Nothing beats browsing through different wedding stores and trying on multiple wedding dresses until you find the right one. The experience and the bonding moment between you, your mom, and your mother-in-law are second to none. However, when you shop at some of the best bridal stores online, it does save time, energy, and if you’re lucky, money.
Most women dream about their wedding day before it ever happens. Everything from the cake, the color, the smell, the shoes, and the wedding dress has to be top-notch. This is why getting the perfect bridal dress is easily one of the most important parts of preparing for your wedding.
Shopping for the best wedding dress that matches your style might seem easy. Think about it, it’s just a white dress, right? However, the opposite is usually the case. This is especially true if you plan to shop online. There are so many things to consider when you decide to shop online.
Getting the right size, good fabric, shopping at trusted sites, etc. It can all be overwhelming and if you’re not careful you can get scammed with your money. In this article, we will be providing you with our list of the 10 best bridal stores online. Plus, some tips that will make your shopping experience easier than you ever anticipated.
Top Bridal Stores Online
1. Nordstrom
Starting off our list of the best bridal stores online is Nordstrom, an online store that is known for its incredible wedding dresses as well as other wedding essentials. If you’re searching for the perfect store to purchase all your outfits like a reception dress, bridesmaid dresses, etc., Nordstrom is perfect.
Nordstrom offers beautiful wedding dresses from multiple brands such as Amsale and Tadashi Shoji. There are also a variety of wedding dresses from Nordstrom, however, you have to try them in-store. So, if you choose up a specific style or design then you would need to go to a Nordstrom store close by to try it on.
And if you’re searching for a dress with a pop of color for your reception or engagement party, you can always check out the Designer’s Collection section on the site.
2. Revolve
For brides that love to show a little skin on their wedding day, Revolve is one of the best bridal stores online to check out. This specific store is already popular for its trendy outfits and fashionable items, however, a lot of people might not be aware of its amazing bridal collection. Here you will find a small but valuable catalog of the most incredible wedding dresses you’ve ever seen.
Whether you prefer wedding dresses with thigh-high slits, lingerie-inspired bustier bodices, or exciting illusion paneling, you’ll get some of the most excellent choices at Revolve. And if you prefer a classic wedding dress, you will also find excellent choices here.
Revolve also offers different cute dresses for destination weddings, bridal showers, as well as sultry lingerie for the magical night after your big day.
3. Lulus
If you’re working with a strict budget and still want a trendy wedding gown for your big day, no need to worry because we’ve got you covered… Lulus got you covered. The collection of wedding dresses at Lulus is just as beautiful and aesthetically pleasing but budget-friendly.
For as low as $100 you can pick up a very beautifully detailed wedding dress that is stunning and will turn heads. There are also incredible options for plus-size women that fit into different wedding themes effortlessly. Another reason why Lulus is an incredible place to shop is the way the gowns are categorized on the site.
You will find different categories such as; Bachelorette dresses, dinner party dresses, engagement photo dresses and so much more. Plus you can shop for cute and fun accessories to include party favors on your big day.
4. ShopBop
For brides that are looking to tie the knot at a courthouse, you need the perfect gown to fit into the aesthetics and still look like a million bucks. Sources say that Shopbop is one of the best bridal stores online that can help you achieve that. Whether you prefer a minimalist slip wedding dress or a well-structured statement piece, Shopbop is your go-to.
Shopbop also offers incredibly detailed gowns with embroidery and beads that you would love. And if you would rather commemorate the big day with a floor-length piece, you’re still at the right place. There are so many collections in several sizes that you would love at this site. And if you’re not done shopping for jewelry, browse the store and pick some amazing options.
5. Fame and Partners
All brides are different which means even though two brides have the same style, the vision or idea of what that might be is unique. Hence, the reason why many brides prefer customization. So if you’re looking to go the same route, Fame and Partners are undoubtedly one of the best bridal stores to shop at.
Fame and Partners give you the chance to have a hand in creating your dream wedding gown, and you can achieve this virtually. All you need to do is visit the site, select from the existing wedding dress silhouettes available and begin customizing. You can switch up things like the fabric, the shape of the bodice, the length of the dress, and so many others.
It’s also important to understand that customization might make the overall costs pricey because every dress is made to order. You also need to consider the shipping fees and time of delivery.
6. Etsy
Everyone has probably purchased some items from Etsy at some point and it has slowly become a staple for most people shopping online. Etsy is one of the best bridal stores online to shop for budget-friendly wedding gowns that are elegant and authentic. The online store features multiple wedding gowns from several brands.
Two brands have stellar reviews on the site known as; WearYourLoveXO and Blush Fashion. Both designers offer incredible gowns that would work well with different themes. Also, you can find multiple gowns at cost-effective prices to choose from.
7. BHLDN
For some of the most elegant gowns for brides and bridesmaids available, BHLDN is an amazing online store to shop. Although the prices can range from $300 to $3,000, the dresses are completely worth it. And you can plan accordingly because the prices are always within this range.
The BHLDN site is easy to navigate and there are designated category 4 bridal dresses under $1000. In this category, you can shop different pieces from labels such as Watters, Tadashi Shoji, and Badgley Mischka. We guarantee that you would find a gown you love regardless of if you prefer a simple, flirty, sultry, or structured look.
The overall aesthetic is feminine, flirty, and soft, which is perfect if that’s your vibe. And since most of the gowns are categorized based on a budget, it would be easy to stick to yours.
8. Net-a-Porter
Popular for stylish and luxury fashion items, Net-a-Porter is another amazing bridal store that should be on your list. This site features an amazing collection of bridal dresses that is both aesthetically pleasing and perfect for different wedding themes. Whether you’re working with a budget or ready to spend big bucks, you will find so many options at Net-a-Porter.
And even though this brand mostly caters to women, there’s also a section for your groom. So if he is yet to shop for his wedding tux, he can go ahead and check different suit and tuxedo options. You can also shop for other outfits like dresses for your dinner party and rehearsal dinner.
9. Tadashi Shoji
Tadashi Shoji has been showing up on the other bridal stores we’ve listed already, and that should tell you the level of expertise that goes into their gowns. If you love lace, capes, and bows, then you would love the gowns available at Tadashi Shoji.
Whether you prefer off-the-shoulder dresses, sheath gowns, or body-hugging wedding dresses with intricate details, you will find them here. Plus, you can shop different lengths in categories of mini, midi, and tea length options. All of the dresses are also adorned with beadings, graphic laces, and other embroideries.
And if the mother of the bride or groom is still looking for options, you can have them shop at the store as well.
10. Amsale
The final piece to the puzzle of the best bridal stores online is Amsale. This store has been here for a long time and for good reasons too. Amsale is popular for its expertly crafted timeless wedding dresses for a classic feel. Whether your vision entails crepe sheath gowns, lace sleeves, or a classy ball gown, you will find a variety here.
Although most of the dresses by Amsale are usually found on the sites of other retailers (like those on our list), their Nouvelle Amsale collection is available online. Here you will also find amazing pieces to choose from.
If you prefer to customize your dream wedding gown, head over to the Amsale x You section and you can make it come through. You can choose a silhouette, fabric, bodice, and so many other necessary factors.
If you’re ready to learn about the best ways to shop online for your wedding dress then keep reading.
10 Tips For Shopping For The Perfect Wedding Dress
As mentioned earlier, shopping at the best bridal stores online can be tricky. Although it seems as simple as typing in bridal dresses on a search engine, getting the best value for your money when shopping online considers a lot.
Here are 10 tips that would make shopping for your wedding dress easier for you;
Tip 1: Get Your Accurate Measurements
The first important tip for shopping for different outfits online is to know what your measurements are. It’s not enough to just know what your size is, because the sizing guide differs in multiple countries. So rather than shopping for your wedding dress based on sizes like Medium (M) and Large (L) or 44 & 46, you need to consider the actual measurements.
You need to look at the dimensions for the bust, waist, and hips when you’re shopping at some of the best bridal stores online. Once the specifications of the dress match yours, it will be the perfect fit. You can get your accurate measurements by measuring yourself with a tape in front of a mirror or seeking professional help from a tailor nearby.
Regardless of what choice you make, it will help you find your perfect fit easily.
Tip 2: Study Different Fabrics
One of the benefits of shopping for your wedding dress in person is that you get to feel the fabric and see how it looks on your body. Unfortunately, you can’t know for sure how a fabric will fold or bend just from searching it online. Hence the reason why you need to get familiar with the different fabrics that bridal dresses are made of.
Most of the best bridal stores online have a variety of bridal dresses made with different fabrics. You can find bridal dresses in cotton, silk, satin, velvet, and so many others. If you are familiar with these fabrics, you can picture how a dress will look on you easily. And it’ll be easier to choose the best option that works with the theme of your wedding.
Tip 3: Consider The Style of Wedding Dress
Every bride has a vision for their wedding day and each element is important in making it a reality. Even something as minute as the style of the wedding dress can make or break the theme. There are so many styles of bridal dresses to choose from on the best bridal stores online.
Here are a few options to think about;
Ball Gowns
Ball gowns are a staple and usually the first choice for many brides. They are classic and almost the fairy-tale representation of a princess on her wedding day. This style of wedding dress fits all body types and is great for different wedding themes.
Mermaid Gowns
The mermaid style of wedding dress is another classic that many brides still love today. The dress clings onto the bride’s body from the shoulders down to the knee and becomes flared thereon. This style emphasizes the waist and hips and is perfect for brides with Apple-shaped bodies.
A-Line Style
A-Line wedding dresses are universally accepted and flattering for all body types. This type of wedding dress brings more focus to the silhouette of the bride. It contours the body until it gets to the waist and then flares out into a nice A shape. It’s a great choice for curvy women as well.
Trumpet Style
The trumpet-style wedding dress is a more toned-down version of the mermaid dress. With this style, the bride’s body is contoured from her shoulders to the middle of her thigh. After which, the remainder of the fabric flares out. This amazing style is great for different body types.
Slip Style
The slip wedding dress style is minimalist, chic, classic, and fashionable. This style of wedding dress is mainly for brides who like to keep it simple, classy, and elegant. It fits like a glove and is usually made to order. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a perfect fit.
Fortunately, our list of the best bridal stores online has a variety of wedding dresses in the styles mentioned above and more.
Tip 4: Study The Description For Each Bridal Dress
Whether you’re shopping for your wedding dress or your bridesmaid dresses, you need to study the product descriptions before you make a decision. The product description for each dress will help you understand how it will fit, the origin of the dress, how it is lined, and sometimes how durable it is.
There are times you will find a dress that you love, but when you look at the product descriptions you can immediately tell it is not for you. So consider product descriptions as a way to make an informed decision before making an important purchase.
Tip 5: Read The Return Policy
One of the biggest mistakes that you can make when shopping at some of the best bridal stores online is to not check their policies. Every online store is different and its policies are equally different. There are bridal stores that offer amazing dresses but the shipping fees cost almost as much as the dresses. Some bridal stores do not accept returns.
These are all factors to consider when shopping online. Do you want to get stuck with a bridal dress that you may never use? Or spend more money getting a replacement? It’s always important to read through their policies before making a purchase. And if you cannot find their policies on the website, reach out to their customer service representative and they will surely guide you through.
Tip 6: Try It On Before You Buy It
No one wants to waste time and money on a bridal dress that they will likely never use. To avoid that, it’s always crucial that you try on your prospective wedding dress before you buy it. Bridal dresses are expensive and if you’re working with a budget, you simply cannot afford to waste your money.
Now you might be thinking how are you going to try on a dress that you’re purchasing online? This is another point that requires you to be knowledgeable about an online store’s return policies. When you purchase a bridal dress from an online store with a reliable return policy, you have enough time to make the right choice.
You can inspect the dress, consider the quality, and try it on to see if it’s a perfect fit within the duration limit. If you’re not satisfied with the bridal dress, you can easily take it back and exchange it for a new one or get a refund.
Tip 7: Act Fast
One thing that you might not realize is how fast wedding dresses go off the market. Think about it, so many people get married every single day and every bride wants the perfect wedding dress. You need to bear in mind that you are probably battling for a wedding dress with several brides.
So if you found the perfect wedding dress for you, we suggest you buy it this instant! And if you’re still looking you can set up an alert for a specific size of bridal dress on multiple online stores. That way, whenever that size is available you will get a notification.
It might also be easier to buy your wedding dress early. A lot of gowns take at least four months for production and if you wait that long, you still have to think about trying it on and modifications.
Tip 8: Buy Within Your Budget
Figuring out your budget is one of the key factors in buying the perfect wedding gown. Yes, it might be uncomfortable to talk about the price point for your wedding dress because of sentiments. However, when you figure it out, it becomes easier. The first thing you need to think about it is who is paying for the wedding gown. You? Your partner? Your parents?
If someone else is paying for your wedding dress then you can stick with their budget. But if you find something else that you prefer, you can make up the difference. Having a budget just makes the entire process more structured and seamless.
Tip 9: Factor in Non-obvious Costs
When preparing your budget for a wedding dress, it is always great to have extra added for other related expenses. For instance, if you intend to purchase your wedding gown at a price point of $3,000 then your budget should be about $3,500.
The extra amount can be channelled into the cleaning and preservation of your dress before your big day. Also, purchasing accessories like your veil, shoes, jewellery and so many others. It’s always great to have extra because you never know when you need it.
Tip 10: Be Open to Change
Having a vision for your wedding is excellent because it puts the planning process into perspective and makes it easier to execute. However, some things can change along the way for the better. Some so many brides who have had their minds on a specific style of bridal dress and when they try it on they don’t like how it looks on their body.
Is it great that you know what you want? Absolutely, but, you need to be open to other styles just in case. We recommend having three dress styles in mind as you shop at the best bridal stores online. That way, you can be certain of getting what you want.
Now that you are knowledgeable of these tips to make your shopping experience easier, you should be able to make a good choice from the list of the best bridal stores online.
Also read: Best Discount Stores Online
Conclusion
Shopping for the perfect wedding gown that matches your style and theme can be overwhelming. No one wants to end up with a choice they don’t love on that day. So, to prevent that from being your reality, you need to consider our 10 tips for shopping. Also, our list of the best bridal stores online will make the process even more seamless.
