The World Wide Web offers endless guidance and inspiration for those tying the knot. Whether searching for tips for writing the perfect maid of honour speech or exploring Instagram-worthy inspiration for your wedding reception décor, a quick Google search is certain to be your first port of call. Though, are some wedding planning tasks better undertaken offline than on?
Purchasing the gown that you’ll wear to say “I do” is one of the most iconic and unforgettable experiences during the wedding planning process, so it raises questions as to whether it can effectively and enjoyably be bought online.
Here we explore the pros and cons of buying your wedding dress online, the alternatives that incur far less risk, and the golden rules of shopping online with success if you’d really prefer a hands-off approach.
Are there any benefits to buying online?
With endless designer names and budget buys accessible at the click of a button online, you can certainly see why many brides may be tempted to take the search for the gown of their dreams to the net.
The wedding dress shopping experience is of course a highlight for brides, but it is also a moment of immense pressure for some. You will after all have to make a decision about your dream dress in front of your closest relatives and friends. Shopping online and trying on gowns in the comfort and privacy of your own home, either alone or surrounded by the people you love, offers a much better alternative in theory.
You may also find that your budget goes further when shopping online, with a range of options that suit your requirements on paper able to be explored at a fraction of the price.
What about the drawbacks of online dress shopping?
While you generally get more bang for your buck online, the saying ‘if it’s too good to be true then it probably is’ certainly rings true here.
Unfortunately, cheap fabrics, ill-fitting necklines and poor-quality hems are often the realities of an online wedding dress purchase. With brides not only wasting their hard-earned money and time but being bitterly disappointed ahead of their wedding day.
Factory copies are particularly prevalent online. Yet brides looking to replicate the looks they loved when trying designer gowns on in person may not get the result they imagine as The Wedding Community explains:
“These factories (predominantly in the Far East) simply steal images from famous designers’ websites and post them to their own website, eBay or Facebook pages to try to convince you you’re buying an identical dress. Some of these factories are open about the fact these gowns are copies, but some try to convince you they are the real thing and they’ve acquired them cheaply. Either way, the result is never what you are expecting.”
Even if you do source your dress from a reputable online supplier, the sheer choice of designs available can represent a problem in itself. Those purchasing their gowns online also tend to spend more on alterations, meaning you could spend more than you save to achieve the perfect look.
Should I buy my wedding dress online?
In short, we wouldn’t recommend buying your wedding dress online. Especially when there are better, safer alternatives able to be explored. Bridal sample sales provide a more interactive and equally budget-friendly way to shop, while wedding gown rental is another option that could suit budget-conscious couples. Shopping in person at a bridal boutique is a fantastic experience that should be enjoyed, and supports local retailers too!
If you do want to scour the online world for your wedding gown, always buy from reputable wedding dress retailers that have plenty of positive, independent reviews from verified purchasers. You should also request fabric samples where possible to ensure you will receive the quality you expect.
Getting professionally measured is another top tip for brides wishing to purchase online with success.
