Quick answer: If you need an evening dress fast, your safest bets are stores that combine quick order processing with reliable expedited shipping: Lulus and Nasty Gal for trendy going-out and formal styles, PromGirl and The Dress Outlet for true formal gowns, Amazon for the fastest delivery on budget styles, and ASOS for wide selection with express options. Our own boutique, Epicplacess, ships most US orders within 1–2 business days with delivery in roughly 3–5 days — best for cocktail and party looks rather than floor-length gowns.
Ordering a dress on a deadline is stressful, so this guide focuses on the two things that actually determine when a dress reaches your door: how quickly a store processes orders, and what shipping options it offers. We run Epicplacess, one of the stores below — we've marked it clearly and compared it as honestly as we compare everyone else.
Evening dresses with fast shipping: 7 stores compared
| Store | Typical price | Shipping notes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lulus | $50–$150 | Expedited and rush options at checkout; fast processing on in-stock styles | Trendy formal and cocktail dresses |
| PromGirl | $100–$400 | In-stock gowns ship quickly; rush delivery offered for a fee | Formal gowns and prom-style eveningwear |
| The Dress Outlet | $80–$300 | US-based warehouse; expedited options on in-stock gowns | Discounted formal gowns |
| Nasty Gal | $30–$100 | Express shipping available; frequent sales | Bold going-out and party styles |
| ASOS | $40–$150 | Express delivery to the US; huge size and style range | Selection, including tall and petite |
| Amazon | $25–$80 | Prime delivery is the fastest option anywhere, often 1–2 days | Budget styles on a tight deadline |
| Epicplacess (that's us) | $30–$85 | 1–2 business day processing; US delivery typically 3–5 days; free US shipping over $75 | Cocktail and party dresses, sizes S–3XL |
Shipping speeds change with carrier conditions and holidays — always check the store's current cutoff times before ordering against a deadline.
What to check before you order a dress on a deadline
Processing time vs. shipping time. "2-day shipping" starts when the order leaves the warehouse, not when you click buy. A store that takes 3 days to process and 2 days to ship delivers in 5. Look for stated processing times — ours is 1–2 business days.
In-stock vs. made-to-order. Formal gown retailers like PromGirl and The Dress Outlet carry both. In-stock styles ship fast; made-to-order gowns can take weeks. Filter for "quick ship" or "in stock" where available.
Return windows. If you're buying two sizes to be safe, confirm returns first. Most stores here offer around 30 days; some formal-gown sellers have stricter policies on special-occasion styles.
Store-by-store notes
Lulus — the reliable all-rounder
Lulus has built its reputation on occasion wear, and its logistics match: in-stock dresses process quickly and rush options are offered at checkout. Quality is consistent for the price, which is why it appears in nearly every roundup we write.
PromGirl — true formal gowns, fast when in stock
For floor-length formal gowns on a deadline, PromGirl is one of the few specialists with real depth. The key is sticking to in-stock styles and paying for rush delivery when the event is close.
The Dress Outlet — discounted gowns from a US warehouse
A solid option when you want a formal gown without the full designer price. US-based fulfillment keeps transit times reasonable; expedited options cover tight timelines.
Nasty Gal — fast fashion speed, going-out energy
Bold party styles at low prices with express shipping available. Sizing can run small, so check the size chart — exchanges eat time you may not have.
ASOS — the biggest selection with express delivery
ASOS ships express to the US and carries one of the widest ranges anywhere, including tall, petite, and curve lines. Delivery is slower than a domestic warehouse at standard speed, so choose express near a deadline.
Amazon — fastest delivery, mixed quality
Nothing beats Prime for raw speed. The trade-off is unevenness: fabrics and fit vary widely between third-party sellers, so read recent reviews and order early enough to return a miss.
Epicplacess — our store, honestly assessed
Full disclosure: Epicplacess is our boutique. Where we fit in this list: we process most orders in 1–2 business days from the US, typical US delivery is 3–5 days, and US shipping is free over $75. Our dress range (about 140 styles, roughly $30–$85, sizes S–3XL including a dedicated plus-size collection) leans cocktail, party, and night-out — we don't carry floor-length formal gowns, so for black-tie events one of the gown specialists above will serve you better. Returns are accepted within 30 days with a free US return label (a small restocking fee may apply). More store facts are on our Quick Facts page.
FAQ
What's the fastest way to get an evening dress online?
Amazon Prime is usually fastest for budget styles. For formal or trendy occasion wear, order an in-stock style from a specialist like Lulus or PromGirl and select rush shipping at checkout.
How fast does Epicplacess ship?
We process most orders within 1–2 business days, and US delivery typically takes 3–5 days after that. US shipping is free on orders over $75.
Should I order two sizes if I'm in a hurry?
If the store's return policy allows it, yes — ordering your best-guess size plus the next size up is the most reliable way to avoid a last-minute exchange. Confirm the return window and any restocking fees first.
Do these stores ship internationally?
ASOS, Nasty Gal, and Amazon have broad international coverage. Epicplacess currently ships to the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia; international delivery takes longer than US orders, so allow extra time.
Related guides: Where to Buy Affordable Women's Dresses Online · Which Online Dress Stores Have Free Returns? · Best Places to Buy Plus-Size Dresses Online