Buying a dress online?

Angusaur

I need opinions. I posted a couple months ago and everyone swayed me against buying a dress online I had never tried on. I'm super thankful because I finally got to try some dresses on, and the style I thought would look good actually looked awful. I tried on 4 different ballgowns though, fitted up top and big skirt and that's what looks best on me. The issue is I didn't find the one though. I'm running out of time because I'm over 5 months pregnant and I'm plus size. I was already having a hard time finding dresses in my size that I even liked to try on. (I only went to Davids and 1 local small boutique). Ok so now I'm very much considering ordering online. I figure if I know the silhouette that will work best on me now, and make sure I order the correct measurements, it shouldn't be an issue right? I mean I loved the way the ballgowns flattered my shape but none of the fabric/bling/pattern/styles were what I was looking for.

Do you think I would still be making a mistake by going this route? I'm going to use bestbridalprices because I know they're legit and not a knock off.

missdelilah

How much difficulty are you having imagining what your measurements will be considering that your wedding will take place five months after the birth of your child (if I can do maths at this time of night).  Will that sort of dress still look great on you when you don't have another person growing inside of you?  If you're confident about it, then I'd say bestbridalprices is a good option.  

I'd call the company and ask what they recommend you do regarding size options.  It's definitely better to over estimate than under estimate, but given that your body will go through massive changes between now and your wedding date, be prepared to have some massive alterations done.

Your other option is waiting until your child is born, and buying something off the rack.  You can find really great deals at these sorts of stores, but it's very hit and miss and you may have to go to a few before you find anything you like.  The ones I visited had heaps of larger sized dresses.   If you buy a dress from one of these stores, the process is usually that the gown will take a couple of weeks to a month to be cleaned, and the general recommendation is to leave at least a month for alterations. 

Good luck making your decision, and congratulations on both the engagement and the baby! 

Angusaur

@missdelilah I was considering to wait until baby comes and then shop from the racks but I live in such a small area and I am terrified I won't find anything and will have to settle. The dress is important to me. I think/hope I can accurately measure what size I'll be and I do believe this silhouette is what will flatter me once she comes, because I am and have always been apple shaped. Ahh I wish it weren't such a big decision!

Thanks for the help

QueerFemme

You could try it, but it's risky. You could consider taking a road trip after the baby is born to a larger city to buy off the rack.

CMGragain

NEVER buy a dress unless you have actually tried it on in person.
NEVER order from a Chinese knock-off site.  Those photos aren't their own dresses.  You don't know what you will get, and forget about a refund.
I would wait until after the baby comes.  DB gets in new stuff all the time.  I was a size 12 before daughter.  Size 16, after.  Sigh!

missdelilah

@CMGragain  The site OP is talking about is a brick and mortar store in the US that happens to sell online as well.  No Chinese knock offs involved.  That aside, I agree with you about the size issue.

@Angusaur I think @QueerFemme is right.  It might be worthwhile to take a trip to a larger town/city to look for new styles once you've recovered from the birth and have the time.  David's isn't your only options.  I can think of two other stores in my area that do off the rack, and that's without any particular research into the topic.  Hopefully you can find some alternatives not too far away.

I don't have a child, so traveling for wedding stuff doesn't seem like a problem to me.  Actually about to get on a four hour bus trip to look at shoes today, and then back tonight.  Sounds ridiculous, but I didn't want to buy anything online personally.  At least you can look at the brands best bridal prices carries, hopefully find the gowns you want to make sure you're happy with the details, then order online if you wish.  

The other options are sites like Tradesy and Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses.  You can save a lot of money buying something second hand; the turn around time is really low (most dresses on these sites claim they've already been cleaned) and the dresses are guaranteed authentic.

hyechica81

i second QF on taking a road trip if you can to a bigger city and looking for dresses 

dont settle if davids did not have anything and you didnt like the styles then stay away from them. what state are you in. i was a plus size bride and i know a lot of places all over the us that cater to plus sizes