Buying Bridal Dresses Online Any Experiences?

Re: Buying Bridal Dresses Online Any Experiences?

• MesmrEwe member

  

  October 1

  I've purchased a number of formal dresses online.  JJsHouse primarily has been the one I've had the most success with "what was ordered vs. what was delivered".  The one thing about ordering online for dresses is whatever you get you're pretty much stuck with it.  Some companies the measurements you need to add in inches for your ability to get in and breathe/move in the dress.  It is better to need to alter down than it is to get a dress too small.  JJs is nice in that they offer a fee to have the dress custom made to your measurements and they are great about describing how to measure so you order the right sizing.  
  
  Be aware you do need to check reviews because some companies are simply AI and what gets delivered isn't even close to the picture or quality level you ordered.  Also, with ordering online you need to be honest with yourself about what styles look great on your body.  If you're someone with a tall torso vs. a short one, someone who is full chested or flatter, hips or no hips, tall or short, etc.
  
  As for alterations, you will need to find someone local to you to do this, but also, you'll need someone to steam out the dress.  This is not a "Put it in the bathroom and take a steamy shower" prospect, this is a steam each and every layer from the bottom to the top all the way around project that takes HOURS depending on the style of the dress!  This step also needs to be done in the days leading up to your wedding or on-site.  Steaming is also a project you need to not have the pets around, swiffer and sticky roller EVERYTHING because bridal fabrics will cling every bit of dust!  Some dry cleaners will offer this service if you don't want to do it yourself.  
  
  When in doubt, set a budget for yourself of what you are comfortable spending  AFTER alterations (rule of thumb is half this amount for the purchase of the actual dress - it is easier to go up in budget than it is to go down, and the reason for halving it is because of add-ons like a crinoline/hoop skirt, alterations, veil, etc.), purchase a metal busk if you need one (DO NOT get the plastic boning one if you're someone who is endowed or needs extra support, the plastic won't last remotely long enough!! that's from the Hindsight 20/20 club...my bridal shop plastic ones lasted 4 hours, not even to the start of the event after alterations.. the metal busk is still great today and a million times more comfortable to get into, wear, and out of) and go try on some dresses at a bridal shop that you can shop within that budget.

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