Renting Wedding Gowns: A Dreamy, Affordable Option

Wedding dresses are often expensive, with prices ranging from four to five figures. This is a lot of money for a dress that will likely only be worn once. As a result, some brides opt to rent their wedding dress instead of buying one. Renting a wedding dress is a more sustainable and cost-effective option, with prices ranging from $50 to $2000. However, renting a dress may limit your options, and you will be responsible for any damage to the dress.

Pros of renting a wedding gown

There are several advantages to renting a wedding gown. Here are some of the most significant pros:

Save Money on a High-End Dress

Renting a wedding dress is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing, especially considering that wedding dresses are often very expensive and typically worn for just a few hours. By renting, you may be able to afford a designer dress that would otherwise be out of your budget.

Eliminate Aftercare Costs

When you own a wedding dress, there are various costs associated with aftercare, such as dry cleaning, storage, and preservation to prevent discolouration over time. Rental services usually include reasonable aftercare as part of the price, so you don't have to worry about these additional expenses.

Eco-Friendly Option

Renting a wedding dress is an eco-friendly choice as it helps to reduce waste in the fashion industry, which produces up to 92 million tons of waste annually. By renting, you can conserve closet space and contribute to a more sustainable shopping experience.

Convenience and Accessibility

Renting a wedding dress offers convenience as most rental companies operate online, allowing you to shop from the comfort of your home. Additionally, renting provides an accessible way to wear your dream gown without the high cost typically associated with purchasing a designer dress.

Flexibility in Style

Renting a wedding dress gives you the flexibility to choose multiple looks or styles for your big day. With renting, you can explore a range of options that may have been previously out of your budget when considering a purchase.

Cons of renting a wedding gown

Renting a wedding gown is a great way to save money and be more environmentally conscious. However, there are some drawbacks to this option. Here are some cons of renting a wedding gown:

Limited Options

Depending on your location, the selection of rental gowns may be limited. You might fall in love with a particular style, only to find out it's unavailable on your wedding date or not available in your size. Shopping online also comes with the risk of the dress looking different from what you expected.

Responsible for Damages and Fees

When renting a wedding gown, you are typically responsible for any damages that occur during the rental period. This includes stains, tears, or other types of damage. While insurance may cover minor issues, significant damage may result in additional fees, and these can add up quickly.

Missing the Sentimental Aspects

Renting a gown means you won't have the option to keep your dress forever and pass it down to future generations. For some brides, the idea of an heirloom wedding dress is important, and renting takes away from the sentimental value. Additionally, renting may not allow for the traditional dress-shopping experience with family and friends.

Stress of Keeping the Gown in Good Condition

The responsibility of keeping the rented gown in pristine condition during the festivities can be stressful. You might find yourself worrying about spills or stains instead of fully enjoying your special day.

Limited Alteration Options

While some rental companies offer alteration services, these are usually temporary, and you may be limited in how much you can customise the gown to your preferences or body type.

While renting a wedding gown can be a cost-effective and sustainable option, these potential drawbacks should be carefully considered before making a decision.

Cost of renting a wedding gown

Wedding dresses can be expensive, with many brides spending between $2,000 and $5,000 on their gowns. Renting a wedding dress is a more affordable option, with prices typically ranging from $50 to $600. However, rental costs can vary significantly depending on the dress and the rental company, with some designer gowns costing up to $2,000 to rent.

Renting a wedding dress can be a great way to save money, especially if you're on a tight budget. It also eliminates the need for preservation, storage, and dry cleaning, which can add up to significant costs. Some companies even offer packages that include accessories like veils and shoes at a discounted rate.

Additionally, renting a wedding dress can be a more sustainable option, reducing the amount of waste generated by the fashion industry. It also allows brides to embrace multiple looks for their wedding without breaking the bank.

While the cost of renting a wedding gown is generally lower than purchasing one, it's important to consider additional fees associated with rentals. These can include shipping, insurance, late fees, and charges for any damages to the dress.

Overall, renting a wedding gown can be a cost-effective and environmentally-conscious choice, allowing brides to look stunning on their big day without sacrificing their budget.

Where to rent a wedding gown

Renting a wedding gown is a great way to wear a designer dress without the hefty price tag. It's also a more sustainable option, reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Here are some places where you can rent a wedding gown:

Online Rental Services

• Rent the Runway: A subscription-based service that offers luxury clothing and accessories for rent or purchase.
• Laine London: An Atlanta-based rental bridal shop providing designer wedding dress rentals.
• By Rotation: An online platform that offers wedding dresses, bridal shoes, jewellery, and bags for rent.
• Something Borrowed: This UK-based website offers a home try-on service for a small fee, allowing you to choose from a range of bridal dresses and accessories.

Brick-and-Mortar Boutiques

• Dare and Dazzle: A boutique in the Bay Area that offers wedding dress rentals and purchases. They provide a "Try On" option for a small fee, allowing you to try up to three dresses at home.
• The Wedding Wardrobe: Located in central London and surrounding areas, this boutique offers designer wedding dress rentals at affordable prices.
• The Dress Outlet: Based in Los Angeles, The Dress Outlet provides a pickup option for wedding dress rentals, usually ready within 24 hours.

Remember to read customer reviews, do your research, and confirm the rental duration and associated fees when using any of these services.

Eco-friendly benefits of renting a wedding gown

Renting a wedding gown is an eco-friendly option for brides-to-be who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Here are some eco-friendly benefits of renting a wedding gown:

Reduce Waste

The fashion industry generates a staggering amount of waste each year, with an estimated 92 million tons of waste annually. Renting a wedding gown helps reduce waste by giving the dress another life instead of it sitting in a closet after being used only once. This also helps conserve precious closet space for the bride.

Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility

Renting a wedding gown is a cost-effective option for brides who want to save money. Wedding dresses can be expensive, often costing four figures, and renting allows brides to access luxury designer gowns at a fraction of the retail price. This option is especially beneficial for brides who want to allocate more of their budget to other aspects of their wedding, such as an extravagant dessert table or their honeymoon.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Rental companies often use eco-forward cleaning processes that are not only effective but also environmentally conscious. This means that the environmental impact of cleaning and maintaining the gown is reduced, contributing to a more sustainable wedding industry.

Convenience and Space Saving

After the big day, there is no need to worry about storing the gown or incurring the costs of dress preservation and dry cleaning. Rental companies typically include dry cleaning in their services, saving both money and the environmental resources that would have been used for individual cleaning processes.

Access to High-End Designers

Renting a wedding gown provides an opportunity to wear a designer piece that may have otherwise been unaffordable. This allows brides to look classy and chic while also being mindful of their environmental impact.

While there are some drawbacks and limitations to renting a wedding gown, the eco-friendly benefits outlined above present a strong case for considering this option.

Frequently asked questions