Renting Formal Attire For A Wedding: A Smart Choice?

Renting formal attire for a wedding is a great option for those who want to look their best without breaking the bank. It's no secret that weddings can be expensive, and renting your outfit can help you save money and still look your best. There are now several rental companies offering trendy and occasion-worthy clothes from all your favourite brands. From Rent the Runway to The Dress Outlet, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can even rent accessories like handbags and jewellery to complete your look. So, whether you're the mother-of-the-bride or a guest, renting your formal attire for a wedding is definitely an option worth considering.

Where to rent formal attire for a wedding

Renting formal attire for a wedding is a great way to save money without compromising on style. There are several rental companies offering trendy and occasion-worthy clothes from all your favourite brands. Here are some of the best places to rent from:

Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway is a go-to rental company for brides looking for formalwear. It's completely free to browse through the site's rotating closet of designer dresses and accessories. You can filter by the formality of the event and the weather to narrow down your search. Rent the Runway offers one-time rentals, ideal if you're looking for a single dress. You can select a four- or eight-day rental period and enter the delivery and return dates to ensure it's available for your occasion. Each order includes one free backup size and complementary dry cleaning. They also offer a monthly membership with benefits such as free shipping and flexible returns.

The Dress Outlet

The Dress Outlet is an ultra-convenient one-time dress rental site offering gorgeous options from brands like Mac Duggal and Jovani. They offer a range of sizes, from XS to 7XL, and are dedicated to promoting body positivity and fashion inclusivity.

FashionPass

FashionPass is an unlimited rental subscription service where you can rent dresses for your wedding. They offer three plans ranging from $69 to $129 for the first month and $79 to $139 for every month after. You can swap your box as many times as you want, and shipping and dry cleaning are included in the membership fee.

Vince Unfold

For a flat monthly fee of $160, you can rent luxurious basics from Vince, with many items that can be dressed up for a wedding. The rental period for individual pieces is designated, but you can keep an item for longer by paying a daily usage fee.

Armoire Style

Armoire Style offers a style quiz that will identify your personal aesthetic and then curate a selection of outfits via its algorithm and team of professional stylists. Prices start at $79 per month for a four-item capsule, with free shipping for deliveries and returns.

Gwynnie Bee

Gwynnie Bee offers new designs weekly in sizes 0 to 32. For a monthly fee, you can browse, wear, return, and buy a variety of looks spanning from cocktail attire to upscale pieces for black-tie events.

Nuuly

Nuuly is filled with items from stores like Urban Outfitters and Free People that you can rent. Choose up to six items and wear them for up to one month. At the end of the billing cycle, you can buy, return, or continue your subscription for another month.

The Black Tux

The Black Tux offers a range of rental styles starting at $149, including classic black tuxedos and playful, statement-making suits. You can fill out a quick fit survey and then try on different styles in the comfort of your own home, or visit one of their 36 showrooms to get fitted by an expert.

The cost of renting formal attire for a wedding

Renting formal attire for a wedding is a great way to save money and still look your best for the occasion. The cost of renting formal attire for a wedding can vary depending on the specific outfit, the rental company, and the length of the rental period. Here is a breakdown of the costs:

Inexpensive Rentals:

Inexpensive wedding dress rentals can cost around $75 to $200. Las Vegas is known for its inexpensive gown rentals, but beware of hidden fees when the price is $100 or lower. For men, renting a tuxedo is a more common option, and it is generally more affordable than renting a wedding dress.

Moderate Rentals:

Moderate wedding dress rentals typically range from $250 to $500. At this price point, you can expect to choose from a variety of current designer styles. Some companies offer rental packages that include accessories, alterations, and cleaning fees for around $250.

Expensive Rentals:

Expensive wedding dress rentals can cost $600 or more. Renting a designer gown can be a more affordable option than purchasing it outright. For example, a $3,000 designer gown might be rented for $600. Keep in mind that rental periods are usually for a limited time, typically ranging from four to eight days.

Additional Costs to Consider:

When renting formal attire for a wedding, there may be additional costs to consider, such as:

• Alterations: Basic alterations can start at around $35, while more complex alterations can cost up to $100.
• Accessories: If accessories are not included in the rental package, you may need to rent or purchase them separately, which can cost around $50 to $100.
• Cleaning fees: Pre-wedding or post-wedding cleaning fees may apply, typically ranging from $10 or more.
• Damage fees: Normal wear and tear are usually excluded, but significant damage to the attire may result in additional fees, ranging from a few dollars up to the full retail cost of the item.
• Late fees: Returning the attire after the due date may incur late fees, which can be up to $25 per day.
• Shipping fees: If you are ordering the attire from out of state, shipping fees can range from $15 to $30.

It is important to carefully read the rental company's policies and fine print to understand all the associated costs and avoid unexpected charges. Additionally, it is common to pay the full rental fee or a deposit upfront when renting formal attire for a wedding.

What to wear with rented formal attire to a wedding

Renting formal attire for a wedding is a great way to save money and ensure you look the part for the big day. But what should you wear with your rented outfit? Here are some tips to help you complete your wedding look:

For Men:

Start with the basics: a tuxedo or a dark suit is the typical choice for male guests at a formal wedding. If the invitation mentions "black tie" in any way, go for a tux. Otherwise, a crisp dark suit will do. Make sure your outfit fits well – consider renting or buying a suit that's tailored to your measurements.

For your dress shirt and pants, stick with black or another dark colour that matches your suit jacket. Your shirt should be white, and make sure it fits neatly. As for footwear, dress shoes are the way to go. Leather loafers, lace-ups, or oxfords in black or a very dark colour will finish off your ensemble.

Finally, choose your accessories. If you're wearing a tuxedo, go for a black bow tie. If you're wearing a suit, you can opt for a necktie, suspenders, and cufflinks.

For Women:

Floor-length gowns are the typical choice for female guests at a formal wedding, and they're a safe option to ensure you don't underdress. However, depending on the season and the vibe of the wedding, you may be able to opt for a knee-length cocktail dress or a business-style pantsuit. Lighter fabrics and shorter dresses are often suitable for summer beach or destination weddings.

When it comes to footwear, heels are the most common choice, but certain varieties of pumps and sandals can also work. As for accessories, go for lighter, subtler pieces like a simple silver necklace or delicate gold earrings.

Additional Tips:

• Consider the venue, season, and time of day when choosing your outfit.
• If you're unsure about the dress code, check with the couple or other guests.
• Avoid wearing white or anything that will take attention away from the happy couple.
• Remember, it's still a wedding, so avoid dressing too casually.

The do's and don'ts of formal attire at a wedding

The Dos and Don'ts of Formal Attire at a Wedding

Formal attire at a wedding is a great opportunity to dress up and elevate the event. Here are some dos and don'ts to help you navigate the dress code and choose an appropriate outfit:

Do:

• Read the wedding invitation carefully to understand the desired dress code. This is usually specified on the invitation, along with other details such as the date, time, and venue of the wedding.
• Consider the venue and season when choosing your outfit. For example, opt for lighter fabrics and colours for summer weddings, and heavier fabrics for winter weddings.
• For men, a tuxedo or a dark suit is a safe choice. A crisp dress shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes are essential.
• For women, floor-length gowns are a common choice and are considered the most elegant option. Cocktail dresses, formal jumpsuits, or pantsuits are also appropriate, especially for less formal weddings or warmer climates.
• Accessories your outfit with subtle pieces such as delicate jewellery or a colourful scarf.
• Rent your outfit if you don't want to purchase something new. There are many rental companies offering trendy and occasion-worthy clothes from various brands.

Don't:

• Underdress or overdress. Remember that a wedding is a special occasion, and your attire should reflect that. Check the dress code and, if in doubt, consult with the couple or other guests.
• Wear ill-fitting clothes. Ensure your outfit fits you well and is comfortable to wear.
• Upstage the bride and groom. Avoid wearing white or anything too flashy that might take attention away from the happy couple.
• Forget to consider the cultural or religious context of the wedding. Certain cultures and religions have specific dress codes that should be respected.
• Be afraid to add a personal touch. While it's important to follow the dress code, you can also have fun with your outfit by choosing a unique colour or pattern, or adding accessories that reflect your style.

The difference between formal, cocktail, and black-tie wedding attire

Yes, you can rent formal attire for a wedding. There are several clothing rental sites that offer trendy and occasion-worthy clothes from various brands. Some of the popular ones are Rent the Runway, The Dress Outlet, FashionPass, and Nuuly.

Now, let's discuss the difference between formal, cocktail, and black-tie wedding attire.

Black-Tie Wedding Attire:

Black-tie is the second most formal wedding dress code, after white-tie. It usually indicates that the wedding is an evening event. For black-tie weddings, men must wear tuxedos with black bow ties, and formal gowns that touch the ground or the top of the shoes are expected for women. Black-tie weddings are quite strict regarding dress codes, and a black suit or suit separates are not considered appropriate.

Formal Wedding Attire:

Formal attire is a bit more flexible than black-tie. Tuxedos are not required, but they are still a good option. Men can also wear a formal dark suit with a white shirt and a conservative tie. For women, the options are a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

Cocktail Attire:

Cocktail attire is a step above semi-formal but not as formal as black-tie optional or formal. It strikes a balance between elegance and comfort. Men are expected to wear a suit and tie, regardless of the setting. Women should opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress instead of a floor-length gown.

In summary, black-tie is the most formal, followed by formal, and then cocktail attire. Each dress code offers a range of options for guests to choose from, ensuring they look their best while adhering to the wedding's theme and style.

Frequently asked questions