Website: Preownedweddingdresses.com

The perks: This site connects brides looking for a dress with people trying to sell their new, sample, and used wedding gowns from designers such as Vera Wang, Monique Lhuiller, and Alfred Sung. Inquire about the asking price (usually 50 to 70 percent off), what the seller paid for the dress, conditions, measurements, the year the dress was purchased, and even if the seller has the original receipt. Don’t see what you want? Sign up for weekly updates of new dress listings. And after your nuptials, pay it forward by selling your gown on the Website.

The irks: Brides buy from actual people—not companies—so each experience will differ depending on the seller. However, the site will act as a go-between if the seller can’t get in touch with the buyer, or vice versa. Keep in mind: The site offers no protection to either the seller or the buyer.

Website: Bridecouture.com

The perks: Here, shoppers can search by designer, silhouette, neckline, and size. Can’t decide which dress you like? Order a few different styles, try them on, then return them all in one box. And if you’re not sure whether you’re an 8 in Alfred Sung and a 10 in Vera Wang, just click on each dress to see a size chart for that particular designer.

The irks: Spot your dream gown? Snap it up, because they only carry one of each dress in stock and sizes are limited. Also, searching may take a while because you can’t sort by size.

Website: Bridepower.com

The perks: Use a handy “zoom” option to see details on the dress you like—and from any angle. Search by dress style, size, and designer, and if you don’t find the frock you want, you’ll be notified by e-mail when your dress is in stock. Confused by the wedding lingo? Check out their “Gown Glossary” to decode terms such as damask, shealth, and princess cut. And it’s easy to know if you spot a bargain because each posting lists the retail price, BP’s discounted price, and the amount you’ll save. Also, BP carries sizes up to 20-plus, so there’s something for everyone.

The irks: If you decide you don’t want the gown you’ve just placed an order for you can cancel it; however, you will still be charged a flat fee of $65 per item to cover preparation expenses. So make sure you definitely want the dress you buy!

Website: eBay.com

The perks: If you spot your dream dress in a magazine or local wedding shop, there’s a good chance you’ll also find it on eBay, along with many other styles. Also, you can read real consumer feedback before you make your final decision.

The irks: Be prepared to search. You can enter the name of a particular designer (Vera Wang), description (silk), or style (A-line); however, the search bar scans the actual titles of each listing, so if you type “silk” and a seller describes her gown as “silky,” your search won’t yield all of your desired results. What’s more, you can’t try on the gowns before bidding on them, so ask if there’s a return policy (many sellers will agree to a return in the dress doesn’t fit). Ditto for the stores that are going out of business and selling their stock or discontinued styles.

3 Tips for Cyber Shopping

1) Do your research.

Before you make a purchase, do some homework on the Website by contacting the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) to make sure the company is reputable, follows legal business practices, and has quality customer service.

2) Pay with plastic.

Some retailers accept various forms of payment, but always use your credit card. This way, you’ll be protected by Federal Regulation C, which promises consumers a full refund if their gown arrives damaged or in the wrong size or style.

3) Protect your money.

When you arrive at the checkout screen, the http in the address bar should turn into https. This is a sure sign that your financial information is in a secure site and will be kept private.