14/06/2026
Ordering Online vs Shopping with a Special Occasionwear Boutique
We have seen SO many posts this week from ladies who have sadly got caught up in purchasing from these sites and are now left with substandard garments and are seriously out of pocket!
Many Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, and wedding VIPs turn to the internet for inspiration — and let’s be honest… bargains too!
Recently, we’ve had so many enquiries about these websites and we’ve also seen countless posts online from people sadly caught out after ordering from them.
Online shopping can feel very tempting. Endless sizes, every colour imaginable, and prices that seem too good to be true. But sadly, the reality is often very different…
The dress pictured below is just one example - it was only ever made in 3 colourways - not the many shown below.
Many of those eye-catching online ads use stolen or heavily edited photos from genuine designers and independent boutiques, including ours. When the outfit finally arrives, it can be a cheap imitation — poor quality, badly fitting, and nothing like the images you were shown.
And then comes the returns process…
Hidden small print, expensive restocking fees, and long delays can quickly turn a “bargain” into a stressful and costly mistake. The old saying “buy cheap, buy twice” has never felt more true.
Shopping with Dreams Special Occasionwear Norwich is completely different.
Yes, we have an online platform, but you can always pick up the phone or message us on social media and speak to a real person actually working in the boutique, ready to help and guide you.
We also know that some people still think occasionwear boutiques are old-fashioned or a little frumpy… but we’ve worked incredibly hard to change that perception.
We carefully select the very best Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom designers — modern, stylish, flattering, and beautifully made.
And because we work on a completely non-commission basis, our advice is always honest, constructive, and focused on what truly suits YOU.
Good old-fashioned customer service… the only old-fashioned thing about us. So next time an online ad pops up in your feed, pause before you click “buy”. Give Dreams a try instead — quality, service, and real people you can trust.
