Online shopping for wedding dress a risky thing?

ami1990

I decide to buy a wedding dress for my sister. And I try on ambersbridal.com where I found pretty much beautiful wedding dresses and evening dresses. But my friends told me it is risky buying wedding dress online? Can anyone share your experience? Cause the price is really nice while I don't know how to decide.

14 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

MINI

Active Member

I think it really depends on what their return policy is and how their custmer service is.
I mean as far as you can return it in case it doesn't just work for you, then I guess you could try.

14 years ago

rute

Veteran

It's a great risk unless you have your own tailor to work on the adjustments! A wedding dress needs to be perfect!

14 years ago

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

Yep, make sure they return policy is great and your sister loves it!

14 years ago

Anonymous

Also , a lot of stores offer free fittings and customizations on wedding dresses , as well as deals on veils and the like. Where I shopped for mine, they told me it's ok to change my mind with the veil crinoline/petticoat any time. I find it easier that way. And it was just a small non-designer boutique. Also, wedding dresses tend to be complicated in construction. If they have corset that needs adjusting it's a whole different level of adjustments versus hemming some jeans

14 years ago

missvee

Veteran

I think it depends on the style you're choosing and how easy it would be to alter it for a perfect fit. I just went to a wedding where the bride's dress had a corset type back which laced up like a shoe would. I thought what a great idea that was especially if your weight fluctuates. Ordering online might be just fine, but I'd want to know whether they accepted returns just in case it didn't work out.

14 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Yes, very!
You don't know how something will fit or if it's flattering until you try it on. My sister in law ordered a cheap wedding dress online, and then ended up having to get something else on short notice because it was all wrong on her.

14 years ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

I bought my dress after seeing a photo of it on Ebay. I search and searched until I found the dress in a small town in NY and took the train up to purchase it. Cost me $250. It was my size and fit like glove. I can't believe I still have these photos in my computer at work. It's been 7 years and going on 8 this January. I still have my dress too.

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14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

PLEASE, do your research on this company before you even consider them!! It looks a LOT like the wedding dress sites that are based in China, which have many horror stories online regarding quality, differences from the picture, and drastic sizing issues. Many of them will fight you on a refund, insisting on sending you a replacement, but with the long shipping times, this can really put a bride in a bind.

That said, I just got married in August, and bought a dress I really loved off Ebay - it was by a brand I knew and trusted and sold by a US seller. I was also able to find size and measurement information and reviews elsewhere online to help me get an idea. If your sister can try the dress on in store before buying for cheaper online, that's even better.

14 years ago

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I saw a dress in person and bought a replica online (would not do that now) at one of those bridal gown discount warehouses.
Before the dress shipped, the company went out of business, locked their doors, and held thousands of bride's gowns hostage.
In order to appease the angry mobs (this was on the news after it happened, apparently brides flew from all over the country to try to break into the warehouse to get their dress) the company shipped *A* dress to every customer. I ended up with a too-small, hideous dress.
Thankfully I had paid with a Visa and was reimbursed.
Obviously that is the worse case scenario, but I would be wary of online bridal retailers that don't have a brick and mortar store to back them up.
Needless to say, I did find the right dress again (online) in plenty of time. But not without mega alterations.
So in a word? I wouldn't do it.

14 years ago

Anonymous

Citigirl, your dress is amazing! I love the sleeves/jacket! It sounds like you really have to be careful and know what you're doing to buy your wedding dress online, but it can be done!

14 years ago

Sandy

Member

Not necessary actually. It's quite possible that you may find the perfect collection online. People are getting more inclined towards online shopping just because it is convenient. The latest trend and collection is easily available online these days. Go for it, if the portal is secure. Hopes, this helps...
http://www.shoppersstop.com/

14 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

This may just be me, but keep in mind I got married a little older than the norm (37)...

I had a hard enough time finding a dress I loved, even in brick&mortar stores. I tried large discount places and small bridal boutiques all over the price spectrum. Eventually, I made some inquiries about local designers/seamstresses, and ended up having a dress made. I collaborated with a terrific artist who creates costumes for a theater company in my hometown.

I came to see that process as a full experience leading up to the wedding day. Even during the many frustrating moments of the search, and the scary moments of the design process (fitting the muslin, which does NOT look how the final garment will), I valued the interactions and relationships along the way. I sit at my computer every day and order all kinds of other stuff online, but I preferred the experience of shopping for something so significant in a more personal, interactive way.

Or maybe after years of self-employment working at home, I needed to get out more. Or I'm just old-fashioned.

14 years ago

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