Where Can I Buy Wedding Dresses Online?

Popular Online Retailers for Wedding Dresses

Where can i buy wedding dresses online – Finding the perfect wedding dress can be a daunting task, but shopping online offers convenience and a vast selection. Several reputable online retailers cater to brides-to-be, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these differences is key to a successful online shopping experience.

Major Online Wedding Dress Retailers

The following table lists ten major online retailers, providing a snapshot of their offerings. Remember that pricing and selection can vary seasonally.

Brand	Website URL	Price Range	Dress Styles Offered
David’s Bridal	www.davidsbridal.com	$100 – $3000+	A-line, ballgown, mermaid, sheath, plus size options
BHLDN	www.bhldn.com	$500 – $5000+	Bohemian, romantic, vintage-inspired styles
Azazie	www.azazie.com	$100 – $1000+	Wide variety of styles and colors, plus size options
Lulus	www.lulus.com	$50 – $500	Affordable options, casual to semi-formal styles
Revolve	www.revolve.com	$200 – $2000+	Trendy and modern styles, some designer collaborations
ASOS	www.asos.com	$50 – $500+	Wide range of styles, including budget-friendly options
Nordstrom	www.nordstrom.com	$200 – $5000+	Designer and non-designer options, various styles
Neiman Marcus	www.neimanmarcus.com	$500 – $10000+	High-end designer gowns, limited styles
J.Crew	www.jcrew.com	$300 – $1500	Classic and sophisticated styles, often with simple designs
Rent the Runway	www.renttherunway.com	Variable rental fees	Designer gowns available for rent, limited styles

Pros and Cons of Online Retailers

Each retailer offers a unique shopping experience. Consider these factors when choosing where to buy your dress.

Detailed pros and cons for each retailer would require extensive research and would exceed the scope of this article. However, factors to consider for each retailer include return policies (often stricter for online purchases), customer service responsiveness (check reviews), and dress selection variety (consider your style and budget).

Shipping Times and Costs

Shipping times and costs vary significantly depending on the retailer, location, and shipping method selected. Contact individual retailers for precise information.

Brand	Shipping Time (Estimate)	Shipping Cost (Estimate)	Notes
David’s Bridal	7-14 business days	Varies by location and order size	Offers expedited shipping options.
BHLDN	5-10 business days	Varies by location and order size	Free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
Azazie	Variable, depending on dress and customization	Varies by location and order size	Longer shipping times for custom orders.
Lulus	3-7 business days	Varies by location and order size	Offers expedited shipping options.

Dress Styles and Price Points

Understanding different wedding dress styles and price points is crucial for narrowing your search. The style you choose will largely depend on your personal preference, venue, and overall wedding aesthetic.

Wedding Dress Styles, Where can i buy wedding dresses online

Here are some popular wedding dress styles, along with brief descriptions:

• A-line: Fitted at the bodice and gradually flaring out from the waist, flattering most body types.
• Ballgown: Full, voluminous skirt, often with a fitted bodice, creating a classic princess look.
• Mermaid: Fitted through the hips and thighs, flaring out dramatically at the knees, emphasizing curves.
• Sheath: Straight, form-fitting silhouette, simple and elegant.
• Empire Waist: Fitted bodice just below the bust, flowing skirt, comfortable and flattering.
• Trumpet: Similar to mermaid but with a less dramatic flare, more gradual curve.

Wedding Dress Price Ranges and Styles

Price Range	Example Dress Styles	Fabric Examples	Notes
Under $500	A-line, sheath, tea-length	Polyester, chiffon	Often simpler designs, less embellishment.
$500-$1000	A-line, fit-and-flare, tea-length	Lace, satin, crepe	More variety in fabrics and details.
$1000-$2000	Ballgown, mermaid, empire waist	Silk, tulle, organza	Higher-quality fabrics and more intricate designs.
Over $2000	Custom designs, designer labels, intricate beading	Silk, high-quality lace, beading	Luxury fabrics, extensive embellishments, designer craftsmanship.

Popular Wedding Dress Fabrics

The fabric significantly impacts the dress’s look and feel.

• Lace: Delicate, romantic, can be intricate or simple.
• Satin: Smooth, luxurious, reflects light beautifully.
• Tulle: Sheer, lightweight, often used for full skirts.
• Organza: Crisp, sheer, adds volume and texture.
• Silk: Luxurious, drapes well, can be expensive.
• Crepe: Drapes well, matte finish, more structured than silk.

Sizing and Customization Options

Accurate measurements are crucial for a perfect fit when ordering a wedding dress online. Many retailers offer customization options to ensure the dress fits your body perfectly.

Taking Accurate Measurements

Follow these steps to obtain precise measurements:

1. Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape measure level.
2. Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso.
3. Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape measure level.
4. Hollow to Hem: Measure from the hollow of your throat to the desired length of your dress.
5. Shoulder to Shoulder: Measure across your shoulders, from one shoulder bone to the other.
6. Shoulder to Bust: Measure from your shoulder bone to the fullest part of your bust.
7. Arm Length: Measure from your shoulder to your wrist.

Customization Options

Many online retailers offer various customization options, including:

• Specific Sizing: Ordering a dress in your exact measurements.
• Alterations: Some retailers offer alterations services or provide guidance on finding a local seamstress.
• Color Changes: Changing the color of the dress, if available.
• Fabric Changes (limited): Sometimes possible, but depends on the retailer and dress.

Comparison of Sizing Charts

Sizing charts can vary significantly between retailers. Always check the specific retailer’s chart before ordering. A detailed comparison would require analyzing multiple charts and is beyond the scope of this article. However, always cross-reference with your own measurements and consider ordering a sample size if available.

Secure Online Payment and Shopping

Protecting your financial information is paramount when shopping online. Reputable retailers employ various security measures to ensure safe transactions.

Secure Payment Methods

Commonly accepted secure payment methods include:

• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• Debit cards
• PayPal
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay

Returning or Exchanging a Dress

Carefully review the retailer’s return policy before making a purchase. Return windows and procedures vary widely. Often, returns are more complex for custom-sized or altered dresses.

Tips for Secure Online Shopping

To ensure a safe online shopping experience:

• Only shop on secure websites (look for “https” in the URL).
• Use strong passwords and avoid reusing passwords across multiple sites.
• Check reviews and ratings of the retailer before making a purchase.
• Read the return policy carefully before placing your order.
• Pay with a secure payment method.
• Keep all transaction confirmations and communication with the retailer.

Reviews and Testimonials

Customer reviews provide valuable insights into a retailer’s service and product quality. Reading reviews can help you make an informed decision.

Examples of Customer Reviews

Note: These are hypothetical examples for illustrative purposes.

Finding the perfect wedding dress online offers a vast selection, catering to diverse styles and budgets. If you’re attending a winter wedding, considering the attire of the wedding party might inspire your own choice; you might find inspiration browsing options for wedding guest winter dresses to see current trends. Ultimately, the best place to buy your wedding dress online depends on your personal preference and desired style, but remember to check reviews before purchasing.

Positive Review (Retailer A): “The dress was absolutely stunning! It fit perfectly, and the customer service was excellent. I highly recommend this retailer.”

Negative Review (Retailer B): “The dress arrived damaged, and the return process was a nightmare. I would not recommend this retailer.”

Neutral Review (Retailer C): “The dress was okay, but the quality wasn’t as high as I expected for the price. Customer service was responsive.”

Importance of Reading Reviews

Reading reviews helps you gauge the retailer’s reliability, product quality, customer service responsiveness, and shipping experiences. Look for patterns in reviews to get a better understanding of the overall experience.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Retailer	Dress Quality	Customer Service	Shipping Experience
Retailer A	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Retailer B	Poor	Poor	Poor
Retailer C	Average	Good	Average

Essential FAQs: Where Can I Buy Wedding Dresses Online

What are the typical alterations needed for online wedding dresses?

Common alterations include hemming, taking in the waist or bust, adjusting straps, and adding or removing sleeves. The specific alterations needed will depend on the dress and your measurements.

How long does it typically take to receive a wedding dress after ordering online?

Shipping times vary widely depending on the retailer, dress style, and customization options. Check the retailer’s website for estimated shipping times and allow extra time for potential delays.

Can I try on a wedding dress before purchasing it online?

Most online retailers do not offer in-person try-ons. However, many provide detailed sizing charts and may offer virtual consultations to assist with sizing and style selection.

What should I do if the wedding dress I received is damaged or incorrect?

Immediately contact the retailer’s customer service department and follow their return or exchange policy. Document the damage with photos or videos.