How to Order a Wedding Dress Online: A Step-by-Step Guide (That Actually Works)

One of the most common questions we receive at Lace & Love is some version of this: “I love the dress, but how do I know it will fit? I’ve never ordered a wedding dress online before.”

It’s the right question to ask. Ordering a wedding dress online is a significant decision — and it should be done carefully. We’ve shipped over 500 gowns to brides in the US, UK, Germany, Australia, and beyond, and in this guide we’ll walk you through exactly how the process works, what to expect at every step, and how to make sure you end up with a dress you love.

Step 1: Choose Your Style

Browse the collection and save the gowns that speak to you. Don’t overthink it — go with your gut. If a dress makes you stop scrolling, pay attention to that. Look at multiple photos of each gown and, where available, watch the video to see how the fabric moves.

Useful questions to ask yourself: Does this style suit my body type? Will it work for my venue and season? Do I love it, or am I just tolerating it? Your wedding dress should make you feel something when you see it — excitement, joy, certainty.

Step 2: Take Your Measurements (The Right Way)

This is the most important step — and the one most brides are most anxious about. Here’s the good news: it’s simpler than it sounds, and we’ll guide you through the whole thing if you need us to.

You’ll need a soft measuring tape (available at any fabric or craft store for a few dollars). Measure in your underwear or a very thin layer of clothing. Do not pull the tape tight — it should sit snugly but comfortably against your body. Have a friend help you for accuracy.

The five measurements we need: BUST — measure around the fullest part of your chest. WAIST — measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually 1–2 inches above your belly button. HIPS — measure around the fullest part of your hips, usually 7–8 inches below your waist. HEIGHT — without shoes. HEEL HEIGHT — the height of the shoes or heels you plan to wear on your wedding day.

That’s it. Send us these five numbers and we’ll handle the rest. We cut each dress specifically to your measurements, so you won’t need alterations when it arrives.

Step 3: Place Your Order

Once you’ve chosen your gown and taken your measurements, add the dress to your cart and complete checkout. In the notes or via email/WhatsApp, send us your measurements. If you have any customization requests — sleeve length, neckline adjustment, additional length — mention them at this stage.

We’ll confirm your order and your measurements within 24–48 hours. If anything needs clarification, we’ll reach out to you directly. Our goal is for you to feel completely confident before we cut a single piece of fabric.

Step 4: We Make Your Dress

This is the part where the magic happens. Every gown is cut and sewn by hand in our studio in Tel Aviv by Shany Sasson, a third-generation dressmaker. Production typically takes 5–7 weeks from the date of your order confirmation.

During production, we’re available to answer any questions you have. Many of our brides stay in touch with us throughout the process — asking about fabric details, sharing inspiration images, or simply checking in. We love hearing from you.

Step 5: Shipping and Delivery

We ship exclusively via DHL Express, which delivers in 3–5 business days to the US, Europe, Australia, and most countries worldwide. As soon as your dress ships, you’ll receive a tracking number by email.

Your dress arrives carefully packaged in tissue paper inside a protective box. We recommend steaming it gently after unpacking — any minor wrinkles from transit will release easily.

Step 6: Try It On

This is our favorite part of the whole process — hearing from brides when they first put on their gown. Because the dress is made to your exact measurements, the fit should be right from the start. If anything needs a minor adjustment, a local seamstress can handle it quickly and at low cost.

Most of our brides report that no alterations are needed at all. That’s the advantage of a made-to-measure gown over an off-the-rack dress that requires significant tailoring.

How Far in Advance Should I Order?

We recommend ordering at least 10–12 weeks before your wedding date. This gives you 5–7 weeks for production, 3–5 days for shipping, and at least 2–3 weeks of buffer for any minor adjustments or peace of mind.

If your wedding date is approaching quickly, contact us before ordering — we sometimes have capacity to accommodate rush orders depending on our production schedule.

Ready to start? Browse our collection of handmade boho wedding dresses and message us on WhatsApp with any questions. We’re here to help you find the gown that’s meant for you.