The Best Places To Buy Wedding Dresses Online, According To Our Editors (2024)

Molly Calhoun

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Size range: XXS to XXL, 00 to 18 | Shipping: $15 for wedding gowns | Return policy: Within 30 days of purchase (made-to-order gowns cannot be returned)

• What's notable: Many of the experts we talked to praised this retailer for its selection, and the site is easy to filer by style (such as classic, modern, romantic).
• What could be better: The sizing could be more inclusive on some dresses.

Anthropologie is a leader due to their comprehensive, easy-to-navigate website, with stylish options for every bride, from traditional to trendy, and everything in between from designers including Watters and Jenny Yoo. Even better, they offer styles for the rehearsal dinner, honeymoon and for bridesmaids and wedding guests, and they have wedding shoes, an extensive collection of accessories—think diaphanous veils, jeweled hair pins and delicate crowns—and beautiful lingerie too. They offer complimentary wedding styling either in one of their stores, via Zoom or over the phone, and they even have a handy at-home measuring guide.

What the experts say: “Anthropologie has a large assortment of designers, styles and sizes,” says bride and wedding attire stylist Jackie Avrumson. “Whether you are a bride who wants something clean or wants lace or sparkle, they have it. If you are a bride that wants a fun accessory, they have it. The site is so easy to navigate. They also offer bridesmaid dresses, plus size, mother of the bride, everything.” Wedding fashion stylist Julie Sabatino agrees: “Anthropologie works with a lot of great designers and they have a lot of depth on the bench—there’s a lot of variety.”

Size range: XXS to XXL; petite, regular and tall lengths | Shipping: $7 for standard shipping; rush options available | Return policy: 30 days

• What's notable: Their styles are simple, classic and unfussy, allowing you to create drama with other pieces in your wedding wardrobe.
• What could be better: Their selection of classic styles and gowns is limited.

Abercrombie & Fitch recently launched their wedding shop, which includes wedding dresses as well as honeymoon and bachelorette looks all around $100. Tiers, pleats, minis, cutouts and asymmetrical designs feature prominently in their collection, as do chic white jumpsuits. If you’ve got room left in your budget, they even have beach looks—think lots of crochet dresses—for your honeymoon and cute sleep sets and lingerie to round out your bridal wardrobe.

What the experts say: “Abercrombie’s affordable collection caters well to young brides,” says Forbes Vetted fashion contributor Molly Calhoun. “They offer a range of different silhouettes, lengths and fabrics—some are trendy while others are more subdued, and some styles come in more casual fabrics for different wedding-related events.”

Size range: 0 to 16 | Shipping: Via FedEx starting at $10 | Return policy: 28 days for full-price items

• What's notable: This site’s unique styles are ideal for brides who gravitate toward sophisticated, high-end dresses and unexpected detailing.
• What could be better: The website can be difficult to navigate to find wedding styles, and their return policy isn’t great.

Luxury fashion retailer Moda Operandi features highly curated, swoon worthy styles from design heavy hitters such as Brandon Maxwell, Gabriela Hearst, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa. You’ll see exquisite quality, flattering silhouettes, and special detailing that makes these dresses read more one-of-a-kind than run-of-the-mill. They also offer an amazing collection of bags, jewelry and shoes—from brands like Aeyde, Cult Gaia and Simkhai—that are worth the investment, as you’ll be able to wear them many times over to remember your big day.

What the experts say: “Moda Operandi’s investment pieces are distinctive and truly special,” says Calhoun. “Their wedding shoe and handbag offerings in particular are stunning, but also practical and not over-the-top in terms of their design.”

Size range: 14 to 28 | Shipping: Standard shipping only | Return policy: Must be postmarked 14 days from delivery

• What's notable: They offer beautiful, fashion-forward styles in colors other than white.
• What could be better: No rush shipping, and wedding styles are not eligible for discounts.

Eloquii’s selection of bridal styles is top-notch: All dresses are under $900, and you can choose from styles in draped silk, lace and tulle, with fashionable details such as bubble hems and corset tops. If you’re a non-traditional bride, they offer glamorous pantsuits, jumpsuits and wide leg trousers in materials like satin and sequins. To round out your wedding look, Eloquii has accessories, like wedding gloves, belts and garters, and even an adorable faux fur jacket if you’re getting married in a cooler season.

What the experts say: “Eloquii really stands out for their beautifully tailored styles with sophisticated detailing,” says Calhoun. “Their options are ideal for both brides who want a major moment walking down the aisle and for those who want something sleek for a rehearsal dinner or reception.”

Size range: XS to XL, 0 to 12 | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days

• What's notable: Reformation’s understated, effortlessly glamourous designs are unparalleled, and they come at good prices.
• What could be better: In our experience when ordering from this site, items aren’t always packaged with care, so you may need to spend time steaming your dress to get out creases.

Reformation excels at sustainable, clean-line styles in minimalist silhouettes, so if you’re looking for a classic silk sheath or satin A-line, they have stunning options that are both romantic and ethereal. You can look to Reformation to outfit you for pre-wedding events like your bachelorette party and wedding shower too, and even to source styles for your bridal party. Reformation offers free alterations on basic things like length and sleeve hemming, although styles with unique finishings are excluded.

What the experts say: “Reformation has a huge range of price points, which is great,” says Sabatino. Calhoun agrees: “Reformation doesn’t have a ton of traditional wedding gown styles, but those they do have quietly pack a big punch,” she says. “They give off chic Carolyn Bessette vibes and are ideal for brides who want things like accessories or hair to take center stage.”

Size range: 00 to 16 | Shipping: Free 3-day shipping or free 2-day with Amazon Prime | Return policy: Free returns within 15 days; $10 returns from 16 to 30 days

• What's notable: You get a large variety of short wedding dress styles, and their shipping and returns policy is great.
• What could be better: This retailer doesn’t carry as many long styles as others on our list.

Shopbop’s wedding shop is marked by playful designs for the modern bride, with bridal looks from designers such as Self Portrait, Retrofete and Rebecca Vallance. If you’re looking for wedding lingerie, they have an extensive selection (trust us, this site is a win for bridal shower and bachelorette party gifts), and they also have fantastic accessories, like a Lele Sadoughi veil headband, and unique clutches.

What the experts say: “Shopbop’s bridal offerings are ideal for creative brides who know what they want, in particular if they have the bandwidth to cultivate different pieces from different designers,” says Calhoun. “Their customer service is also top-notch and they make returns very easy.”

Size range: XXS to 4X | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Free 60-day returns

• What's notable: Revolve’s shipping and returns policy is outstanding, which takes some of the stress out of the wedding shopping process.
• What could be better: They don’t list user reviews on their site, which can be limiting.

As the night goes on, many brides opt to go shorter—and sometimes sparklier—with their dresses, and Revolve has a plentiful selection of playful mini styles. You’ll find leg-baring looks from Majorelle and Elliatt or slinky backless dresses for dancing into the wee hours. We also like Revolve for affordable wedding jewelry that looks expensive but is reasonably priced.

What the experts say: “While sometimes late-night dresses can lean too late-night-club-y, Revolve strikes a nice balance with well-made dresses that are cute, sophisticated and party-ready,” says Calhoun.