Buying a dress online?

[hawaiianorangetree]

Hi All

I have found a dress that could be ''the one'' but before i set my heart on it, i thought i should do a little research first to see if i could get it in my budget.

I found it in a local store but unfortunately they are asking $2490 Australian, which is waaaaay over my budget. I have also found it online at a few places and the cheapest i have come across is at bridalgown.net, including postage and with the exchange rate it would cost $1174, which is a lot closer to my budget!

Has anyone bought a gown online and in particular from bridalgown.net? I have bought many things online before but i guess nothing as important as my wedding dress, so i am feeling a little cautious about it all, theres no way that i can afford to buy it from a store here, so if i want it, it has to be from online and from America, paid in full and then with an anxious 6 month wait to see if it all works out.

So i was just wondering if anyone had any advice or experiences about buying a wedding dress online?

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hi Hawaiian!

I purchased my dress online - not through bridalgown.net - but online all the same. Unfortunately, I was looking at a designer gown and due to being laid off my budget was slashed so I had to do the next best thing. I knew that this was *the* gown for me so, thankfully, another PSer pointed me in the direction of Julius Bridal where they were able to make what I like to refer to as a gorgeous DSD - Designer Stunt Double. Given my positive experience with them, I am recommending them to you with a few footnotes ...

My gown came in, as ordered, and is FABULOUS! Simply amazing. IF you are going to order through Julius Bridal or online at all, I would recommend ensuring that you have enough time. My dress was a month late. This being said, it only took 3 mos to make as opposed to 4 or 5 that is standard with mainstream designers. They "got it right" the first time. I believe that this is the case b/c I ordered a design that they already make ... If you are going "custom" and wanting to combine elements of different dresses or for them to make something they have not yet made - there may be some bumps along the way and, in an effort to get it right, it may take a little longer and there may be some back and forth with you sending the gown back to be corrected etc ... This is why I caution that, if you are going custom or deviating from any of the dress designs that they already have, you may wish to ensure that you have plenty of time to iron out any kinks.

Next, communication can be an issue. I have had, for the most part, terrific customer service from JB. They have been attentive and answered my questions sufficiently and, most importantly, well exceeded my expectations by delivering a gorgeous gown to me. This being said, there have been points of frustration b/c, depending on how swamped they are, as a mom and pop operation, they may be slow to respond. This can be annoying. If you are able to grit your teeth and bear it out, you''ll be fine. If not, it may not be for you.

You''ll find that JB has a lot of positive and not so positive feedback all over the place ... I believe that they can and will make a gorgeous gown for you ... I also believe that sometimes they bite off more than they can chew by overpromising and underdelivering ... i.e., a bride comes in and is getting married in 2 weeks and begs them to make a dress ... they, feeling sorry for her, do it and then she is upset with how it turns out and gives them negative feedback. Fair enough, however, had they not taken on this project or had they had sufficient time, they feedback could have been positive.

I was very leery and went through an extensive research process prior to having the confidence to go this route, however, given my budgetary constraints, I decided to take the plunge and have triumphed because of it. I got my gorgeous $5,000+ gown for under $1,000 and I could NOT be happier about it.

The silk satin is luxe - just as is the duchess satin used to make designer gowns and the beadwork is phenomenal. My alterationist keeps raving about it and can''t believe what an amazing deal I got.

Sorry for the long response but just a few months ago I was seriously down and in the same situation as you contemplating this decision so I really feel for you and would like to help in anyway that I can ... I hope that sharing my experience or insight about "buying online" is helpful to you in some way.

Here are some links to JB that might help you to make a more informed decision about either choosing them or another online dress maker ... JB Some pics

Good luck!!

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

Hi Sparkalicious!

Thanks so much for replying

I think the only way i am going to get this dress is to buy it online, I had a look on Julius Bridal and couldn''t find my dress, but i had a bit more of a look around on bridalgown and they had some great testimonials from girls in Australia who had purchased from them. As they source the dresses from the actual designers and pass them on, i shouldn''t have any problems with the actual dress, as long as i choose the right size!

The whole passing over $1000 and then waiting six months to see if it all works out IS a little nerve racking, but if i want this dress it is how i am going to have to do it, and i guess if i pay with paypal i can call on them to help me if needed!!

Thanks for your advice again.

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

here''s the dress

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

and the back,

 

[jstarfireb]

I didn''t buy my wedding dress online, but I bought a bridesmaid dress through Netbride, and it was perfect. Came in WAY ahead of schedule too. Pearl''s Place also has a lot of positive reviews. Not sure about bridalgown.net, but hopefully it''s just as good. Good luck!

 

[Sparkalicious]

H-O-T ... You''ll be fine!! Seriously. It is nerve-racking for certain, however, as long as your measurements are accurate and you get the right dress, you should be all good.
Best of luck to you!!

That dress is gorgeous!! Love it!