Wedding Dress Dilemma: What state to buy in?

I think that it is up to you, and if you have the time to make the trips to get alterations in South Carolina. it maybe easier to get it near where you live so that you can get the alterations easier and then have the dress shipped to your parents house (or fly down with the dress)

Definitely get/keep the dress near you for your alterations. I had 3 or 4 appointments in the month leading up to the wedding and was there once a week to get them done. Brides fly/drive with wedding dresses all the time. This isn't something new.

I bought my dress in Chicago (where I grew up and where my family is) but am getting married out of state. It has been hard going back and forth for alterations but the dress was not available where I am. I would order it closer to you if you won't be making multiple trips to South Carolina between now and the wedding. Traveling with the dress isn't impossible (I will be doing that) and you can always ship it to your location.

I have my dress with me in Arizona for alterations. I plan to bring it with me home in August when I fly home for my shower.

I bought my dress in the DC area (near where I live) and had our ceremony in Florida. Definitely glad I had my dress nearby, especially since I needed some adjustments to my alterations.

Have it shipped to you.

I live in Nebraska and got married in Michigan. I actually ended up buying the dress in Michigan and keeping it at my mom's house. I only had 2 fittings--one in March when I was in Michigan for my shower, and one the Monday before the wedding. But I had consulted with the seamstress prior to buying the dress and she assured me she would keep that week open for any last minute alterations (which she had to do, so I was glad).

Normally I think it's better to have the dress with you for alterations. But I didn't want to take the dress with three dogs in the car with us and our house is on the small side. And I knew I was going back to Michigan at least twice before the wedding so it worked out.

I'm only 4 hours away, so I wouldn't have had to fly, but I wish I had my dress altered somewhere closer to me. It would have made things so much easier and less stressful. I had to have my dress (which is a discontinued style and was on clearance!) let out and converted to a sweetheart neckline, so I started the process early....just in case something went wrong. Overall, I love my dress, but the sweetheart is a little too low for my liking and I feel like I could have had more say if I was available for multiple fittings.

You will probably want to get your dress in WI for alteration purposes.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I will definitely just get the dress where I live!