How to Navigate Wedding Dress Shopping During the Pandemic

With the coronavirus pandemic came stay at home orders, social distancing, quarantining and a lot of uncertainty about what the future holds, especially for engaged couples trying to tie the knot. April's Bridal Fashion Week was unsurprisingly cancelled, leaving bridal labels to quickly take a leap and produce video presentations and live streams of their new collections. Now, as fall quickly approaches, shopping for these highly curated gowns has also gone virtual. Venue changes, adjusting the guest list, and postponing the date are new obstacles in these unprecedented times, brides can easily alleviate the anxiety of trying to find the perfect dress. From in-store scheduled appointments to FaceTiming the atelier for try-on sessions, this is your comprehensive guide to shopping for bridal fashion whether, you plan to tie the knot this fall or in 2021.

When Oscar De La Renta stores closed earlier this year, the industry icon took to launching its new interactive virtual program. Bridal associates work through photos and FaceTime appointments to assist clients in finding their fairytale wedding dress from the safety of their own homes. Now, the brand is opening their stores for bridal appointments in New York, Los Angeles and London, and you can connect with the brand to book a time and location to find the perfect dress. 

Book your appointment here. 

Monique Lhuillier recently welcomed back clients to their flagship stores with scheduled appointments and newly implemented health and safety measures. However, for those future brides who seek concierge services, you can connect with personal shoppers who consult with you virtually. The service also includes complimentary local delivery, curbside pickup and private appointments. 

Book your appointment here.

The New-York based wedding dress designer, and the recent runner up to the November 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, is quickly making a name for herself among the downtown set (cue Zoë Kravitz, who called upon Frankel to design her rehearsal dinner dress). The designer had recently relaunched her site, telling WWD that the move to e-commerce was “the biggest, happy accident that happened during COVID-19.” The brand also offers scheduled Facetime fittings with Frankel personally.

Book your appointment here. 

The London brand Galvan made significant changes in the wake of the pandemic in both design and commerce. Design director Anna-Christin Haas and creative director Sola Harrison decided to streamline their new bridal collection and offer a more minimalist collection. Though that may mean fewer embellishments, the latest collection is still as elegant and chic as ever. The label's private client team is conducting personal shopping appointments in their London and New York studios, and they are also offering virtual appointments. 

Book your appointment here. 

For the bride who believes more is more, the Tel Aviv brand is offering virtual meetings for potential clients directly with designers from the atelier. The designers will do the bride's measurements, and can even sketch a unique gown for the bride. They also have a ready-to-wear line that is sold online, consisting of 10 pieces that can be delivered anywhere in the world within two weeks, with free shipping and free returns.

Get in contact with the brand here. 

Carrie Bradshaw once said that Vivienne Westwood creates “a dress so special it could bring a wedding tear to the most unbelieving of women.” Much like the cinematic scene of Carrie Bradshaw bringing the Westwood wedding dress home, the magic Vivienne Westwood brings to every future bride is not diminished with the constraints of the pandemic. Offering personalised one-to-one couture and made-to-order appointments virtually for the first time, Westwood's couturiers are able to connect with clients globally. 

Book your appointment here. 

Turn to one of our favorite e-tailers for their highly curated bridal edit for a range of beautiful dresses. Moda Operandi is known for their bridal trunk shows, and the retailer has everything and anything you’re looking for, from chic sandals for your ceremony to an over-the-top confection for the after party. Don't miss out on one of their romantic gowns from New York label Brock Collection. 

Browse and shop the edit here. 

Another it girl label, Lein, made the jump to catering to brides at home with virtual try-on sessions. Meredith Stoechklein, the brand's creator and a Zac Posen's protégé, created her new 2020 collection both red-carpet moments and menswear in mind. Her bridal fashions include elegant jumpsuits and modern dresses. 

Book your appointment here. 

After celebrating her 60th bridal collection, Vera Wang is still at the forefront of bridal fashion. Her latest collection took a 360-degree approach, and resulted in asymmetrical gowns which will surely appeal to the modern bride. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian to Victoria Beckham turned to Vera Wang for their wedding wishes, and today, her dresses are available through scheduling an appointment at any of her global locations. 

Book your appointment here. 

If you are looking for a dress with a touch of edge, book an appointment online with Viktor&Rolf. Dedicated to giving a look, the brand's conceptual glamour and provocative couture offer a modern take on what brides should wear down the aisle. 

Book your appointment here.