Shopping for a wedding dress is a big deal. It’s exciting, emotional, and, let’s face it, sometimes a little overwhelming. While some brides can’t wait to visit boutique after boutique, maybe you’d rather kick back on the couch, browse endless styles of wedding dresses online, and have your dream gown delivered right to your door.
But here’s the catch: online wedding dress shopping comes with its own set of challenges. From dodging scams and decoding size charts to navigating tricky return policies, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed.
Don’t stress, though—I’ve got you covered. We’ve done the research, gathered expert advice, and put together this guide to make sure you can shop confidently and find the one without leaving your living room.
So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s dive in—you might just find the best site to buy your wedding dress online right here.
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Why You Should Consider Buying a Wedding Dress Online
It’s More Cost-Effective
One of the biggest perks of buying a wedding dress online is the cost savings. You can often snag a stunning, designer gown for 40%-50% less than what you’d pay in a physical store.
Why? Online retailers don’t have the overhead costs of a brick-and-mortar shop—think rent, staff salaries, and utilities. Those savings are passed directly on to you, my friend.
It’s Ultra-Convenient
Let’s be real: browsing wedding dresses online from your couch, in your pajamas, with a glass of wine in hand, beats schlepping to a dozen different boutiques any day.
Plus, online stores often have way more variety than a single boutique could ever offer. Whether you’re after a boho vibe, a classic ball gown, or something a little unconventional, the internet has your back.
How to Spot Legit Online Wedding Dress Retailers
Not all online wedding dress retailers are created equal. For every legit site, there’s one lurking in the shadows, ready to scam unsuspecting brides-to-be.
The good news? With a few smart strategies and a little research, you can easily separate the trustworthy retailers from the sketchy ones.
1. Check Reviews Thoroughly
When you search for wedding dresses online, it seems as if all the sites you come across appear to be “reputable.” But, some are so much better than others.
Take time to read consumer reviews carefully. If someone had a bad experience—whether it was poor quality, incorrect sizing, or a scam—they’ll likely share it online.
2. Watch for Common Scams
One of the most common scams involves buying what’s advertised as a designer gown, only to receive a low-quality knockoff that looks nothing like the pictures. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Here are some quick red flags to keep in mind:
- The website lacks contact information or customer service support.
- There’s no return or exchange policy in place.
- The store isn’t featured in major wedding magazines, or trusted sources.
If anything about the website feels off, trust your instincts and move on.
3. Stick to Well-Known Retailers
To avoid unnecessary stress, stick to retailers with strong reputations, clear policies, and verified reviews. A little research upfront will save you time, money, and heartache later.
The Best Places to Buy a Wedding Dress Online
Every retailer listed below checks all the boxes we just went over—great reviews, clear contact information, solid return policies, and a reputation you can trust.
If you’re exploring where to buy wedding dresses online, these are some of the most popular options.
Disclosure: We earn a small commission for purchases made through some of the links in this post, at no additional cost to you. It’s one of the ways we keep this site running.
BHLDN
BHLDN (pronounced beholden) is part of Anthropologie, which already tells you they’re the real deal. Their site is incredibly user-friendly, and they even have stylists available to offer sizing advice, style recommendations, and a second opinion if you’re feeling unsure.
Highlights
- Fast shipping (usually 5-7 days if the dress is in stock)
- Excellent return policy
- Unique designer gowns
Lulus Bridal Shop
Lulus is known for trendy, affordable fashion, and their bridal line is no exception. Their dresses are perfect for brides looking for something beautiful without breaking the bank. Their customer service is top-notch, and they have an easy, no-hassle return policy.
Highlights
- Budget-friendly options
- Great customer service
- Easy returns
Lulus Exclusive! The Lulus Luxe In Amazement White Tulle Embroidered Sleeveless Gown wi… [More]
Azazie
Azazie is a fan favorite for brides on a budget. They offer custom sizing, which is a game changer if you struggle to find a dress that fits perfectly. Plus, they offer swatches so you can check fabric and color before ordering.
Highlights
- Custom sizing available
- Swatches for fabric samples
- Generous return policy
David’s bridal
David’s Bridal has been a staple in the wedding dress industry for ages, and their online store offers the same variety and reliability as their physical locations. You can even schedule virtual consultations with stylists.
Highlights
- Wide range of styles and sizes
- Virtual stylist consultations
- Reliable brand name
Reformation
If sustainability is your jam, Reformation has your back. They specialize in chic, minimalist wedding dresses made from sustainable materials. Perfect for an eco-conscious bride.
Highlights
- Eco-friendly options
- Stylish and modern designs
- Good return policy
Online Wedding Dress Shopping Tips
Ok, so now you have a better idea of the pros of buying a wedding dress online and how to avoid getting ripped off. But there are three key tips you need to keep in mind once you actually start shopping for a wedding dress online.
1. Pad Your Date
Give yourself plenty of time for your dress to arrive. While some retailers ship in-stock dresses within a week, others might take 6-12 months (the same goes even if you were buying in a brick & mortar store).
When selecting a shipping date, you should aim to have your dress shipped well in advance of your travel date – not your wedding date. This is a biggie.
If a retailer asks for your wedding date, you need to give them your travel date because that is the date they will aim for when shipping your dress. To be even safer, pad the heck out of that date.
You also have to consider alteration time. This can take about 3-6 months, on average! It’s smart to book a seamstress even before you place your dress order.
She can take accurate measurements so that you can purchase the right size dress. You can give her a time frame as to when your dress will arrive and set up future appointments. And speaking of seamstress….
2. Get a Great Seamstress
This is what will make or break your online wedding dress shopping experience. You need to make sure you have an awesome seamstress on hand who has vast experience with wedding dress alterations.
This also leads to my next piece of advice, which is….
3. When in doubt, order a size up
A great seamstress can take in a large dress and make it fit your body. But not even a miracle worker can fit you into a dress that is too small.
Most online wedding dress shops will have size charts or a stylist who can help you pick the right size. But if you’re debating between two sizes when buying a wedding dress online, always go for the bigger size. And then let your awesome seamstress work her magic.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best place to buy wedding dresses online doesn’t have to be stressful. Stay educated, aware, confident, and time-oriented during this process. If you are, you’ll get the dress you love, at a price you deserve! Happy dress shopping, friend!
Top Photo Credit: Jill Wellington
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Hi Cynthia,
I saw a wedding dress on two different sites. pgmdress.com and etsy.com, Do you know any of these sites? is it safe to orde from them?
Hey Samantha,
I’ve never heard of PGMdress but if you google it along with the word “reviews” you’ll see comments from brides who have ordered from them (I just googled it and found a few reviews that weren’t too encouraging). Etsy is a global marketplace where any individual can sell products. I’ve purchased items from Etsy many, many times over the years and I love them. I actually recommend a few Etsy products on this site. That being said, I have never purchased a wedding gown from Etsy. The main thing you need to look at when buying ANYTHING from Etsy is the individual seller’s reviews. Because you’re not buying the dress from Etsy — you’re buying it from an individual who uses Etsy as their platform to sell those dresses. Some sellers have stellar reviews and others don’t. You can see how many stars they have and how many people have reviewed them if you look under the description on the right-hand side. For something like a wedding dress, I would make sure that the seller has a 5-star rating from at least a couple of hundred buyers. Good luck!
Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for your post. It was really helpful for me. Please, have you ever hear about the website “Ailsabridal”?
Thanks!
Hi Alessandra,
So glad the post was helpful!
I have never heard of that site before. :/
Do not order from Ailsabridal. I ordered an outfit for my sons wedding. It did not look anything like the picture. It did not fit right and they refused to refund me the $126.00 for the outfit. They are a rip-off and not not to be trusted.
Hi Cynthia
What is your comments on an online wedding dress seller called missydress
Tnx
Thomas
I had never heard of them until now but there are a lot of red flags I see on their site that would make me steer clear. The biggest red flag is that they don’t have a phone number to contact. Their return policy is also really sketchy (i.e. you can’t return the dress if you don’t like it or it doesn’t fit).
These wedding dresses are very nice.
what should grandmother wear to a beach wedding?
Hi Pat –
Here’s a post on what guests should wear to a beach wedding: https://destinationweddingdetails.com/beach-wedding-attire-tips.html
Grandmothers can wear a casual dress or 2 piece skirt suit. The key is to wear fabrics and colors that you will feel comfortable in on the beach.
Thanks for sharing such a great and useful post about how to buy dresses online. Helpful post for all readers.