The last few years have seen a significant spike in the number of retailers offering wedding dresses online. While brick-and-mortar stores are still very popular for their appointment-only model, allowing brides-to-be to bring their family and friends with them, there is an increasing number of brides who’re interested in a more modern experience. One where they are not at the hands of the bridal stylist — who often brings gowns to them from the back of the shop based on what they think is their style — and where they can peruse an unlimited selection of brands that are both bridal and not.
In the past, quality issues and limited return policies may have prevented brides from buying their wedding dress online, but we’re now living in the golden age of the online bridal shop. With the arrival of wedding shops from the likes of e-commerce retailers like MatchesFashion, the selection is as fashion-forward as it’s ever been. Bridal brands like Floravere, who are disrupting the industry by making it more transparent and the experience more tech-savvy, are also on the rise. In addition to offering stylish wedding wares, these places also offer the convenience of buying your accessories all in the same place, making the experience seamless for brides who are not looking to spend their time going to several stores.
Ahead, the best places to buy wedding dresses in every budget.
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From Erdem, Batsheva, and Rochas to Vivienne Westwood and Richard Quinn, the MatchesFashion bridal shop, which launched in early 2020, has styles ranging from saccharine sweet to fashion-forward. The hardest part will be just picking one look from the selection that this popular London-based retailer offers.
This month, one of our favorite Cool Girl wedding labels Danielle Frankel relaunched its website. With that, the 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund runner-up Danielle Hirsch's avant-garde designs — previously available at Net-A-Porter and Moda Operandi, among others e-tailers — can be bought from the site directly.
This direct-to-consumer brand, which also has storefronts in NYC and L.A., offers made-to-order wedding looks at much more affordable prices than traditional wedding retailers. To make things even better, Floravere is currently hosting a sample sale, with prices starting at $300 (down from $1,000).
For those looking for a sustainable wedding dress, the cult-favorite label Reformation also designs bridal looks. The styles lean more boho, and feature the same low-cut, high-slit styles that we've come to expect from (and love about) the brand.
For a more classic selection, e-tailer Net-A-Porter carries brands like Roland Mouret, Halston, Self-Portrait, Temperley London, and Brandon Maxwell. In addition to short dresses and gowns, you can also shop separates perfect for before and after the big day.
New York-based designer Sarah Abbasi's eco-friendly bridal brand features handmade matching sets, made using silk, glass crystals, and feathers by artisans in her native Pakistan. While trousers are Abbasi's signature, Sahroo also creates stunning caftans, gowns with thigh-high slits, and capes.
Fans of the nightgown trend will love this casual selection from the nightwear-as-outwear brand that has made a name for itself on Instagram with its feather-adorned pajamas. Prairie-like and available in linen, these dresses are made for the bride who wants to look authentically herself on her wedding day.
A wedding label made for the modern woman, LEIN's founder and designer Meredith Stoecklein is currently offering virtual fittings to brides in response to the shelter-in-place orders. Styles range from nontraditional gowns (see: this double-breasted gown) and mini dresses to jumpsuits and suits.
The most traditional bridal retailer on the list, Anthropologie's bridal brand also offers the biggest selection of wedding styles. If you're on a tight deadline, check out the in-stock and ready-to-ship section of the site which currently features popular brands like Jenny Yoo, Amsale, and Watters.
One of the most popular e-tailers also offers a big bridal selection as part of its Edition (special occasion) collection. As is always the case with ASOS, the styles — ranging from separates to cocktail dresses and gowns — have an affordable starting point.
For those looking for a dress that only looks bridal, Farfetch has styles from high-end brands like Lanvin, Giambattista Valli, and Saint Laurent. If bridal is what you’re after, though, the retailer does carry labels like Jenny Packham and Temperley London who are beloved for their wedding styles.
Contemporary brand Whistles — frequently worn by Kate Middleton — launched bridal dresses four years ago. Ever since then, brides have flocked to this high-street favorite for an affordable selection of modern styles that range from ethereal to minimal.
If you're a frequent shopper on Revolve, you'll recognize the e-tailer's penchant for sexy, form-fitting, high-slit styles in its bridal edit. For those looking for something more subtle, Revolve also carries brands like LoveShackFancy, known for its sweet, prairie-like dresses.
The most affordable brand on the list, Lulus recently launched a bridal shop. Carrying a range of gowns and short dresses, the label makes it easy (on you and your wallet) to have two looks on your wedding day, as well as many more to wear before and after the day.
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