The 10 Best Places to Buy Wedding Dresses Online
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Courtesy of Net-a-Porter, Anthropologie, Halston
If you're part of today's generation of brides and grooms, you may feel less inclined to follow certain wedding traditions—and that extends to how you shop for your big-day look. Rather than making countless appointments and coordinating schedules with family and friends, some brides are choosing to shop for dresses online, have them shipped directly to their home, and then invite their loved ones over for an in-house fashion show.
The best part about this approach is that you can take all the time you need to test out the look and feel of the dress (or jumpsuit!), swap out heel heights, pair jewelry, and so on—all without the pressure of a salesperson. Then, you can return what didn't make the cut and have a seamstress tailor the dress to your measurements.
Ready to get shopping, but don't know which site to hit first? To help, we spoke with bridal stylists and wedding experts, who shared where to look for wedding dresses online and how to make the most of this virtual experience.
Related: 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
David's Bridal Wedding Dresses
Fashion and lifestyle expert Maggie Gillette recommends starting at David's Bridal, which will give you a great sense of current trends. "Their website is also very user-friendly and allows brides to sort dresses by attributes like silhouette and sleeve length, making it easier to find the perfect gown," she explains.
Though you always have the option of finding a local David's Bridal location in your zip code for an in-person fitting, you can now work with a stylist from the comfort of your home by making a virtual appointment, says Gillette.
This is a great option for brides on a budget; some of David's Bridal's online offerings are $200 or less. Plus, the site has a vast selection of plus-sized styles, making it an inclusive place to buy your wedding dress.
If you're the type of bride who wants to check everything off your list at once, David's Bridal also offers all of the accessories, from shoes to a veil and even undergarments, so you can ensure your gown fits perfectly. "You can even outfit your whole bridal party there, making it a convenient spot for busy brides," Gillette adds.
AW BRIDAL Wedding Dresses
When you first got engaged—and maybe long before you met your partner—you probably had a vision for your big-day style. But then, as you started seeing the price points on those fancy dresses, you realized your dream gown was a tad out of reach. It might not be, though, if you browse AW Bridal's website. "AW Bridal has several dresses at accessible price points with designs that are a nod to couture bridal houses," says celebrity fashion stylist Kimmie Smith.
On their easy-to-navigate site, you can filter your options by neckline, back detail, silhouette, hemline, and embellishment, which is excellent for the bride-to-be that may be starting her search or for someone who knows what they look best in. "Regardless of where you are in your journey, this is a great resource to learn the terminology you'll be using while finding your gown," Smith says.
BHLDN Wedding Dresses
Though some brides can't wait to dazzle their partner and guests in princess-inspired attire, others want the exact opposite. If you prefer a more modern, bohemian style, Anthropologie's bridal line, BHLDN, is the place to shop, says Gillette. "Thanks to collaborations with popular designers, BHLDN's dreamy gowns have a high-end look at a more affordable price point," she says. "There are many nontraditional options, including short and colored dresses, which are becoming increasingly popular."
As a bonus, the BHLDN website also has a vast selection of vintage-inspired accessories, honeymoon clothing, and customized recommendations for pairings with each of its dresses to help guide you as you find the perfect wedding look, Gillette adds.
Reformation Wedding Dresses
Reformation has plenty of sustainable and eco-friendly wedding dress options for brides, says Mary Angelini, a wedding expert and videographer. Their dresses are made from sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, and Tencel, and they also use recycled materials in their production process.
"When shopping for a wedding dress at Reformation, it's important to remember that they offer a range of styles from classic to bohemian, so consider what style you are looking for before you start browsing," Angelini says.
Reformation also offers in-store appointments for brides who want a more hands-on approach after shopping online. One key thing to keep in mind, however, is Reformation's limited stock. "If you find a dress you love, it's best to purchase it sooner rather than later," Angelini says. "Don't forget to consider accessories to complete your looks, such as shoes, jewelry, and a veil."
ASOS Wedding Dresses
Gillette says ASOS might not be the first place you think of when it comes to bridal fashion—but it's a fantastic spot for the trendy bride to shop. "The site has many bold, fashion-forward choices, including jumpsuits and separates so that brides can customize a perfectly personalized look, all at affordable prices," she continues. "A great selection of plus-sized and even a few lovely maternity options are also available."
ASOS is known for their statement shoe offerings, so go ahead and browse for your wedding-day heels while you're at it. And if you also need looks for your engagement party, bridal shower, and bachelorette party, you'll find plenty of options here, too.
Revolve Wedding Dresses
According to wedding expert and photographer Nikki Golden, brides are missing out on many stunning gowns if they don't head over to Revolve. You likely won't find a typical a-line or princess-style ball gown at this retailer, but you will find something bound to make headlines in your circle of friends and family. "Revolve is one of the best places to find a wedding gown that will have your guests' jaws hitting the floor when you walk down the aisle," she says.
Plus, they offer free two-day shipping, so it's perfect for the bride on a time crunch.
Halston Wedding Dresses
Move aside mermaid silhouette—bridal jumpsuits have grown in popularity, and the trend comes to life at Halston. According to Angelini, Halston is known for its elegant and timeless designs, but the best part is that they have inclusive jumpsuits! "For genderqueer weddings, a jumpsuit can offer a non-binary alternative to traditional bridal wear, allowing the couple to express their identities and personalities in a way that feels authentic to them," Angelini says. "Jumpsuits can offer comfort, versatility, and a unique style that can help the bride or the couple express their tastes and preferences."
Depending on where you're saying I do, a jumpsuit might even be more practical (especially for a beachside or mountaintop ceremony). Plus, jumpsuits can also be styled in various ways, from a classic tuxedo look to a more bohemian or eclectic style, Angelini adds.
Cult Gaia Wedding Dresses
Looking for an on-trend wedding dress? Cult Gaia, known for their viral dresses and handbags, offers slinky slip dresses, fun feathered frocks, and chic cut-out gowns, raves Grace Lee, the founder and CEO of Birdy Grey. "They're particularly perfect for a destination wedding, elopement, or as an outfit change for your reception—but you can rock these gowns at any celebration. It's your day, after all," she says.
Nordstrom Wedding Dresses
If you're looking for the best place to buy wedding dresses online, you can't skip over the major retailer, Nordstrom. As Golden says, Nordstrom carries a wide range of gowns from various designers, price points, cuts, and fabrics. "One of my favorite things about shopping at Nordstrom.com is that they offer in-store alterations, and they'll also measure you before ordering a gown to ensure you have the perfect fit," she says. "It's like going to a bridal boutique without going to a bridal boutique."
Net-a-Porter Wedding Dresses
If you have wished on every shooting star and four-leaf clover for a couture gown, but never thought those dreams would come true, think again. Net-a-Porter may be the answer, according to wedding planner and expert Diane Kolanović-Šolaja. Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Versace, and Saint Laurent are a few designers on Net-a-Porter's highly coveted Designer List. "These quintessential designers satiate even the hungriest of fashion pangs," she says.
If you're not sure how to shop for wedding dresses on Net-a-Porter, Kolanović-Šolaja says to click on "Shop By." Then, under "Events," click "Bridal" to head over to the stunning wedding collection. "This is where your shopping experience begins as you stroll through the virtual aisles of luxury," she says. "Filter by your favorite designer or budget. Sizing is less inclusive than others, but some designers will range from 0-16."
One crucial fact to remember is that Net-a-Porter is "off-the-rack," so you will not find customizations, like other designers might offer. "There are special premium delivery services if you reside in the New York City area, but if an item is located in the United States, you will still receive your item rather quickly," Kolanović-Šolaja says.
