Advice about Buying a Dress Online. Is it about the price?

Sometimes, brides think they can get a deal in shopping for a wedding dress online. But consider if that’s really the case. Look at the dresses and see how much you’ll pay for all options – including shipping. What’s that average price? Now consider what the average prices are locally. At Uptown Bride, the average price of dresses sold in our shop is $1500. We have dresses for under $1000 but the most expensive one we carry is about $3000. So, consider if the online price is really a deal?

Often times the online advertising will make you think it’s a good deal, but it really might not be. Check what’s available locally before deciding.

But here are some other things to consider. Will you have the support you need that you will only get from a local shop? By shopping local, you’ll have a team there to help you with all the issues that might come up from alterations to steaming to accessories. Things come up in any case, but having people on your side to help you can mean a lot for your sanity during the days before your wedding.

Then if it’s a really good deal, you need to also think about the return policy. You’ve heard the old saying “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.” And “you get what you pay for.” They’re old sayings, but there’s truth in old wisdom too. Just research things and feel sure about the buying path you’re going down before it’s too late to change your mind on it.

We’ve heard stories of brides ordering dresses and receiving a dress that doesn’t look anything like what they expected. Be sure you have time and the ability to return it. If not, you could be stuck with something you bought and can never wear. Do your homework and research the site you’re buying from.

There’s often the question of what looks good on you. You might be able to return it, but will you really have chosen the best look possible for yourself. Photos last. If you wonder whether you could have done better, a long time and if you find yourself wondering whether you could do better, then are these the pictures you want to show your grandchildren?

Another warning is that often that great deal means it cheaply made. Sure, you’ll only be wearing it for one day, but how are you going to get it looking good for that day. Many seamstresses won’t take on a job of altering a dress when its construction is questionable. The seamstress can be blamed for the final outcome, and it won’t be the alterations person’s fault.

Another caution is that with that inexpensive price tag can come inexpensive materials and those can make you sweat throughout the day. How good does that look in photos?

If you’re looking online to save you some money, here are some things that can help you with your budget.

Make sure you understand your budget and how much extras will be. In your attire, there’s also alterations, preservation, jewelry, accessories, and a veil that are not included in the cost of the dress. You don’t want any surprises so to be sure to ask what you’ll be looking at (approximate costs) when you get the things you want to go with the dress. You don’t want any surprises here.

What about asking friends or family to help with the purchase, as their gift to you. Then they can be part of making you look great at the ceremony and in those photos after. Wouldn’t it be a treat to have a veil bought by your grandmother or earrings that your sister gave you?

If you find that you want to get more a dress than you can afford, look at your budget. Is there some other place you can cut back? Maybe having a less fancy table décor is less important than how you look. Prioritize what’s important to you and buy accordingly.

Also consider if there’s a way to save money by buying efficiently. For example, a veil can be used to create dramatic photos before the wedding. After, it can be used as a cover for a crib. Be creative in your thinking and think about how you can reuse things after your wedding day.

Another idea for saving in your budget is to buy a dress that’s in stock instead of ordering one.

It's easy to get caught up in a particular designer, but the budget is kinder on the off-the-rack dresses.

If you have your heart set on one particular designer’s dress, ask the shop if they’re going to have a trunk show of that designer’s dresses. When designers bring their collections to our shop for a limited time. You can see and try on all the dresses you like in that line. At Uptown Bride, we give 10% off the trunk show pricing.

Another idea is to ask the shop about any upcoming specials or sales. If you have your budget in mind, the stylist and shop can help you see if there’s a discount coming that will help it fit into your budget.

Also, be flexible in your thinking. You might have your mind set on one style but also love something else when you try it on. You will look beautiful on your wedding day and stay within your budget with some help from people who know what they’re doing.

If you see a dress that’s in stock that you love, don’t put off buying it! Several off-the-rack styles might not be there the next time you come by.

And one more thing to consider. Buying local helps the local economy and our community that you work in too. Online companies are often big corporations located in different part of the U.S. or in different countries. Buying local helps us all. Thank you for considering buying local.