and follow guides to help you make an informed decision. Brick-and-mortar stores may provide a sense of security in this regard, as you can physically inspect the dress and often have more recourse if something goes wrong.
In conclusion, both online shops and brick-and-mortar stores offer distinct benefits for destination wedding dress shopping. Consider your priorities, budget, time constraints, and personal preferences when making your decision. Happy wedding dress shopping!
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Budgeting for your dress
Budgeting for your wedding dress is an important part of the wedding planning process. The cost of your wedding dress can significantly impact your overall budget, so it's crucial to be mindful of your finances and make smart choices. Here are some tips to help you budget for your dream dress:
Determine Your Budget:
Before you start shopping, decide on a realistic budget that you're comfortable with. Typically, couples allocate around 6%-10% of their total wedding budget to attire and beauty. This should include not just the cost of the dress but also any alterations and accessories.
Research and Compare:
Explore different options within your price range. Compare prices from various retailers, including online stores and brick-and-mortar boutiques. Online shops often offer more affordable prices, as their prices reflect the dress cost without the overhead costs of a physical boutique. Websites like Lulus, Azazie, and Anthropologie are known for their budget-friendly options.
Fabric and Embellishments:
The fabric and embellishments of your dress can significantly impact the cost. Silk, embroidered lace, tulle, and extra layers tend to be more expensive. If you're on a budget, opt for simpler fabrics like crepe, satin, or chiffon. Similarly, a simple dress can be glammed up with accessories like belts, necklaces, or flower crowns if you have room in your budget.
Alterations:
Alterations are often necessary to ensure your dress fits perfectly. These can cost anywhere from \$75 to over \$300, depending on the complexity of the adjustments. To save on alterations, consider choosing a dress brand that offers custom or made-to-measure sizing, such as Azazie. Alternatively, opt for a dress that already "almost" fits, requiring minimal adjustments.
Trunk Shows and Sales:
Attend trunk shows and sales events to find exclusive deals on designer gowns. These events often feature discounted prices, allowing you to snag your dream dress at a more affordable price. Subscribe to your favourite brands' social media pages and mailing lists to stay informed about upcoming sales and trunk shows.
Remember, it's important to stay focused by trying on gowns within your price range to avoid falling in love with a dress that's outside your budget. Happy shopping!
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Choosing a fabric
When choosing a fabric for your destination wedding dress, it's important to consider the location, season, and your personal style. Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting the perfect fabric:
Fabric Type and Comfort:
The fabric you choose should be comfortable and suit the climate of your destination wedding. Lightweight and breathable fabrics such as chiffon, organza, and georgette are ideal for warm weather and outdoor weddings. Chiffon, a sheer and simple weave fabric, provides a soft and effortless look, making it perfect for dancing the night away. Organza, also a sheer fabric, is traditionally made from woven silk, creating a soft and airy feel that moves with you. Georgette, another lightweight option, is suitable for sunny climates and strikes a balance between sophistication and comfort.
If you're looking for a fabric that captures a romantic atmosphere, consider guipure lace. Known for its intricate designs and bold, prominent motifs, guipure lace adds a touch of luxury to your special day. For a more subtle and minimalist approach, Chantilly lace offers delicate and detailed patterns, often in the form of florals or scalloped motifs.
Crepe is another versatile option, known for its sleek and minimalist style. It offers a comfortable stretch and is perfect for embellishments, making it a popular choice for brides seeking a modern yet classic look.
Destination and Season:
Consider the destination and season of your wedding when selecting a fabric. If your wedding is in a warm climate, avoid heavy and thick fabrics that can cause discomfort. Airy and lightweight fabrics will help keep you cool and comfortable. On the other hand, if your wedding is during the winter or in a cooler location, opt for thicker and insulating fabrics such as Mikado, which provides subtle shine and warmth.
Personal Style and Formality:
Ultimately, the fabric you choose should reflect your personal style and the formality of the celebration. If you prefer a structured design, certain fabrics will better suit that look. If you envision a flowing, light, and ethereal aesthetic, soft and sinuous fabrics like chiffon or silk will lend themselves beautifully to that dream.
Travel Considerations:
Keep in mind that you'll need to travel with your wedding dress, so choose a fabric that is easy to pack and transport. Chiffon, for example, is lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and simple to steam, making it a practical choice for destination weddings.
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Dress styles and silhouettes
When it comes to choosing a wedding dress for your destination wedding, it's important to consider the silhouette and style that will complement your body type, personality, and the location of your wedding. Here are some popular dress styles and silhouettes to consider:
A-Line Wedding Dresses
A-line wedding dresses are a classic and versatile choice that complements all body types. This style features a fitted bodice and a flowy skirt that flares out gradually, creating a slimming effect and flattering the bust. It is a popular choice for pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides as it elongates the body and adds height.
Empire Silhouettes
Empire waistlines feature a fitted bodice with the waistline sitting just below the bust, creating an elongated skirt. This style flatters all body types, especially those who want to emphasize their bust. It is a good choice for vintage-loving brides or those seeking a romantic, elegant look.
Drop-Waist Wedding Dresses
Drop-waist gowns provide a relaxed fit with a longer bodice that elongates the torso. This style is often associated with the 1920s and offers a unique, non-traditional look for your destination wedding.
Ball Gowns
Ball gowns are a dramatic and classic choice, featuring a fitted bodice and a voluminous, layered skirt that flares out. This silhouette flatters most body types by accentuating the waist and adding a whimsical, fairy-tale essence to your wedding look.
Mermaid and Trumpet Silhouettes
Mermaid and trumpet silhouettes are known for their sexy, romantic appeal. They contour the body, emphasizing the waist, hips, and curves. These styles are often chosen for beach weddings and can be accentuated with lace sleeves for a gorgeous fall or winter wedding look.
Sheath Silhouettes
Sheath wedding dresses are simple, sleek, and chic. With a minimalist design, this silhouette is ideal for rectangle and petite body shapes. It is a lightweight and practical choice for a beach or destination wedding, offering ease of movement and a timeless look.
When choosing a dress for your destination wedding, consider the location and weather conditions. Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as chiffon, and choose a silhouette that will keep you comfortable and cool. Don't be afraid to break away from tradition and choose a dress that reflects your unique style and personality.
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Online bridal shops
There are many online bridal shops that offer a wide range of wedding dress options for destination weddings. Here are some popular choices:
Olivia Bottega
Olivia Bottega is an online bridal shop that offers a beautiful collection of destination wedding dresses. They provide free shipping, free custom sizing, easy alterations, and affordable price options. Their dresses feature luxurious silhouettes, beautiful corsets, airy flowing styles, and a variety of skirt lengths to suit different tastes and destinations.
Azazie
Azazie is another popular online retailer for wedding dresses, offering simple and elegant designs. They provide custom sizing options and a try-at-home service. However, their production time is approximately 8 weeks, so it is important to plan accordingly.
Lulus
Lulus is recommended for those who need a quick option. They offer a range of wedding dresses, including simple and elegant styles. Lulus provides fast delivery and hassle-free returns, ensuring that you have plenty of time to find the perfect dress.
Revolve
Revolve is known for its trendy styles, and they offer a unique selection of wedding dresses. Their collection includes sultry styles with thigh-high slits, lingerie-inspired bustier bodices, and illusion paneling. They also cater to traditional brides with classic satin and crepe gowns. Revolve offers free two-day shipping on all orders, making them a convenient choice.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom, a major retailer, carries a small collection of wedding gowns, including renowned designers like Tadashi Shoji and Amsale. They also offer embroidered cocktail dresses, laid-back styles, and a range of colours for rehearsal dinners or other wedding events. Nordstrom provides in-store appointments for dress fittings and alterations, making it a convenient option for brides who want a one-stop shop.
These online bridal shops offer a variety of destination wedding dress options, ensuring that you can find the perfect dress for your special day, no matter the location.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find inspiration for your destination wedding dress by looking through bridal magazines, photo galleries of destination wedding dresses online, or by checking out what other real destination brides have worn.
There are many online shops that offer beautiful, affordable, and interesting designer dresses for destination weddings. You can also visit bridal boutiques or shops such as Olivia Bottega, Adrianna Papell, and Leggendabridal.
When choosing a destination wedding dress, consider the destination and venue, the weather, the season, the dress code, and the time of day the ceremony starts. You should also consider the fabric of the dress and select a style that will be comfortable and easy to travel with.
