7 Tips to Buying a Wedding Dress Online

Are you thinking about buying a wedding dress online? Don’t miss this post! We’re outlining seven of the most important tips to safely buy your wedding dress online. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss wedding advice posts like this one!

Hi, loves! Emma here and if you’re worried about how safe it is to buy wedding dresses online, you’re not alone! Today’s bride wants instantaneous results. You don’t have time to run from shop to shop; you want to see everything right at your fingertips — and I totally get it. It’s amazing how easy it is to buy anything online.

This is coming from the girl who buys these in bulk online, among various other things on the daily. I get it: shipping to your door is so much easier. And, hey, it’s fun to ‘add to cart’. :)

Buying things for your wedding online is the same way. I talked to a couple who recently got married and it was incredible the number of things they bought online, sight-unseen. Almost everything was ordered online, from these table runners to the votive candles to these invitations. Even the bridesmaid dresses were ordered online!

Things like digital proofs, super-helpful product reviews, and two-day shipping have made shopping online so convenient; hence, that is why so many people are buying a wedding dress online and with great results. With sellers on Etsy unveiling new collections all the time, it’s easier than ever to buy a wedding dress online.

But before you say yes to the dress (or no to the dress), we want to give you a few pointers so you don’t get scammed.

Here are the top tips you need to know before buying a wedding dress online so you don’t fall for a scam, and most importantly, you get exactly what you want.

PRO TIP: Throughout this blog post, you’ll see beautiful wedding dresses by Barzelai: an Etsy dressmaker whom we absolutely adore! You’ll love working with Orit. If you are planning to shop for your wedding dress online, be sure to visit her store. She’s 100% wonderful to work with, that’s for sure!

Read on to find out more!

The first tip may be the most important rule to know when buying anything online.

1. Read reviews.

Before buying wedding dresses online, read reviews. It’s always helpful to do your homework. Places like Etsy offer reviews right inside a designer’s shop, so you can see first-hand what real brides have to say. Also, if you see a negative review out of many positives, don’t let it necessarily deter you: read the review and consider whether there was a simple communication error or perhaps a misunderstanding. If a majority of the reviews are glowing, it’s probably a safe place to buy.

2. Don’t cut corners.

One of the biggest mistakes brides make when buying a wedding dress online is trying to save money by cutting corners, aka trying to get a bargain somewhere else.

Don’t cut corners, especially when it comes to your wedding dress. For instance, if you find a gorgeous gown out of your budget, don’t seek a vendor who will copy the style and make it for you. It’s not just because we think that’s wrong, but also because the result is almost NEVER what you expect. Plus, the designer who made the dress you love is an expert.

You can’t just copy expertise. We’ve heard some horror stories and you know what? Many brides end up spending more money in the process (you know, like having to spend more money to scramble and find a new dress weeks before the wedding because theirs never arrived or was completely wrong? Yes, that’s (unfortunately) a true story from a bride.)

If the dress you found is completely out of your budget, do this instead: figure out what makes it the dream dress to you. Is it the romantically flowy chiffon fabric? The sweetheart neckline? The way the back has lace appliques? Once you identify what about the dress makes it a dream come true, you’ll be able to search for other dresses that have a similar feature that might be more within your reach.

3. Don’t buy the first wedding dress you see.

It’s tempting, I know! Buying a wedding dress online is a process and it’s OK to take your time. If you’ve found the perfect dress and it’s only a click away, at least sleep on it. You might wake up tomorrow and think, what was I thinking? Or, you might wake up and decide to go ahead, at which case, congrats — that sure was fast!

4. Order your wedding dress early.

As a rule of thumb, if you’re ordering a handmade wedding dress, make sure you check the designer’s schedule to make sure you’ll have your wedding dress at least three months before the big day.

This will ensure your dress will be ready for your big day, even if shipping takes forever or your dress isn’t completed on time.

You’ll need to have it professionally fitted, too, and seamstresses have busy schedules, too. You will also enjoy the extra time to try on veils with your dress (to pick the perfect style), as well as any accessories (i.e. a sash, wrap, your jewelry, or shoes).

5. Take the proper measurements.

When you send in your measurements, make sure they’re absolutely correct. It’s a LOT easier to take a dress in if it’s too big than the other way around.

Also, have someone else measure you, as you’ll get a more accurate measurement. You can even go see a tailor to have your measurements taken so you can be positive that the numbers add up. (Note: international sizing may differ, so be sure you check with your designer’s size chart.)

6. Ask for the remaining remnants.

When a dress is being made, there are extra swatches of fabric leftover. You can ask for these materials (it may be included in the cost or an added fee) so that you can use them for other accessories (that will match perfectly). Some examples? We’ve seen brides use the remaining fabric to make a ring pillow, a bouquet wrap, or incorporate it into their wedding clutch purse. If you don’t ask for it, it might just get tossed anyway (so it’s worth asking about!)

7. Know the return policy.

You’ll want to know the return policy in advance, just in case the dress doesn’t work out. Some wedding dresses have a no-return policy since they’re custom-made. Others can be returned to a boutique near you. And some wedding dresses have a limited return policy. Be sure you read and understand the policy before you buy.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, too — the designers work with MANY brides and are very familiar with dresses, styles, sizing, etc. Be sure to ask any questions before you buy.

Go to a bridal boutique and try on unique wedding dress necklines. You might find the perfect dress there OR you’ll at least leave knowing what style works best with your body type. Plus, be sure to bring your mom or your Maid of Honor or your bridesmaids… it’s a REALLY fun + memorable part of wedding planning, even if you don’t find the dress that day.

Where To Buy Wedding Dresses Online

If you like the gowns you’ve seen in this blog post, start shopping for your wedding dress online now! Head to Barzelai and start dreaming of your perfect bridal gown.

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma