Planning a wedding can be a fun thing to do. However, it can also be very challenging, especially when it comes to finding and buying the right products. While there are plenty of traditional wedding stores to buy from, they don’t always offer a large variety which can often leave you stuck when it comes to finding things that will match the wedding’s theme. Some stores might also inflate their prices because the items aren’t necessarily selling very quickly.
Because of this, it’s ideal to consider shopping on online wedding shops. There are numerous online wedding sites which offer many different items for you to buy, no matter what your taste is. Most of the dresses sold come at affordable prices and in a handful of styles. Many online wedding sites also offer consultations and various other things to help make planning a wedding easy to do. You might also find that a few online wedding shops have traditional stores where you can go to try on dresses or make an appointment with a stylist.
While online wedding shops can be very beneficial, there are a few things you need to make sure to keep in mind. These include looking closely at the products being sold, the prices, and if they offer helpful features such as customer service. Below you’ll find some important information to keep in mind when shopping online at a wedding store. You’ll also discover some of the top online wedding sites to consider purchasing items from.
What is an Online Wedding Store?
An online wedding store is a site that sells products related to weddings, such as gowns, jewelry, tables, candles, and balloons. However, depending on the store you choose, you’ll find they might specialize in certain aspects of weddings, such as gowns or decor. Online wedding sites will vary in their price ranges with some offering affordable items while others only sell high-end products.
The Benefits of Using an Online Wedding Store
There are quite a few benefits that come with using an online wedding store. Below are some you’ll find if you decide to use one.
They Offer Many Products
A great thing about an online wedding store is that it offers many products. This way, shoppers will be able to find a variety of items they might be looking for, as well as some unique products to consider purchasing. Many sites also sell designer brands, so if you’re looking for a high-quality wedding gown, you’ll be able to find it on them.
There is a Large Variety
Because online wedding sites don’t need retail space, they can offer more products. Because of this, you’ll benefit from the vast amount of items available which is sometimes limited in brick-and-mortar wedding shops. This also means that if you need to buy multiple items of the same kind you can easily do so with an online site.
They Have Many Pictures of the Products
It’s one thing to have a nice description of an item, but it’s important that the item is exactly as it’s written about on the site. A wedding store online usually has many different pictures of the item being sold so you can look at all its details. This way, you’ll be able to tell whether or not the item will be right for your needs.
They Sometimes Offer Consultations
If you’re having trouble finding a certain dress or style, many sites offer free consultations with a wedding professional. They will help you to find the perfect dress and accessories which can help to lower the stress levels of many who feel as if they are stuck in their search.
What to Consider Before Shopping at an Online Wedding Store
While shopping on a wedding store online comes with many benefits, you’ll want to consider a few things to help make your experience the best it can be.
The Prices
The price of the items being sold is very important to look at, especially if you’re on a budget. While there are many affordable sites, there are quite a few pricey ones as well which usually sell higher-end products. It’s crucial to keep this in mind to help prevent you from finding products you love on one site only to find they are out of your budget.
The price also includes shipping costs. While the prices might be low, sometimes it could be pricey to ship the products to you. In fact, sometimes the shipping alone can be more expensive than the actual item you want to buy.
How Easy it is to Navigate
Many often don’t realize that the accessibility of the site is important to consider. A site that is hard to browse on can make your shopping experience very difficult, especially when it’s filled with ads and pop-ups that can make it a bit tricky to get around. Due to this, it’s a good idea to make sure the site is easy to navigate.
If They Specialize in Certain Products
Sometimes wedding sites will specialize only in certain products, such as wedding outfits or decor. This can often be a good thing because it means the site is focused solely on these products which usually means the products are unique. However, the downside is that you’ll only be able to use the site for those products. Because of this, if you’re looking for an online shop that offers many different types of merchandise, you’ll want to make sure to avoid specialty sites.
If They Offer Special Discounts
Funding a wedding can be very expensive which is why it’s good to consider whether or not the site offers discounts. This could range from a sales section you can browse on or an exclusive area that is only allowed for members of the site. Keep in mind that sometimes you might need to sign up for a newsletter or email updates in order to qualify for these discounts.
If There is Planning Help
Some online wedding sites actually offer event planning services for your wedding which can range from giving you inspiration ideas to actually helping you plan and budget things. This can help you find the perfect color scheme or theme for the wedding and ensure you stay on budget. A planning feature can be very beneficial for those who are a bit stuck as to what they want to do for the wedding and need some extra help. If you feel as if this feature could be of use to you, definitely make sure to see if the site offers it.
The Sizes Available
A wedding site should always offer numerous sizes with their clothing. However, sometimes you’ll find a few sites that only have a handful of sizes to select from which can make it very difficult for some shoppers to find items to wear. Because of this, always make sure to check ahead of time at the sizes the wedding store offers to ensure you’ll be able to find clothing that will fit correctly.
How to Measure for a Wedding Dress
Trying to measure yourself for a wedding dress can be very tricky, which is why many sometimes end up buying the wrong size for their gown. Below are some tips to use when measuring for a wedding dress to help prevent this common problem.
Measure Your Bust, Waist, and Hips
Measuring your bust, waist, and hips is crucial to ensure that the wedding dress fits you. To measure your bust, take a tape measure and put it around the fullest part of your bust. Make sure to not measure under the bust as this will give you an incorrect number.
After measuring your bust, move on to your waist. Stand up straight and then slightly bend your waist to one side so a slight crease in your body is made. Once you do this, take a tape measure and wrap it around where the crease is.
The last thing to do is to measure your hips. You can correctly do this by placing your feet slightly apart and then measuring around the fullest part of your hips.
Do a Hollow-to-Hem Measurement
One of the most vital measurements for a wedding gown is the hollow-to-hem. This helps you to tell how long the dress should be. To do a hollow-to-hem measurement, take a tape measure and hold it from the center of your collarbone to the end of your dress.
While this sounds easy to do, it can often be tricky, which is why many recommend you have a professional do it for you. Sometimes the type of dress you are wearing could give you an incorrect measurement which can throw the style of the dress off.
However, keep in mind that the sizes you use from these measurements might not be the right size for certain sites as they could have their own size guide you need to follow. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that you check beforehand that the site doesn’t have its own size chart.
The Top Wedding Stores to Shop at Online
House of Brides
House of Brides is an online wedding retailer that specializes in wedding gowns. They offer a variety of styles, including vintage, mermaid, and couture. Each gown sold comes with many photos which allow you to view all angles of the dress to make sure it matches your preferences. Some dresses also come with the ability to have them rushed shipped to you or lengthed, but these features come at an extra price. In addition to wedding dresses, House of Brides sells dresses for bridesmaids, mothers, and flower girls. You’ll also find a few accessories you can purchase for the big event, such as headpieces, veils, shoes, handbags, and lingerie.
The site is very easy to shop on and even lets you narrow your search down to certain designers. The website does offer customer service and has a special “Request Appointment” feature where you can schedule a one-on-one consultation with a wedding consultant at one of their brick-and-mortar stores.
The Wedding Outlet
This online wedding site is easy to shop on thanks to the numerous categories on its home page. This can help you to narrow down your search so you can quickly find what you’re looking for. Some categories include things for the brides (like robes, gloves, and hairpieces), items for the ceremony and reception, and other decor options. You’ll also find favors and anniversary gifts to purchase. However, this site doesn’t sell wedding gowns, so if you’re looking for one you’ll have to search elsewhere.
The Wedding Outlet often has new arrivals every month so there’s always something new. It also has a wedding inspiration page which highlights some of the most popular color and theme palettes for this special event.
This site does allow returns and it has a live customer service option if you need help or has concerns about your purchase. It also has a newsletter you can sign up for which keeps you up-to-date on wedding trends and sales that the site is having.
Azazie
If you’re looking for an online wedding store that specializes in wedding dresses, Azazie is one store to consider. Brides will find countless gowns they can buy which range in their styles and prices. You can also make your search a little easier by narrowing down the products to specific categories, such as by style or a certain price range. The dresses come in many sizes and feature numerous photos and a lengthy description so you can be sure that it’s the right gown for you. Azazie also has a unique “Try Before You Buy” feature which allows you to order the dress you’re interested in and try it on before you commit to it. A few dresses also have a “Ready to Ship” feature which means they will be sent immediately after you buy them.
Besides dresses for the bride, Azazie sells dresses for bridesmaids and the mother of the bride. The site also sells fabric swatches which lets you feel the texture of the piece and see if the color will match the theme of the wedding.
Azazie has an inspiration gallery which features photos from weddings to help you find the right style for the event. It also has a few helpful guides which are designed to make planning a wedding a bit easier.
BHLDN
BHLDN is an elegant online wedding site that offers a mixture of vintage and modern styles with their wedding gowns. While the dresses can be expensive, they come in numerous designs which range from floral to minimalist. Each product sold comes with a description, photos, and plenty of size options. For those who need a wedding dress immediately, BHLDN has a last-minute bride option which allows you to buy the dress as it is so it can be shipped to you immediately.
BHLDN also sells shoes, accessories, decor, and gifts. If you happen to live by one of their brick-and-mortar stores, you can sign up to have an appointment at one to try on a dress or visit with a stylist. This online site often offers many sales and discounts throughout the year. Customers can make an account to save items they like, check their purchases, or view discounts that are exclusive to members.
Adrianna Papell
Adrianna Papell is an online dress shop which sells a large variety of unique wedding dresses for brides, bridesmaids, and the mother of the bride. Its bridal category is filled with many choices which can be narrowed down by style, such as boho, destination, and romantic. You’ll also find plenty of accessories, such as jewelry, to buy as well. If you’re still stuck as to what you want to do for the wedding, Adrianna Papell offers many different guides to help you, such as how to find the perfect wedding dress.
This online wedding site is easy to navigate and has a helpful “check your order” button at the top which will allow you to check the status of your order without having to make an account. However, you can sign up for an account on the site for updates on styles and to receive special discounts. All orders have free shipping.
Bells & Birds
Bells & Birds is a quaint online shop that specializes in luxurious lace or silk loungewear for brides. While a little pricey, these robes and slips come in many styles and each has its own interesting backstory. Besides loungewear, Bells & Birds also sells sleepwear, lingerie, and keepsakes, such as personalized hangers. If you only want a certain piece of clothing for a small amount of time, the site does offer rental items. For those who want to try something unique, you could purchase a Mystery Bag which includes items from recent sales.
This site offers a few sales throughout the year, including discounts for members who sign up for their newsletter. Bells & Birds also has a size-chart you can reference to ensure you purchase the correct clothing size.
Lisa has a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Arts. She is an experienced blogger who enjoys researching interesting facts, ideas, products, and other compelling concepts. In addition to writing, she likes photography and Photoshop.