Online Dress Purchase vs In store Purchase?

Buying a dress online seems risky to me. There's the chance it might not flatter you as well and doesn't look as good on you compared to the model, and then you would probably have to guess the size on the bigger side to be safe, and then major alterations could cost a lot. If you try stuff on in stores, you can really see dresses on you. There were a couple of dresses that I found online and really liked, but they didn't flatter me that well and i ruled them out, and then some dresses that I never would have looked at/liked before that the attendants brought out and fit me really nice and were some of my favorites. But if you love it and feel comfortable taking the risk that's your call

I would DEFINITELY go into a store and try some things on in person. You never know - what you might think would look amazing on you, you might end up not liking so much, and something you weren't keen on whilst it was on the hanger might look amazing!

I should add I definitely don't see anything wrong with buying online, but I would absolutely try some things on in the flesh before I bought online, if I were you.

I would not myself dare to buy a wedding dress online - firstly sizing is really off from street sizes (in store I fit into some sizes 10s, 12s, 14s and 16s - dress sizing is really inconsistent with wedding dresses) and secondly, you want this dress above all others to be perfect, and if you don't like the feel of the dress, how it sits etc etc, they are things that a seamstress can't fix.

Especially if you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, I wouldn't.

I would either go shopping to try find the online dress in store or use it as inspiration to find something in store that is similar.

I loved going into a store. I didn’t want strapless. I fell in love with one and bought it. I didn’t want mermaid but tried one on and it was my runner up and the one I waffled back and forth with even after buying my dress. You never know until you try on different styles. Also when is your wedding? I waited like 10 months to get my dress and lost a good chunk of weight first so anything I lose moving forward will be a small amount and make my alterations easier and less expensive!

Going in the store might be the better option. Although, something can look pretty online when you get it in person and try it on you might not like it as much. Especially if you want the experience I’d definitely say in store option! Happy Dress Shopping!

I got mine online and have some tips for anyone who wishes to do the same:

1. try on styles in a store first to get a better idea of what styles actually work and don't work on you

2. check for policy of return or refund

3. check for real photos from customers in reviews

4. if it's that's cheap then just go for it! my dress was less than $30 so i figured if it didn't work out i can just donate it and lose out on $30 is not the end of the world.

If you want the experience, then go into the store. If it doesn't matter and would prefer a private moment at home upon arrival... then do it online. I'm not a fan of David's Bridal. Online shopping... Believe it or not... Etsy or JJ's. I got my dress custom made on Etsy. I had my measurements done and shipped the undergarment to her to help her with sizing. Less than $300.

I would highly advise anyone who loves a dress they saw online to try on a similar style in store before you order anything online. I had been looking at dresses online for a long time but luckily my sister told me to definitely try on dresses in person first so I can see what the different styles look like on me. I had a completely different idea of what kind of dress I was going to get before I tried on the dress I ended up falling in love with and getting.

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From everyone's advice I should go to the stores and try someone and see what styles I like best before making the online purchase to ensure I am happy in the end. Your all right the dress is so important .

You should visit outlet

I would suggest you go dress shopping- look at the dresses in your size and find out shipping options to determine when you have to order the dress to make it on time for your wedding- that way you will have a deadline to gauge your weight loss plans - the closer to the right size you order the better . Also- Try on dresses similar to the one you want to buy as you may not actually like that style once you try it on. I thought I was getting a slip dress or a breezy bohemian lace dress and the one that made me cry is the exact opposite! That sounds like A LOT of weight to lose and if you don’t achieve your goal you are looking at $$$$$$$ for making the dress bigger and you may not like the changes.

View Quoted Comment Totally my experience!

I hastily bought a dress the first time I went shopping in person. Only to buy another dress online not even 2 weeks later. That dress fit perfect everywhere except the bust. Plus it turned out to be pretty heavy and constricting for my tastes. I ordered a couple of "Try On" dresses from Azazie for $15. That was a fun experience I got to do with my daughters. But I'm really back to Square one. My wedding is fast approaching and I am not closer to having my perfect dress. And on top of all that, I'm still losing the weight I have been trying to lose for a few years now. I'm happy I'm finally losing the weight but I'm nervous about buying the wrong sizes online or even in person with no time to do alterations.

So long story short, I recommend picking some styles on Azazie to see what you like and also get a good indication of what size you need.

Regarding losing weight before or after dress purchase: I would recommend purchasing a dress in your current size. Then when your wedding gets closer (about 3 months away) you can bring it to your seamstress to begin alterations.


I’m in NJ and my seamstress suggested 3 months. Your area might suggest more time for alterations.
Best of luck! Please show us what dress you ultimately decide to go with when the time comes

I say get the dress, because you can ALWAYS get it altered

I haven’t bought my dress yet, so take what I say with a grain of salt. But I had it in mind to buy online for budget reasons, but got really overwhelmed with the process. I went into a store though and it helped me narrow my silhouette down, my neckline, and sleeves - all things I though I knew but once seeing it realized I didn’t know lol! I still plan to buy online. Lulu’s, Davids Bridal, and others all have 7-14 day return policies. So you may shell out more upfront, but can return everything that you don’t like. I have more bridal store appointments upcoming, to continue to help me narrow down, but I hope to at worst buy from Stillwhite or NearlyNewleywed if I fall in love with a store dress (cause then I can get it for much less). Happy hunting!

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Symmone -- Can you share the name of the Etsy store?

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Sure, it's called

BamaMountainlaurel

She is located in ALABAMA. I had a professional seamstress take my measurements and then I purchased the bra type I wanted so she knows exactly the cup and such and I sent it all to her. She uses the bra as a guide to make sure it fits. I can say she does do nice work. She offers accessories to things as I didn't know she was ordering them from China so if you are looking for those to go with your dress, try amazon. I hate ordering from China and then when it comes, it's never right and its hell on wheels trying to send it back for a refund. You can find them all on Amazon and they are cheaper than what she's asking & arrives quicker usually.

Without question, I'd go in store. A seamstress can make the appropriate alterations. Even if you are able to lose 30-40 lbs, you probably won't lose the weight equally everywhere. By the way, losing that much weight is a tall order. Wedding planning is stressful enough -- don't put that additional pressure on yourself.

I just picked out my dress and I decided not to order it right away (put down the deposit). I am also 21 lbs down in my goal of losing 60 lbs. Losing the additional 30-40 lbs could mean a few dress sizes. The salon I bought the dress from advised me that they can take it in roughly 2 dress sizes. I will be placing the actual order in June which will give me 9-10 months for the dress to come in and get altered. I will also be further along in my weight loss journey. I recommend speaking to a seamstress before buying a dress that could be too big and not able to be taken in!

Good luck and please show us whatever you pick!!