Online shopping can be risky business. There’s always a chance, no matter how small, that you end up with something that’s not quite what you were expecting. If you’re considering switching from window shopping to (Microsoft) Windows shopping, then read on!

We’re absolutely certain that you don’t want to be the bride who buys her dress online and, on delivery, instantly regrets it. As with everything, there are pros and cons of online wedding dress shopping. However, there is something to be said for the convenience, savings, and options that come with the online experience.

Whether you’re sick of making your way through racks and racks of dresses, or you’re simply not keen on the idea of hunting for dresses in store, online wedding dress shopping could be a great option.

If this is the route you’re taking, then keep these tips in mind:

– Measurements 

You need to know the measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. If you don’t know these, your dress will not be the best fit it can be. Brides who have undertaken the online shopping experiment report that a great way to find your fit is to go in store (oh no!) and fit on some dresses there, with the sole purpose of finding what fits you. Once you’re clued up on your measurements, pop back online and get searching. Of course, you could just use the trusted measuring tape.

– Fabrics 

Be familiar with fabrics and how they look and feel. You wouldn’t want a detail like this to ruin what you expected to be your perfect dress.

– Policies 

Look, we’ve said it once and we’ll say it again. There are always risks with online shopping. Before you make this very important purchase, find out what the online store’s policies are. Imagine you’re unable to return a dress that has turned out to be a Halloween costume! The horror!

– Social media 

Check across all social media platforms for brides wearing a similar dress to the one you’ve chosen. It’ll give you a good idea of how the dress looks in real life!

– Read reviews 

Be sure to check the online reviews of the stores you’re shopping at. You’ll either see many angry customers or tons of happy brides. This will help you decided whether to keep shopping there.

– Read carefully 

Be aware of common terms like “fully lined” and “partially lined”. The latter will have you in a see-through dress on your special day. Pull out those comprehension skills and read the dress descriptions carefully.

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