To say that I impulsively bought a wedding dress is no exaggeration. It was 7 a.m. and I had finished work at midnight the night before.
Being my second marriage, I wanted to wear something simpler than the gorgeous lace and beading set I had when I was 28. Buying a dress online was never part of the plan, though, until it became a reality.
Melissa Singer: Buying my wedding dress was never part of my plan.Credit: Meredith O'Shea
The dress by a famous American designer met many criteria. As a bonus, it has been greatly reduced. I clicked buy and held my breath.
While many brides still consider custom wedding dresses central to their wedding planning, more and more women are buying dresses online – whether new or used – for reasons that include saving money. fees and want to be “anti-bride”, short for the no-nonsense trend – traditional or low-maintenance weddings. According to several brides who spoke to this title, online purchasing is also more popular among the curvy community.
Jodie Willox, who got married in March, said that as a “size 17,” going online was a no-brainer. “I knew what style I wanted and being my second wedding, I didn't want it to be 'fluffy,'” she said.
Greta Kenyon, founder and editor of Together magazine wedding magazine said she has observed a marked increase in the number of couples buying outfits online, especially since the pandemic. “The mindset of shopping online for your wedding has become significantly more receptive,” she says.
Kenyon adds there has been a definite trend towards ready-made shopping, especially for brides having second or “party” looks. “We see a lot of modern and minimalist looks as well as fashion-inspired coordinated outfits,” she says.
But online shopping, especially for weddings, has some obvious drawbacks. There is a risk that the dress will not look like the photo or if it is on sale it will not be returnable.
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Tessa-Jay Louis, owner of a PR company, bought six outfits online for her 2023 wedding, including a $2,500 Brandon Maxwell minidress. But the more dresses she bought, the more confused she became. “The repair lady is talking [to me], 'Please stop buying dresses, you'll stress yourself out more,'” Louis said. “I ended up buying three more [after that] because I was doubting myself.”
Like Louis, I always had doubts about my dress until a few days before the wedding. But unlike some brides, I stuck with my choice, even though I did buy a red party dress to change into later. There were a few things I did differently, however, including making alterations sooner and trying the dress on with spray tan inside the return window. In the end, these little things made the difference, and on that day, I was hooked.
However, for those thinking about buying a dress online, these brides have some tips to help make the process as smooth as possible.
Hayley Johnson, 34
When her wedding plans changed, Hayley Johnson switched to dress tactics.
“I had planned to have a custom dress made but due to the pandemic, our wedding was cancelled. We ended up with 25 people at city hall, and it was perfect. I want to dress like me and I want to dress for registration. I didn't want to walk in wearing an evening gown covered in sequins. I went crazy on Pinterest, where I discovered the brand of my last dress, Rime Arodaky, which cost $1200. Then I bought a $200 dress from Shona Joy to dance in.”
Her tips: Don't ask too many people for their opinions, especially if you're pursuing something nontraditional.
Tessa-Jay Louis, 36
Tessa-Jay Louis in bridal wear by (from left) Bernadette, Brandon Maxwell and Maggie Marilyn.
“After buying six dresses, I wore the first one for the ceremony. But I kept them all and wore them to various events before and after our wedding, which was held in Brisbane. I also bought another outfit for our registry wedding in Melbourne. I sold them online – it's great that someone else will wear them.”
Her tips: There is a good change person. They can also add accents to make the dress your own.
Patricia Esser, 43
Still… Patricia Esser in a Maticevski dress.
“I went to several bridal shops and never felt like the designs spoke to my style… and none of the popular wedding websites gave me the 'butterflies' I wanted. Then, by chance, I saw this amazing dress by Maticevski and it was love at first sight. We dated 18 months later, and sometimes I worry that I won't like it, but even now, I know there is no other dress for me but that one.”
Her tips: Do a 'dress reveal' with your wedding party when you go to get dressed, so you don't miss out on that aspect of the dress shopping experience.
Camilla King, 39
Designer steals… Camilla King and husband Matthew Scarlett on their wedding day.
“I never felt like I wanted to go through the whole fitting thing. I always feel like I'll get something off the shelf. First I bought a Carla Zampatti dress online, but it didn't suit me so I returned it. I bought the Givenchy dress for $1800 on final sale; I was so worried it wouldn't fit.”
Her tips: Look at the measurements of the dress, don't just trust the size on the label.
Rachel Meakins, 29
Rachel Meakins, who bought her wedding dress online.
“I always envisioned my wedding dress with sleeves, but I was quoted $3,500 to have something made. Knowing my vision was possible, I found something similar online for just $500. Is it accurate? Are not. Is it luxury quality? Are not. But I'm still very happy. I wore it on my big day and then revealed the gender of the 'garbage' dress to our second son.
Her tips: Don't feel obligated to tell people where you bought the dress or how much you spent.
Jodie Willox, 53
As a “size 17,” Jodie Willox finds it easier to buy dresses online.
“I have limited time and don't live near any big stores. I found mine at JJ's House for less than $200. All it needed was the hem to be shortened. For my first wedding, I went to a lot of stores, bringing all the bridesmaids… Back then I was young and liked to wear all white, so I was probably more picky. This time, the dress wasn't as important as spending the budget on the big party we wanted.”
Her tip: Order a fabric sample – most places online do this – and ask if they do custom sizing. It may cost as little as $20, but they are worth every penny.
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