Buying a gown online - is this crazy?

[rescuerangers]

Has anyone bought a wedding gown online without trying it on? I went to David's Bridal a couple of months ago and tried some things on and wasn't thrilled by anything. I'm not excited about repeating the experience over and over again, plus I don't really have anyone who lives near me who I could go shopping with. I found the perfect dress online for only $300 (I want to spend under $500). It's not easy to find a gown with straps and I think this would be most flattering on me. Returning it is an option, less 10% restocking fee.

Here is the dress. Any feedback?
Thanks!

http://www.bridalonlinestore.com/store/8011.asp

 

[kimnkel]

RR; I think that if you tried on different style dresses and you know this dress will be flattering, you should feel confident buying online through a reputable internet store.

I know what you are saying IRT trying on wedding dresses--it is hard work. And the fact that you don't have anyone to go with stinks. I am sorry about that.

I don't think buying online is crazy at all. I have purchased lots and lots of stuff onn line. I got my wedding shoes online (granted, that's different than a dress, but still) and I got a great deal on designer shoes.

Make sure you know what you are buying, though--that's my only advice. Ask lots of questions, and call and speak to someone beofre you place the order. Make sure you know what type of fabric you are getting (silk,poly, etc.)

Buyer beware--but that's true no matter what.

Good luck!!

Check out bridepower.com. They sell designer samples, and some of them, the "mega markdowns" are a great deal. Also, look on ebay.

 

[jojoandhb]

What about alterations? One of the drawbacks in going through the internet is that if the dress doesn't fit right, you have to pay A LOT for alterations. Plus, few online stores have any kind of return policy. I think if you were going to buy a dress online, you should know your measurements and make sure whatever you're buying will fit. Also, find out what kind of material it is made out of. It may look good online and then be made out of a cheap material.
My sister-in-law went to a bridal salon, tried on dresses and found a Maggie Sottero dress she loved. It was $700. She went home and found it online for $400. She bought it, but she had tried that exact on dress FIRST, and knew it would fit. Just be careful.

 

[Kim10110]

Its a beautiful dress i hope it fits perfectly when you get it. Congrats

 

[luvsmickey]

Has anyone bought a wedding gown online without trying it on? I went to David's Bridal a couple of months ago and tried some things on and wasn't thrilled by anything. I'm not excited about repeating the experience over and over again, plus I don't really have anyone who lives near me who I could go shopping with. I found the perfect dress online for only $300 (I want to spend under $500). It's not easy to find a gown with straps and I think this would be most flattering on me. Returning it is an option, less 10% restocking fee.

Here is the dress. Any feedback?
Thanks!

http://www.bridalonlinestore.com/store/8011.asp

I bought my Wedding Gown online! And it's absolutely beautiful! I was very nervous, I might add, but when I got it all my fears melted away! I was in a very similar boat with you...I moved to Virginia right after Hurricane Katrina, I'm from N.O. And all my family is still in Louisiana. (I moved with my job) Anyway, I have 2 cousins and an Uncle that live here and so I thought that I would have someone that I knew in the same city, I'd be fine. Well, it's not that easy b/c they already have their own lives and I don't see them all that much. When I started to go dress shopping, I was very alone and it was very much no fun! I went to David's bridal, and my budget is very much like your's is! And like you, not very impressed. I was finally able to get my cousin's wife to go with me and take some pics of me with my digital camera so I could show them to my family back home, none of them liked any of them enough to be like yeah. And I was very discouraged. I was also looking online (just about every site I could think of) and had my mom's help when we found thedress! When I ordered it, I made sure I had all of my correct measurments and then I went to a local talior and found out exactly how much it would be for different types of alterations. It turned out they're not that much! (at least not at the place I found near my house) And so, I orderd my gown and gave them my exact measurments. So, if you can't do that, make sure you take your measurements and make sure that the size you choose is the closest to your measurments. Then when the gown comes in try it on, come to find out mine fits so well, I don't have to buy any real special undergarments, just the regular ones, and I probably won't even have to have it altered!!! I didn't cheat when I took my measurments, (don't suck in, cause then you'll have to suck in the whole day, not gonna happen!) And if you have to have it taken in, so what, that's easier than have to let it out!!! I'll try to post a pic of the gown as soon as I get some better ones. Right now all I have are the ones that I took when I got the dress on right out of the teeny tiny box they shipped it in, I was just amazed it was in there the box looked so small! Well, anyway, whatever you decide, good luck!

 

[Leash]

I bought my dress on ebay. I hadn't planned on wearing a "gown" for my beach wedding but I saw it and loved it. I don't have a pic but think of the dress in Runaway Bride that she tried on in front of Richard Gere but with a fuller skirt and an organza bodice. Anyway it was from a bridal outlet and basically it was a dress style that was from a discontinued line. It is brand new and still has the tags. I checked the sellers feedback and it was very good so I bought it. Only $220 with shipping. It fit pretty well just a little long and big in the bust. Well since I bought it I have lost 25 pounds so it is pretty loose all over now fortunatley my mom has a friend who is a seamstress who is going to alter it for a very reasonable price. The point is I really lucked out and on ebay no less so if you are going through an actual bridal shop you should be fine just make sure someone will be able to alter it for you.

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

i saw my dress online and i fell inlove with it. the designers site gave me an address of a place near me(well....40 minutes away is close...right? lol) that carries her dresses. i went and unfortunatly they didn't have the dress in stock, but i ordered it anyway. i was so nervous ordering it because i was afraid i wouldn't like it or that it would look different than i thought(the picture of the dress was in red, and i ordered it in diamond white).

the dress came in(pretty early, actually) after they had to actually MAKE the thing, because it was out of season. i went and looked at it, and i still thought it was gorgeous! so i figured "what the hell" and tried it on. i am inlove with the dress! it's gorgeous and looks like it was made for me.

so i say go for it! you never know, you might end up like me, and loving the dress!

 

[Chrissie-riel]

It can be a great option to save money, as long as you feel secure with all of the online store's policies. Two very important things: first, get good measurements. Don't take them yourself - go to a bridal store in your area and lie a little - tell them you are a bridesmaid in a wedding out of town and need to send measurements to the bride. Most bridal shops will do this free of charge or for $10 or something. Then ask the online store to send you the chart for sizing and choose the size that closest matches your bust and waist - that dress you don't have to worry about the hip measurement or height either. Feel free to PM me if you want some help in this area; I worked in bridal for 5 years! Second, do a lot of research in your area to find a good tailor that specializes in wedding gowns. They are very different than hemming a pair of men's pants! Very pretty gown by the way!

 

[MrsTink04]

I found mine online, but ordered through the salon where I worked. THey did not have a sample of it, so I still ordered it sight unseen. I tried on a dress with a similar silouette and liked it, so that's how I decided it would be good for me. I was right...it was perfect!

Go to a local salon and try on a halter that is straight-cut across the chest (something similar to this one that you like) and at least you will know if it is flattering on you. By the way...it is a BEAUTIFUL dress!!!