Online Dress buying…for those who have done it, any tips or advice?

[destinationbride07]

How did you go about doing it?
any online vendor recommendations??

[rowanmayfairs]

I bought mine on ebay..

I never set foot in a dress shop.

I browsed thru ebays wedding dress category until I came across several dresses I like.

Then I found the ONE !! I checked sellers feedback, asked my best friends opinion (she buys & sells on ebay also). Then BID...

I provided my measurements and the seller shipped me a dress that was a size "close" to their sizing chart.

I paid via paypal with my bank card so I could have some paypal protection in case the transaction didn't go over well.

A week after I paid.. I recieved my dress and petticoat (they included a garmet bag, extra beads for FREE).

If you want to buy online, then do you research to see how well that "vendor" is and trust you instinct.

[Angela]

I did the exact same thing rowan did :)

[Kari]

I did hours and hours and HOURS of research. I searched for the best price but also wanted recommendations from other brides. I finally purchased from gownfind.com. My dress was about $600 retail and I got it for $333 (including shipping!)

My best advice is get measured by a seamstress. Take those measurements and match them to the DESIGNERS size chart. It should be easy enough to find online (or from your local dress shop) I did that and my dress fit perfectly. The only alterations I needed done was to have the bustle added.

[wendy9879]

I recommend juliusbridal.com.

My advice is to go to a dress shop and try on as many different types of dresses as you can. I found that I hated the gowns in person that I loved in magazines and vice versa. Once you figure out what style you like, it's easier to find something similar online for a better price.

Good luck! :D

[*alissa*]

I got mine from www.bridalonlinestore.com. They were great, dress was great. They sell "knockoff's" off designer dresses, but don't let the word "knockoff" scare you, NO ONE could tell my dress wasn't from the designer, the workmanship was exellant, material was great. Thier CS was awsome, all you have to do is call. I lived very close to the warehouse (which is in Dayton, OH) and was able to go in and get fitted.
ITA with Kari, though, if you are going to buy online, definately get measured by a seamstress. Also, buy it enough in advance so if you need alterations done, you have time to get to a seamstress and get them done.
And ITA with Wendy, too. Definately try on differant styles to see what actually looks good on you, just because you like a certain style, doesn't mean it will look good on YOU. I didn't think I wanted straplees, but it looked better than sleeves......

[destinationbride07]

i like bridal save.com and they are a suggested retailer for maggie...

hey kris i like bridal online store too as well :)

[Hughto]

Has anyone out there used Budgetgowns.com?

[Raychel]

**Try on as many dresses as you can in the dress shop.
**Get an idea of what you love and what flatters you.
**Get professional measurements.
**If you don't get professional measurements (and I didn't) measure once, twice, three times, and no shit...literally 4 times.
**Research, research, research!
**Get recommendations.
**Trust your instincts
**Find a seller who communicates brilliantly.
**Ask all the questions you have.
**Feel secure with your decision otherwise don't go through with it.