Fitness fanatics are turning to virtual workouts to get their endorphin rush, beauty buffs are poring over skincare tutorials and booze fiends (me) are sipping along to live Instagram wine tastings.
It’s a weird old time, isn’t it? Thankfully technology is helping us navigate this turbulent time and help us go about our daily lives as seamlessly as possible.
The latest industry to turn to technology is the bridal world. Coronavirus ma have thrown a massive spanner in the works for weddings but the bridal industry is adapting. Fast.
Indeed, Rosie Williams, founder of The OWN Studio, tells GLAMOUR how the virus has forced a change in shopping habits: much of the bridal industry is still very much about physical bricks and mortar but the crisis has meant that brides are having to become more confident when it comes to buying online.
“Buying your wedding dress online might feel like a daunting prospect, especially when we are all so used to the traditional bricks and mortar boutique set up,” she said. “But increasingly, buying online is becoming the new norm for modern, savvy brides who know what they want. We already have brides from the UK and all over the world buying their outfits online with us, and it’s something we expect to see more of this year due to COVID-19, as visiting boutiques simply isn’t possible at the moment.”
Rosie maintains that there are so many benefits to buying your wedding dress online, such as convenience and pricing transparency, but of course there are some obvious watch-outs and must-dos when it comes to purchasing such an important item so we asked her to share her ultimate hacks for virtual wedding dress shopping.
Do your homework
It might sound like an obvious one, but if you’re looking to buy a dress from a brand you’ve not heard of before, make sure they are reputable and have a good track record. Requesting real bride images and testimonials is a good place to start and make sure you are able to talk to a real person – just because you’re buying online, doesn’t mean it can’t be a personal experience.
Ask to try a sample
Not everyone will offer this, but it’s worth asking if you can try a sample before you commit to your purchase. We offer a sample postage service so brides can try pieces in the comfort of their home before making a decision. If you’re ordering a made-to-measure dress, keep in mind that the sample might not be the perfect fit (just like in a boutique) but it will give you huge amounts of confidence in the quality of the garment and whether it suits your complexion or body shape.
Check the fabric
As helpful as pictures are, it doesn’t always show you the quality or movement of the fabric. It’s always useful to ask for a fabric swatch so you can physically feel the quality and weight of the fabric against your skin. Watching videos of the dress in motion will also really help you see how the fabric moves and drapes. We also offer video consultations with brides so they can see the dress over Skype on a mannequin or a model, as well as a fabric swatch postage service.
Get help with your measurements
If you are buying a made-to-measure piece, you will need to provide your measurements (and even if you’re buying ready to wear it’s really useful to compare your measurements to the brand’s size chart!). We provide brides with a step-by-step video guide on how to take measurements at home to make things super easy. You can also ask any good local dry-cleaner or seamstress to take them for you too.
Check lead times
Generally speaking, you can expect a quicker turn-around time when you buy online, even when it comes to made-to-order or made-to-measure, but make sure you ask for a clear timeline on when you can expect your finished piece. All our bridal and bridesmaid styles are made in London, which gives our brides an extra piece of reassurance that we have complete oversight of production.
Now you’re well versed in virtual wedding dress shopping, read our expert guide to what to do if you’re worried your wedding might be cancelled due to Coronavirus, how to throw a virtual hen do, as well as our bride’s real life story of having to postpone her big day.
