Gone are the days when brides would dream of walking into bridal stores and trying on a boatload of dresses. Many brides are quietly moving away from huge bridal boutiques, navigating towards smaller indie designers to get something unique at a price they don’t mind spending. What if you could buy a custom couture wedding dress designed specifically to your measurements and that too in any style, fabric, and color you wanted? Welcome to the world of the best wedding dress shops on Etsy. Brides can now get the wedding dress of their dreams from anywhere in the world.
There are many reasons why we love Etsy for wedding outfits. Firstly, there are tons of brilliant small artists and businesses around the globe that we wouldn’t even consider because we didn’t have access to them. Moreover, Etsy opens up an entire world of products. So, whether you’re looking for an off-shoulder ballgown or a whimsical boho dress in silk chiffon, Etsy has you covered in possibilities you won’t believe. Here’s a detailed and useful guide to shopping for your dream wedding outfit on Etsy.
WeAreReclamation
6
We begin with WeAreReclamation, one of the most popular Etsy shops with a base in Victoria, Canada. This beloved bohemian wedding dress designer is inclusive to all brides and focuses on giving every bride that magic bridal, no matter the size. We’re especially thrilled to see quite a few soon-to-be-moms featured in their wedding gowns! The shop features all sorts of vintage-inspired tiers, ruffles, laces, and even starry fabrics that we could possibly imagine to adorn a boho wedding dress. So, every gown is rendered completely unique, making the shop a haven for unicorn goddesses looking for something distinctive.
Take the WeAreReclamation Captivate Off-White Lace Gown, for instance. Lined with ivory chiffon, this stunning wedding dress boasts a gorgeous design in a stunning, high-quality fabric. The way the fabric falls to the bottom is simply amazing, flattering all kinds of silhouettes. While it comes with a lining, it costs USD 50 additional to add a non-sheer lining to it.
Pros
- The shop has a huge collection of boho-inspired wedding dresses.
- It sells dresses in multiple colors, not just white.
- It’s size-inclusive.
Cons
- They’ve opened their own shop, but are still selling specific stuff on Etsy. You just need to DM them.
Gibson Bespoke
5
Have you always envisioned yourself as a Hollywood bride? We urge you to check out Gibson Bespoke, a Northern Ireland-based wedding shop perfect for discerning brides. Founded and run by Debbie Bailie-Collins, the brand specializes in bespoke designs, as the name suggests. So, they tailor the outfits to every bride’s unique specifications and measurements. All the stunning heirloom pieces are worked on by a team of talented embroidered and seamstresses. But what we loved the most was that they all have an old Hollywood-style feel, with fine couture lace, silk, and crystal.
Stand out from the crowd in the Gibson Bespoke Seraphine Couture Silk Paillettes Gown that shimmers beautifully with every movement of yours. The outer layer has hand-embellished paillettes sequins on light chiffon, with a double lining in crepe and silk satin. We loved everything about it: the semi-sheer covered back, the decolletage, and the feminine sweetheart gathered neckline, complete with a slight stretch.
Pros
- The shop sells not only wedding outfits, but also accessories, veils, capes, and jewelry.
- Every piece is hand-made with embellishments.
- We loved the old Hollywood-style feel of the gowns.
Cons
- Since they sell a variety of wedding stuff, they might not have the biggest collection for you to browse.
Cleo and Clementine
4
If you’re looking for a fairytale vintage-meets-modern boho vibe, then look no further than Cleo and Clementine. The objective of the 2012-founded brand is to bring passionately made, authentic wedding apparel and accessories to equally involved brides. Designer and owner Monique Sandoval creates everything from beautiful accessories and separates to handmade dresses by working one-on-one with every bride. Thus, she helps customize a gown specially made just for you.
It was love at first sight with the Cleo and Clementine Metallic Rose Gold Flaked Hera Bridal Veil. Offered in base colors of champagne, ivory, silk white, and bright white, this Hera veil is handmade to order from super-soft nylon tulle. We absolutely loved the rose-gold metallic flakes along the edge, as well as the hand-sewn, rose-gold bridal comb at the crown.
Pros
- They sell not just wedding outfits, but also accessories.
- They’re all handmade and made-to-order to specific measurements and customizations.
- It’s the perfect place to shop for bridal accessories.
Cons
- Not all items might be available for viewing on the Etsy shop.
Wardrobe by Dulcinea
3
Do you love bridal separates, that is a top and a skirt instead of a traditional wedding gown? Then you must check out Wardrobe by Dulcinea, which specializes in color and drama with its incredible collection of wedding wardrobe styling and tulle bridal skirts. The shop allows you to embellish gowns with a detachable overskirt, making it the perfect second look for a reception or ceremony. Or, you could even mix and match a variety of bridal tops with their skirts.
Their motto is “Size: Yours,” and even their labels say that because that’s the only size they believe in. So, there are no additional charges for different figures and shapes, since everything is made from scratch and to measurements unique to yours. Owner and designer Inge even takes great care of her employees, and the studio is anything but a sweatshop.
If we had to pick a favorite, it would be this Wardrobe By Dulcinea Monica & Aquarelle Two-piece Bridal Separates Set, made up of the bodysuit, Monica, and the tulle skirt, Aquarelle. We loved the scalloped, soft V neckline, lace pattern, and sweetheart shape of the bodysuit, and the marble-like, ice-dyed, double-hued design on the skirt.
Pros
- The shop offers very unique takes on wedding gowns and outfits.
- The dress is of very high quality and boasts beautiful designs.
- You can mix and match outfits.
Cons
- The separates set might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Flora & Lane
2
Calling all our boho brides to Flora & Lane, one of the best vintage-inspired Etsy wedding shops. We loved the collection of boho-luxe wedding gowns, which boast elegant yet unexpected details. Think oversized bell sleeves, crochet lace, eye-catching embroidery, bold hues, florals, laces, and free-spirited silhouettes. So, if you’re wedding is in that dreamily wild and outdoorsy location, these fun, flowy, and sexy designs are perfect. One of the best things about the shop is that it’s one of the few dress shops with prices beginning at less than USD 500.
When it comes to unique wedding dresses, we loved the Flora & Lane Floral Embroidered Garden Wedding Dress in teal. Perfect for woodland and autumn weddings, this dress made from teal crinkle chiffon and featuring embroidered rustic florals is perfect.
Pros
- Floral & Lane has something for all styles and budgets.
- We love the details on the dresses, like the sheer cutouts, embroidery, pleated detailing, etc.
- Their dresses come in multiple sizes and colors.
Cons
- It might fit some very specific boho wedding themes, not formal ones.
Anna Skoblikova
1
Sitting at the top of our list, and many others is AnnaSkoblikova. This is a star Etsy seller for more reasons than one, starting with the fact that this shop is a haven for classic brides. You’ll love the shop’s whimsical handmade designs. What’s more, the brand’s selection of couture gowns is perfect for glam brides who are looking forward to a memorable walk down the aisle. The best bit? They even create custom gowns, starting from the sketch to the final design approved by you.
“We loved the options for different gowns with this brand, ranging from formal to boho!”
Dizzzi
That’s not all. This brand boasts many intricate designs, including allover lace gowns, regal long-sleeved ones, embellished floor-length frocks, and more. Moreover, the seller is easy, quick, and responsive to communicate with. We particularly liked the Anna Skoblikova Gemma Lace Backless Sleeved Wedding dress, which looked perfect for a wedding in the French countryside. There were for early booking prices, as well as individual measurements.
Pros
- This shop is the perfect place to go for classic wedding gowns.
- The seller is extremely responsive and communicative.
- The designs are intricate and excellent.
Cons
- None.
How To Choose The Best Wedding Dresses on Etsy?
Size and silhouette
One of the first things you need to do before beginning to browse online is to know what silhouettes work best with your body type and your specific measurements. Since every designer could use slightly different measurements, do check with every brand’s sizing guides. This will ensure that your wedding dress fits you perfectly, thus helping eliminate much trial and error.
Fabrics
After sizing, the next important factor is the fabric. Pay attention to the wide range of silhouettes, sleeve styles, bodice, and the particular fabrics used. Familiarizing yourself with different kinds of fabrics will help immensely since you aren’t viewing wedding dresses in person, thus helping you understand how they’ll fit and feel. So, consider whether you want something airy and light like tulle or chiffon or silky and smooth like charmeuse or satin. Additionally, consider the location and the weather where you’re getting married.
Shipping and Returns Policies
Finally, one of the most important factors when it comes to buying wedding dresses, or any clothes for that matter, online is reviewing the retailer’s shipping and returns policy in detail. Ensure that you read the fine print and are very clear on the delivery dates, the shipping details, and the return policies. Do check if they have flexible return policies.
If you’re looking for other bridal accessories and jewelry, check out the best Etsy wedding rings and the best bridesmaid robes Etsy sells.
Is it okay to buy wedding dresses from Etsy?
Absolutely. It’s safe to invest in Etsy wedding dresses as long as you do your research. Go for reputable or star sellers with good reviews, ratings, and feedback. So, ensure that you read the shop’s policies carefully.
How can I tell what a wedding outfit will look like in person?
While it’s challenging to tell what the dress will look like from an image online, we believe that the problem can be solved by thoroughly reading the product’s descriptions. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the different kinds of fabrics, the season they’re suited for, their shape and silhouette, etc.
When should I buy my wedding dress?
While there’s no particular timeline, it’s best to buy your wedding dress around 8-9 months before the wedding. This ensures enough time for the dress to be made, altered, and delivered, and also for you to pick out accessories, shoes, jewelry, and more.
Some images in this article are copyrighted by Etsy.