Tips for buying a wedding dress online

Shopping for your wedding dress is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it can’t be denied that there’s nothing like sipping champagne in a bridal boutique, trying on different dresses accompanied by your bridesmaids – but more and more brides are choosing to go on to buy their wedding dresses online. It’s an option to lean towards if you want the ease of browsing hundreds of styles in the comfort of your own home, and maybe even want to save some money by shopping online.  There’s a lot to consider before you start blindly browsing, so here’s our top tips to buying your wedding dress online.

Check the fabric

The fabric of your wedding dress can make or break it. It’s important to double check the fabric used on dresses you are contemplating buying online, and if possible ask for a swatch so that you can feel what the fabric is like. One of the problems with online shopping – especially if you are looking for a bargain – is that some dresses will use low-quality fabrics. If you don’t check which fabrics are used, you may be disappointed when your new purchases arrive in the post.

Use accurate measurements

When shopping online, especially if you are buying second hand from bride2bride, it’s so important to know your size accurately. Once you have your accurate size you can filter down and find the dresses that will be the best fit for you. Some online boutiques will ask for your measurements to create a bespoke gown, but you also need to read the sizing guides thoroughly to choose the right size if they do not. If you’re buying second hand and can’t find your perfect fit, it’s better to go up rather than down, so you can alter it if needed.

Ask questions

If you can’t see the dress in real life, make sure you ask the buyer as many questions as you want or have. Don’t feel like you’re being annoying, it’s going to be your wedding dress after all! If you’re buying second hand, ask how the dress is to move in, what it feels like on, maybe even what accessories the bride wore it with the first time, for inspiration!

Leave time for delivery

The last thing you want is to not give your dress enough time to get delivered, for you to try on or to alter it. Check with your seller the estimated delivery time, and give yourself extra in-case of issues with the postman. If you’re ordering from overseas, also allow time and budget for customs.

Act fast

If you’re buying a second hand wedding dress, don’t hesitate too long before clicking ‘buy’. A lot of brides will be looking for the same dresses, styles and designers, and you don’t want to miss out on your dream dress because you waited too long!