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We’re all so used to shopping online these days that the thought of entering a bridal store and spending hours in a cramped dressing room is too much to bear. When you’re months away from celebrating one of the most important days of your life and the gown you wear will be the talk of the night, you can suck it up and slip on organza, lace, and tulle in a hot, stuffy dressing room — or visit one of the 12 best places to buy your wedding dress online and get beautiful in the comfort of your own home.
Many reputable wedding sites ship your dress to you (in perfect condition) for free. And, you know how bridal shops usually only carry gowns and, when it comes time to buy shoes, a veil, and other accessories, you’re forced to take photos of your dress and hope they help with your other shopping needs? Well, that’s not the case when you shop for a wedding gown online — so many sites also offer reception dresses, jewelry, shoes, and more — making sure everything complements your gown becomes a lot easier.
Since you buy everything else online, why not pick up your wedding dress virtually, too? We’ve vetted the 12 best places to buy your dress online — whether they have generous return policies (unlike bridal salons), free return shipping, or amazing designer sales, these are the most reliable, and highest customer-rated dress sites on the web.
p.s. Please don’t just google “wedding dresses” – unless your aim is to buy a designer knock-off from China. Trust us.
Attention, label lovers: Shopbop has an extensive selection of designer gowns from the likes of Marchesa, Katie Maya, Zac Posen, and Badgley Mischka. Plus, there’s a wide range of price points (from $100 to $2,000 for gowns), a super sweet Honeymoon Shop, and their sales are always bananas — think, 50-70% off. (Don’t worry, we won’t let you miss any.)
Editor’s Pick: Theia Marina Off The Shoulder Petal Gown ($1,495)
2. Nordstrom’s The Wedding Suite
Our favorite department store doesn’t yet have a Wedding Suite in every store, but you can see their full selection of wedding gowns online – and most are under a $1,000. They also carry designer styles from Carmen Marc Valvo, Nicole Miller, and Tadashi Shoji.
Editor’s Pick: Sue Wong Feather Beaded Gown ($558)
With their White by Vera Wang bridal line, David’s Bridal has become a destination for gorgeous, budget-friendly gowns. They frequently have sales and markdowns, so brides on a major budget can find dresses there for under $100. They also have a great selection of accessories (think Kate Middleton veil replicas) and bridesmaid dresses.
Editor’s Pick:White by Vera Wang Textured Organza Wedding Dress ($998)
4. eDressMe
While they’re a lot less flashy than most sites on our list, eDressMe carries some great bridal brands – like Love, Yu and THEIA. They also have an impressive selection of gowns that are under $300.
Editor’s Pick:Off The Shoulder Chiffon Satin Wedding Dress By Camille La Vie ($699.99)
5. Bloomingdale’s The Wedding Shop
Bloomies’ freshly revamped Wedding Shop has everything you need for your entire wedding party – from gowns, to reception dresses, flower girl dresses and an extensive mother-of-the-bride selection. Your MOB will thank you.
Editor’s Pick:Ralph Lauren One-Shoulder Jersey Gown ($160)
6. Net-a-Porter’s Wedding Boutique
If you’re dead serious about designer fashion (and you have the $ to bankroll your habit), Net-a-Porter is like your personal online playground. Of course, their Wedding Boutique is top notch — dresses from Alexander McQueen(Kate Middleton’s fav!) and Matthew Williamson, pumps from Louboutin, clutches from Valentino… need we say more?
Editor’s Pick: Alexander McQueen Silk-Chiffon Bustier Gown ($1977)
7. BHLDN
Anthropologie’s bridal line BHLDN always wows us with its totally innovative, totally exclusive wedding dress designs. And like Anthropologie, they have the best visual aesthetic in the biz. (If you live in Houston or Chicago, be sure to check out their stores!)
Editor’s Pick: Burnished Organza Gown ($800)
8. J.Crew
We love J.Crew’s Weddings & Parties lookbooks. Odds are, if you shop at J.Crew, you’ll love their affordable selection of wedding gowns. And fortunately, like everything else, they eventually go on SALE! (Be warned – the majority of J.Crew’s wedding and bridesmaid styles are only available via their catalog or online shop)
Editor’s Pick: Corrina Gown ($495)
Unique Vintage has an exciting hodge podge of wedding, evening, and prom dresses. They carry a lot of the same brand names you’d find at nice bridal salons, as well as unique vintage-inspired styles from American designers like Fancy Bridal and Dolly Couture.
Editor’s Pick: Frock and Frill Ivory Beaded Bia Bridal Cape And Maxi Dress ($218)
10. The Outnet
Touted as the “world’s most fashionable fashion outlet,” The Outnet is the little sister site of Net-A-Porter. While their selection of designer wedding gowns and reception dresses may be limited, they definitely make up for that with their steep discounts (50% off or more!) and big designer names (think Erdem, Victoria Beckham, and Calvin Klein Collection).
Editor’s Pick:Antonio Berardi Tiered Stretch Knit And Broderie Anglaise Dress ($744)
11. Revolve
From whimsical, romantic lace gowns by Needle & Thread and Rachel Zoe to sophisticated satin silhouettes by the likes of Norma Kamali and Katie May, Revolve’s bridal shop doesn’t stock a huge selection of wedding gowns, but there isn’t a dud among them. Most dresses are priced well under $1,000 and simple, floor-length column gowns with subtle embellishments or lace details are all the rage at Revolve.
Editor’s Pick: Noel and Jean by Katie May Odette Gown ($586)
Bridal designer Jenny Yoo set up a one-shop online shop where you can snag bridal and bridal party dresses (even lingerie) and feel confident you’re purchasing a totally unique gown (and supporting an independent designer, to boot). Most of Yoo’s gorgeous gowns are simple and ethereal, but she also provides modern twists like a separate bustier and skirt and convertible panels that allow you to create alternate necklines and skirt details.
Editor’s Pick: Monarch Luxe Chiffon ($850)
Want to see some of our favorite gown picks? Shop our guides to the best simple wedding dresses, outdoor wedding dresses, and short wedding dresses!
