Buying wedding dress out of state

It's not a problem to ship the dress to NY, but do you know where you would get the alterations done in NY? Usually people just get them done at the same store where they got the dress, so that would be something to think about. Other than that, I don't see the problem.

I don't see why that would be an issue! Happy planning!

Probably more options in NY as far as stores

So it's either you fly to FL and ship the dress to NY, or your mom flies to NY? I think it would be easier to have her fly up. Dresses aren't necessarily going to be more expensive in NY, unless you're going to the city.

Might I even suggest taking a little trip to NJ for dress shopping because **no sales tax**. I'm in Orange County and I met my mom in NJ (where she lives). Saved myself about $100 or so. There a few bridal shops around Paramus that probably would be about an hour drive (depending on how north you are).

I would have your mom fly up there to make things a bit easier. It would end up being cheaper than you flying down and shipping the dress. Plus, depending on the salon, some don't like shipping dresses.

It doesn't really matter as long as you have enough time for delivery and alterations. I went shopping in PA with my mom, ordered in PA, had it shipped to WV, had alterations done in WV, and my wedding was in WV. Just give yourself enough time for shipping, have it sent to where you're located and can do alterations, and then it'll be ready for you to take where you need.

I literally did this exact thing. My parents are in Charleston, I live in Manhattan and we're getting married in Westchester. I bought the dress after going shopping with my mom in SC, and actually packed it in my carry on when I flew back up north. I'm getting the alterations done up here.

OP, care to come back and respond to people's comments? Thanks.

Hmmmm. So, I live in MD and getting married in NJ (where my mom and most of our family lives). I was debating on where to get my dress for similar reasons. What I did was go to NJ invited my aunt, cousin, and mom to look at dresses and help me pick etc. I didn't make the decision then because it's still too early but at least she got to experience it with me. I think I may get my dress close to me off the sheer convenience though. I can go in the shop whenever for fittings and alterations. It just makes more sense than having to drive to NJ everytime.

So I'd suggest, maybe have your mom come up to you. And share that experience with you, or if you're planning a trip in Orlando go with her then, but pick a shop closer to home.

I live in AZ and my parents live in DE. The wedding is going to be in DE, so we decided it would be more convenient to purchase the dress in DE and for me to schedule alterations appointments on trips to the area when I would be visiting my family and taking care of other wedding details in person. I did not want to deal with shipping the dress.

Had we decided to get married in AZ, my mom would have flown to AZ for dress shopping so the dress could have been purchased near where the wedding was taking place and again, the dress would never need to travel.

Thanks everyone for the advice!

@ Bellz I'm not sure about where to get alternations yet, either, so that is definitely something to consider.

@tjacob2014 - Did you just carry on your dress in the garment bag?

I already happen to be going to Orlando in March for another reason so maybe I will go with her then so she can have the experience and if I find something I love I'll have it shipped or bring back on the plane. If the have to order the dress, maybe they could ship to me directly or would I have to go back to the bridal shop to ensure it is what I ordered before they release it to me?

It was my experience that most dress shops only ship dresses to the store where you ordered it. No stores ship to your home and chains like Alfred Angelo and David's Bridal will not ship to another store location for you.

I am getting married in NC, but I bought my dress in CA. Same situation as you; my parents live there, and I wanted to shop with my mom. I am having my mom bring the dress with her when she flies out for the wedding. No problem. Also, the bridal salon I worked with offered to arrange for shipping to NC if I preferred. When you buy your dress, ask about that option and about a referral for a good local (NY) person to handle your alterations.

I bought mine in NC and had it shipped to me in FL. It was actually cheaper because I didn't have to pay NC sales tax on the dress, just shipping which was a few hundred cheaper! Just something to consider no matter where you decide, if your salon will give you that option.

@bluehen makes sense

Great thanks Rayla & Lauryn!

I did the exact opposite. I live in Florida and wedding will also be in Florida but I got my dress up in Boston where I grew up and where my mom still lives. Got my dress in October and I am heading up first weekend of march for my alterations. Mom will be traveling with the dress down for the wedding.

I want to add that alterations/fittings are the trickiest part of an out-of-state dress. Decide sooner rather than later how/where your alterations will be done. Whether you have them done where you bought the dress or where you live, you will probably need to allow extra time to have the dress shipped. (Unless a family member can bring it over for you.) Also, don't forget to factor in the cost of flying out for fittings, if you decide to do that.

Personally, I am having my mom do the alterations so that was not an issue for me. But an out-of-state dress means I will not have a final fitting in my gown until like... days before the wedding. If you are a nervous person, or if your dress requires lots of alterations, maybe have it done near you to avoid this!

I live on the east coast (palm beach county) of Florida, got my dress in Tampa while visiting my MoH and am getting married in CT where I grew up. I got my dress in Tampa for two reasons, a) I fell in love with it and b) the prices of other dresses I tried on there and tried on in WPB with my mom were about 500+ cheaper. The boutique doesn't have an in house alterations woman, and because of the 3hr drive wouldn't be able to get there when the woman they recommend is in their shop for alterations. I found a fabulous alteration store near where i live in WPB, and am having her do the alterations so they are done before I fly up for my shower in April. I'll bring my dress with me then, my mom will get it steamed well before the wedding. Keep in mind alterations take time and you may not want to be flying back and forth so close to the wedding.

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