Attire & Accessories Forum

Buying a dress online??!!

So I have started shopping for a dress, and am loving a certain designer.  I was just curious one night and looked it up online.  I was amazed that all the different price ranges for it!!!  In the bridal salon it would cost me at least 850-1K.  But I have even found it as low as $400 online!  And not used....so my question is, do I run the risk of buying it online to save $$$...to just suck it up and find a different dress more suitable for my budget?  ie- what could go wrong here?  Thanks everyone for ur help! 

Re: Buying a dress online??!!

  • Other than not being able to try it on (important with any garment, but particularly wedding gowns), my biggest concern would be that it would be a knock-off. If that were the case, the craftsmanship would likely be poor, the materials not as luxurious, etc.

    If you want to try to find the gown for less, your best bet is probably to look for a bride selling that particular dress, or searching on reputable used gown sites. I know there are several, but the only one I can think of off the top of my head is Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses. Of course, you always run a risk when purchasing your gown online, but some sites have relatively high success rates.

    You could also consider looking for it at a sample sale, specifically if it's a newer design. 
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  • i'd look into Pearl's Place, Rk Bridal, Jay's Bridal and Netbride.  They're all authorized retailers of the gowns they sell, so you'd get the real deal.  If you can, I'd at least try to try on the dress you want before you order anything online.

    Also, if you choose to go with an online site, check out customer reviews and check the company's rating with the BBB.

    GL!
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  • Alehayes recommended the places that are most recommended on here.  They are all reputable retailers of the dresses they sell.  I purchased mine through Jay's Bridal and they were fantastic.  I would be a little leery of other sites.
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  • I'd steer clear of any of those "custom made in china" sort of sites.

    You'd be surprised how many women are trying to sell never-worn or worn once gowns on TK classifieds, ebay, and other sites.  As long as you've tried on the dress you want and are sure you love it and know what size you need, this can be a good way to go.  Just remember to ask the seller what, if any, alterations were made - especially if it has been shortened, because that can't be undone.

    Some people would point out the moral/ethical issue of going to a salon to try on a dress knowing full well you intend to purchase it online and not from the salon.  This may or may not be an issue for you.  
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  • Honestly, I was going to purchase my gown online bc that's where they seem to be the cheapest for me, and I definitely don't want to spend a bunch of money on a dress I'll only wear once.  And I was going to go to a bridal salon and try on a similar dress just to make sure it would look good on me....but is it really wrong to do that???

    But to answer your question, I think that it would be ok to order online as long as it's from a reputable source.
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  • Some bridal salons maybe willing to sell the sample dress even if it is not a sample sale.
  • I would buy it online and save the money!!! I bought my sample dress on ebay and it worked out perfecty.
  • Again I totally agree about Pearl's Place, they have saved me, my friends and my sister so much money.  They have faster delivery than any other store and are one of the best stores in the country.
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