Our Best Advice for Purchasing Your Wedding Dress Online and Saving Money

Shopping for a wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. However, traditional bridal boutiques and custom-made gowns can often come with a hefty price tag. Luckily, buying a wedding dress online has become an increasingly popular option, offering a wide range of styles and budget-friendly prices. If you’re considering purchasing your wedding dress online, here’s our best advice for navigating the process while ensuring you get a beautiful dress and save money.

1. Start with a Budget

The first step to buying a wedding dress online and saving money is to set a clear budget. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending. Online retailers offer dresses at a wide variety of price points, so determining a budget early on will ensure you don’t get tempted by options outside of your range.

Consider additional costs, too, such as taxes, shipping fees, and any potential alterations. Some online retailers offer free shipping, while others may charge a fee based on location or order total, so factor these costs into your budget as well.

2. Research Trusted Online Retailers

To ensure a smooth shopping experience, research reputable online wedding dress retailers. Look for stores with good reviews, clear return policies, and transparent customer service. Some popular and trusted online stores for wedding dresses include:

  • ASOS Bridal: Known for trendy, affordable dresses with options for various body types.
  • BHLDN: The bridal branch of Anthropologie, offering beautiful dresses at mid-range prices.
  • Etsy: Great for unique and custom-made dresses, often from independent designers.
  • Azazie: Known for customizable bridal gowns with a wide range of sizes.

Browsing customer reviews and photos on these websites can give you a sense of the quality of the dresses. It’s also helpful to check online forums and social media groups for feedback from other brides who have purchased dresses from the sites you’re considering.

3. Know Your Measurements

When shopping online, sizing can be a challenge, especially for something as fitted as a wedding dress. Standard sizing varies between brands, so it’s essential to know your exact measurements instead of relying on typical dress sizes.

For best results, have your measurements taken by a professional tailor or seamstress. Key measurements for a wedding dress include:

  • Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
  • Waist: Measure at the smallest part of your waist, typically a few inches above your belly button.
  • Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips.

Once you have these measurements, compare them with the sizing chart provided by the retailer. Many online bridal stores offer detailed sizing charts and even tips on how to measure yourself accurately.

4. Order Early

One of the most crucial aspects of buying a wedding dress online is allowing plenty of time for the dress to arrive. Some online retailers, particularly those that offer custom-made or made-to-order gowns, may take weeks or even months to process and ship. Additionally, you’ll want extra time in case the dress needs alterations.

To be safe, plan to order your dress at least six months before your wedding date. This gives you enough time to address any issues, handle alterations, and ensure you’re completely satisfied with the dress before the big day.

5. Read Return Policies Carefully

Each online retailer has its own return and exchange policy, so be sure to review these policies carefully before making a purchase. Some retailers may not allow returns on wedding dresses at all, while others may accept returns only under certain conditions, such as if the dress is unworn or returned within a specific time frame.

If possible, look for a retailer that offers a flexible return policy. This way, if the dress doesn’t meet your expectations or fit correctly, you’ll have the option to return or exchange it without losing your investment.

6. Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts

One of the major benefits of buying a wedding dress online is the potential for significant savings through discounts and sales. Many online bridal retailers offer seasonal sales, holiday discounts, and clearance events that can help you save. To stay informed, subscribe to the retailer’s email newsletter or follow them on social media to be the first to know about any promotions.

In addition to traditional sales, consider checking for coupon codes or discounts on sites like RetailMeNot or Honey. Some online retailers even offer referral programs, allowing you to save money by referring friends or family members to the site.

7. Budget for Alterations

Even if your dress fits well initially, alterations are often necessary to achieve the perfect fit. Small tweaks like adjusting the length or taking in the waist can make a huge difference in how the dress looks and feels. It’s wise to budget for alterations, as they can add up depending on the extent of the work needed.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider finding a local seamstress rather than going to a bridal boutique for alterations. Local tailors may offer more affordable pricing and can still provide high-quality alterations.

8. Use Samples and Previous Season Gowns

Many online retailers offer discounted gowns from previous seasons or sample dresses at lower prices. Sample sales often include dresses that were used for try-ons or photoshoots and are in nearly perfect condition. Shopping for a sample gown can help you find high-quality dresses from top designers at a fraction of the original cost.

Conclusion: Savvy Shopping Can Lead to Big Savings

Buying a wedding dress online doesn’t mean compromising on quality or style. With careful planning, thorough research, and attention to detail, you can find a beautiful wedding dress that fits both your vision and your budget. By knowing your measurements, ordering early, and keeping an eye on discounts, you’ll be well on your way to walking down the aisle in a stunning gown without breaking the bank.

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