When it comes to wedding gowns, there are many factors to consider. You should think about your body type and what style of dress you like. And, of course, there’s the all-important question of where to buy your gown. Do you go with an online retailer or visit a brick-and-mortar store? Here are some pros and cons of each option that will help you make the decision that’s right for you.
Try Before You Buy
Wedding dresses can be expensive! And no one wants to buy an expensive piece of clothing only to discover that it doesn’t even fit. Many people turn to online retailers when they want to find a great deal on a gown since these sites often offer lower prices than traditional boutiques and department stores. While it’s true that online gowns can be less expensive, there is one significant drawback: you won’t have the opportunity to try them on before you buy. If you’re not careful, this could lead to some serious issues down the line, such as buying a dress that doesn’t fit or isn’t the right style for you. And unfortunately, some retailers don’t allow returns or exchanges for wedding dresses. So if you do decide to shop for online gowns, make sure that you do your research ahead of time so that you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into!
Expert Advice
When it comes to finding the perfect wedding gown, many brides-to-be find that in-store gowns offer a wealth of benefits. Unlike online options, in-store gowns tend to be more accessible, as you can easily try the dresses on and get expert advice on style and sizing from salespeople. In addition, these gowns are often more affordable than custom options since they appeal to a broad range of shoppers. While these advantages are certainly worth considering, there is also one major drawback to in-store gowns: most of them tend to be quite expensive. Many brides report having spent thousands of dollars on their dream gowns, often without understanding all the costs involved. While this is definitely something to think about when weighing your options, with careful planning and investigation, you can still make the most of your in-store dress-shopping experience.
Variety
You might think that online retailers have the edge in terms of variety, as they offer a huge range of choices and allow you to easily search by size or color. However, that’s not always the case. It is important to keep in mind that online gowns may not come in the broad range of sizes available at brick-and-mortar stores. Thus, if you have a particularly petite or plus-sized frame, it may be more difficult to find an online gown that fits you perfectly. In contrast, in-store retailers usually carry a wider selection of sizes. At minimum, they’ll have sample dresses in different sizes for you to try on, and they can order your dress in the correct size once you’ve decided on a gown.
Returns
Online gown shopping certainly has its advantages. Not only can you browse hundreds of beautiful gowns right from your own home, but you can also order multiple sizes and try them in the comfort of your own bedroom. Plus, if the dress doesn’t fit or you just decide it’s not your style after all, returning it is as simple as a quick click of the button. However, there are a couple of major downsides to buying a gown online. First, some retailers don’t allow returns or exchanges—if this is the case, be extra sure you’ve chosen the right style and size before purchasing your gown! Second, if the retailer does allow returns, you may be responsible for paying for shipping costs both ways. This may seem like a big disadvantage at first. However, being able to return your online gown without hassle is much better than trying on poorly fitting dresses at 10 different stores and getting increasingly frustrated with each visit!
Alterations
One major benefit to choosing an in-store gown is that it’s usually easier to get alterations done than with an online gown. This makes sense, of course, since you can bring your dress in for adjustments right away and discuss exactly what changes you want with the tailor. So if you want your dream wedding dress fast and without any surprises, an in-store gown may be a good choice.
So, which is better? It depends on your budget, body type, and personal preferences. If you’re on a tight budget, buying a gown online may be the way to go. But if you want to be able to try on different styles and get professional help with finding the right dress for you, then shopping in-store is probably the better option.
