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 Katharine Polk, who are disrupting the industry by making it more inclusive and accessible, are also on the rise. In addition to offering stylish wedding wares, many places on the list ahead 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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Katharine Polk
After closing the impossibly cool wedding label Houghton in 2019, Katharine Polk is back with a new bridal brand. With the message “bridal for everybody” at the forefront of the L.A.-based label, it offers dress styles in sizes 00 to 30, with prices ranging from $500 to $4,650.
LoveShackFancy
After noticing brides wearing dresses from its vintage-esque line for their nuptials, LoveShackFancy released an official bridal line in June 2020. And good thing that they did! Like most of its offerings, the collection features stunning lace and sheer detailing, nightgown dress-like silhouettes, and flowy skirts.
MatchesFashion
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.
Danielle Frankel
In 2020, 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.
Markarian
Jill Biden’s inauguration brand of choice, as well as that of Natalie and Finnegan Biden, Markarian is also behind some of the prettiest wedding looks that you can buy online. Think: ethereal silhouettes, ultra-feminine details, and party looks featuring feathers and sequins.
Floravere
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).
Sleeper
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.
Net-a-Porter
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.
Sahroo
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.
LEIN
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 pandemic. Styles range from nontraditional gowns (see: this double-breasted gown) and mini dresses to jumpsuits and suits.
Rebecca Vallance
After launching the bridal collection just last year, Australian brand Rebecca Vallance has become a go-to for fashion-forward brides and bridesmaids alike. Prices range from $495 to $1,415, and styles boast statement details like oversized bows and floral-like frills.
BHLDN
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 (pictured here), Amsale, and Watters.
Reformation
For those looking for more sustainable wedding options, 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 the popular brand.
Galia Lahav
Known for its statement-making and unapologetically sexy couture wedding creations, Galia Lahav now offers a selection of dresses that can be purchased online. Expect the same dramatic lengths, form-fitting silhouettes, and plunging necklines that make the brand a favorite among brides who aren’t afraid of being the center of attention.
ASOS
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.
Farfetch
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.
Little White Dress by Amsale
Part of Amsale, the wedding dress brand known for its elegant gowns, the Little White Dress collection features a range of ready-to-ship dresses that are perfect for micro-weddings and events leading up to the wedding. The brand also currently offers virtual fittings.
Lulus
The most affordable brand on the list, Lulus recently expanded its 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.
Moda Operandi
With names ranging from today’s It brands, like Khaite (pictured here) and Jacquemus, Moda Operandi’s wedding edit is made for the bride who would prefer to wear something from the runways of New York and Paris Fashion Week runway, rather than those of Bridal Fashion Week.
Whistles
Contemporary brand Whistles — frequently worn by Kate Middleton — launched bridal dresses five 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.
Revolve
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 and timeless, Revolve also carries a good selection of minimal slip dresses.
Fame and Partners
Fame and Partners offers customizations, that range from color and fabric to length, on all its collections, including bridal. With a made-to-order manufacturing process, not only are the designs custom to each bride’s needs but also sustainable. Note that pieces require 8 to 10 weeks to make.
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