Thinking of Buying Your Wedding Dress Online? Read This First

When you think of wedding dress shopping, you probably picture yourself standing in a boutique, in front of a mirror, and trying on dress after dress until you find “the one.” While you could handle the shopping this way, know that you don’t have to. A lot of modern brides are choosing to purchase their dresses online, and you can too. But, before you do, keep these helpful tips in mind.

Shop On Trustworthy Sites

First things first, understand that not all online stores are created equal. While there are plenty of good, trustworthy places to buy a dress online, there are also lots of scam sites. So, do your homework. Before you buy a dress, research the store to see how long it’s been in business, what past customers’ experiences have been, and other important details, such as shipping time. You should only make a purchase once you’re confident the store will deliver a quality dress in a timely fashion.

Inquire About Return Policies

Once you’ve found a site you can trust, take a moment to read the return policy with care. If your dress looks drastically different in person, needs to be traded in for another size, or has a flaw or defect, will you be able to ship it back and get a new one? If so, who pays the return shipping fees? Are returns allowed for some issues but not others? These are all things you need to know before you spend your hard-earned money on a dress.

Take Careful Measurements

As a final tip, don’t guess about your measurements or your size. Almost every quality site will include sizing charts to help you select the right dress size. However, your measurements still need to be accurate. While it’s fairly easy to take measurements yourself or to have a friend do it, you can also pop in to a tailor’s shop and get them done. Often, this service is provided free of charge. Even better, tailors are experienced at measuring people and should get the job done right.

Whether you’re getting married in Maui, your hometown, or anywhere in between, you deserve a dress that makes you feel your best. Fortunately, you can find that dress online. Just shop and buy with caution, and you’re sure to look amazing.

Tips for Finding an Affordable Wedding Dress

As you plan your wedding, you may find that some items are more expensive than you anticipated. In fact, many brides-to-be experience their greatest “sticker shock” when looking at wedding dresses. If you’re one of them, know that there are affordable wedding dresses out there. Furthermore, these tips can help you find a beautiful gown that’s within your budget.

Shop Online

If most of your wedding dress shopping has been at luxury boutiques, you’ve probably seen lots of high prices. Turn to the internet, however, and you’ll find much more reasonable options. Online auction sites, such as eBay, are a great place to find affordable new and used gowns. You can even find some good ones on Amazon, especially if you buy from independent sellers. Lots of people have gorgeous gowns they’re willing to part with at fair prices, and going online is one of the best ways to connect with them.

Shop Around

Prices can vary widely depending on where you live. If you’re in a big city, for example, many items, including wedding gowns, can cost more. But, if you take a drive to a smaller town nearby, you may be able to find better prices. Or, if you’re having a destination wedding, such as a Maui wedding, local sellers and retailers might have more affordable options. Instead of limiting your search to where you live, expand it to increase your odds of finding awesome deals.

Rent, Don’t Buy

For brides who really want to save money, renting a gown can be a great choice. Sure, you won’t get to keep the gown forever, but you’ll still look amazing on your big day and in your pictures. Plus, who really needs a wedding dress taking up space in their closet for the rest of their lives?

It’s true that wedding dresses are rarely cheap. However, there are many ways to make them more affordable, especially if you’re willing to think outside the box. For best results, set a realistic budget, stick to it, and explore all possibilities to find the affordable gown of your dreams.