Do people ever buy their dress online?

OP - no way a cheap Chinese knock off is going to be able to actually replicate a Reem Acra. Places like BHLDN and designers Jenny Yoo and Waters all do dresses with that same sort of feel.

BHLDN is primarily online, but is totally legit. It's part of Anthropologie and has some real stores you can visit as well.

Jenny Yoo and Waters dresses can be found at major retailers like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

I would stay away from Chinese knock-off sites, even in the best case scenario (your dress arrives and it fits) the dresses still look like cheap knock-offs. They are always just that little bit off.

If you're budget is under $500 try some less conventional sources - ModCloth, ASOS, look at Bridesmaids dresses (lots come in white), evening and formal gowns in white (but that aren't marketed as "wedding").

My dress is a BM dress that is super high quality (has boning in the corset, nice lace detailing) that cost $250. A lot of "high end" BM dresses are pricey to ask your BMs to wear, but are great for the bride.

Etsy sellers are also a good source for gowns in that style - just check their reviews and search forums (WW and other wedding related forums) for feedback as some are more like Chinese knockoff sites and some are actually talented and honest.

Do not order from a cheap Chinese knock-off site. For every one "good" purchase, there are ten crappy dresses.

There are plenty of alternatives. Consignment stores, sales, not shopping at bridal boutiques. My dress is a custom dress for $250 from a local dress designer in my city. It's not a typical "wedding dress " but I love this designer's clothes and I want to wear one of her dresses when I get married.

I would be nervous to order online, even from a reputable store, unless I have had the opportunity to try the dress on, and there is an after-sale service for alterations or if something is wrong.

ETA: because I would be worried about how the dress fit, how comfortable it was, if the colour was right, etc. Just because you love a style, doesn't mean it will look nice on you.

I'm in the middle of ordering a dress online (waiting for its arrival--ebay--good reviews); its my second dress and I was willing to take a chance. I have ordered from JJ's house in the past and I liked the quality (evening gown) With that being said, the style you like might be found at coco melody.

OK FOR MISS KNOW IT ALL @ La Grosera, TALKING TRASH ABOUT MY DRESS IT IS NOT A CHINESE KNOCK OFF IT WAS MADE BY A DESIGNER ADASBRIDAL, SHE IS LOCATED IN NEW YORK AND HAS A VENDOR SITE ON WEDDING WIRE SO PLEASE STOP BEING SUCH A MEAN, RUDE, WITCH AND CHECK YOUR FACTS BEFORE YOU TRY TO RUIN SOMEONE'S SPECIAL MOMENT....