Buying a dress on Etsy from another country?

I am very new to the forum, but would like to share my thoughts. Like you, I have been looking at dresses on the site called Tradesy. I could save hundreds of dollars but am uncomfortable with the idea I don't get to actually try the dress on, leaving too much uncertainty. In addition to that, I cannot return the dress unless it's misrepresented. So I have looked continuously and found a very nice dress in my town. I opted to buy from a local boutique and know what I'm getting, pay a bit more with the assurance of being able to touch, see, and feel my dress for the most important day of my life! Simply my thoughts.

Just let me take a moment to thank all of you for sharing your ideas, pointers, and wisdom. I have learned so much from this site and I'm looking forward to learning even more. Not a young woman or a first time bride, but, so many first for this grandmother. My first engagement ring, first formal wedding, and so much more! This is beyond anything I could imagine. However I'm taking on this task with zest, zeal, and much prayer. Be blessed all of you.

If it's LaceMarry, the owner is highly recommended by everyone I've talked to who ordered from her shop.

I would really read reviews on Etsy and then Google the seller to see if you can find anything about them anywhere else online. You might be okay. Some are legitimate.

I plan on ordering my dress from a seller on etsy. I believe research is key.

Research research research. There have been tons of horror stories on here about dresses looking nothing like the pictures/what had been discussed or being severely delayed to the point of almost not having a dress. Even if you choose to the custom dress option I'd honestly suggest going up a couple boutiques to try on samples to give yourself a better idea of what you're looking for. Especially because you hear stories all the time of "I went looking for this kind of dress and came out with the exact opposite and love it."

I got mine from Etsy (seller is LoveTheBride in Latvia) and love it. The top is very slightly large, but sew-in cups and some skin/fabric tape will do the trick. If you research enough and contact past buyers to get their feedback and pictures, it should be okay. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time! My seller's return time said 1-2 weeks, and it ended up being over a month.

I would never make a significant purchase internationally, been burned before. If anything happens, there is very little, if any, legal recourse.

Thank you all for responding. Because I'm choosing to wear a wedding dress that's not white, I feel like I'm limited on brick on mortar stores I can go to and try on a dress. I've asked a few seamstresses in the area and they said a good dress might cost me upwards of $7000 considered it's made of lace and detailed. I don't want to spend that much on dress I'll only wear once. Katie, that's exactly who I was thinking of. Anyone know of a place I can go to that sells wedding dresses in other colors besides white?

Be wary if you are doing it for cost reasons. Sometimes alterations can be more than the dress itself.

@Uma if you're not looking at a super ornate dress, a place like BHLDN (I think I spelled that right?) or Azazie has some awesome bridesmaid dresses that you could wear. I almost went with Azazie but couldn't find a dress I just loved.

I have also heard great things about LaceMarry, so if LoveTheBride doesn't work for you, maybe LM would. But I really would recommend LTB. Other buyers suggested getting professionally measured, which I didn't do and kind of wish I had because it probably would have made my dress fit better up top. But her prices are great and she does the best she can to make the dress you want.

If you want a colored dress, you may also check out Cocomelody. They can make about half of their dresses in any color they have material for.

I was just looking at lacemarry and messaged her. Thank you all so much for your suggestions. This app is awesome!