Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses can be expensive, with the average cost in the UK being anywhere from £1,350 to £1,500. However, it is possible to spend as little as £100 or as much as £10,000 or more. With the high cost of wedding dresses and the likelihood of only wearing it once, it's no surprise that many brides are choosing to rent their wedding dresses instead of buying them. Renting a wedding dress can be a more sustainable and affordable option, with designer gowns available at a fraction of the cost of purchasing them. In this paragraph, we will explore the costs and benefits of hiring a wedding dress in the UK and provide some tips for those considering this option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost of a wedding dress in the UK | £1,350 (2022) to £1,500 (2025) |
| Range of prices | From charity shop wedding dresses under £50 to couture wedding gowns costing over £100,000 |
| Bespoke dress | Starting from £1,850 |
| Made-to-order dresses in a bridal shop | Starting from £700 |
| Renting a wedding dress | £75 for a two-day try-at-home service from Something Borrowed |
| $15 for a four-day rental from Rent the Runway | |
| $300 to $600 for a three-week rental from Mariah's Bridal | |
| $1,500 for a seven-day rental from Laine London | |
| $200 to $2,000 for a used wedding dress |
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What You'll Learn
Average wedding dress costs in the UK
The cost of a wedding dress in the UK varies depending on various factors, such as the designer, the fabric, the style, and the embellishments. While it is possible to spend upwards of £10,000 on a wedding dress, the average cost is much lower.
According to multiple sources, the average cost of a wedding dress in the UK is around £1,500. This price can include made-to-order gowns from bridal boutiques, which can start from £700, or designer labels, which can range from £1,500 to £10,000. The average cost can also include high street options, which can range from £80 to £800, or even charity shop finds, which can cost under £50.
For those looking for a more unique or budget-friendly option, renting a wedding dress is also an option, with costs starting from as low as £12 per day.
It's important to note that the average cost of a wedding dress does not include alterations, which can add to the overall expense. Additionally, the location of purchase can impact the price, with dresses bought in London costing more than those bought outside the capital.
Ultimately, the cost of a wedding dress in the UK can vary widely, and it is possible to find options that fit both your style and budget.
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Hiring a wedding dress vs buying
The cost of a wedding dress in the UK varies widely. From charity shop finds under £50 to couture gowns costing over £10,000, the price of a wedding dress is as much as you are willing to spend. The average cost of a wedding dress in the UK is between £1,350 and £1,500, but you may spend far less or far more. If you want a bespoke dress, you will need a little more than the average, with costs starting from £1,850.
Renting a wedding dress is a cost-effective option that allows you to wear your dream designer gown without breaking the bank. Most dress hire places stock the latest collections from a range of designers, so you can get the hottest look for less. Renting is also a more sustainable option, as you will not be left with a dress that will likely only be worn once, taking up space in your closet.
However, there are some downsides to renting. You may not be able to get the dress altered to fit you perfectly, and you will likely have to pay for insurance, shipping, and late fees. If you damage the dress, you will be responsible for the repair costs. Additionally, you will not be able to pass the dress down as a family heirloom, and you may not feel as emotionally connected to the dress as you would with a purchased gown.
Ultimately, the decision to hire or buy a wedding dress depends on your budget, how much you value the heirloom factor, and whether you are willing to compromise on the fit and emotional connection to the dress. If you have a tight budget and want to prioritise other aspects of your wedding, renting is a great option. However, if you want a dress that is perfectly tailored to your body and that you can keep as a memento, buying may be the better choice.
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Wedding dress rental services
Some companies operate online, so you'll need to give yourself plenty of time to source a dress and ensure you're happy with the size and feel. Other companies offer a try-at-home service, allowing you to choose a few dresses to try on at home. Bridal shops that offer rental services provide a focused selection of gowns, and you can often try on different sizes and styles.
Some popular UK-based wedding dress rental services include:
- By Rotation: a London-based company that offers a vast range of wedding dresses and accessories, including designer gowns.
- The Devout: a monthly rental subscription service catering to sustainable fashion lovers, with dresses and accessories available at affordable prices.
- Something Borrowed: a wedding wear rental and resale service for brides and bridesmaids, with a focus on sustainability and waste reduction. They offer a two-day try-at-home service for £75.
- Selfridges: while not exclusively wedding-focused, Selfridges' rental service includes sparkly white dresses for brides who want something a little different.
The cost of renting a wedding dress varies depending on the rental service and the designer. It typically costs between $200 and $2000 to rent a used wedding dress, but this can be more or less depending on the designer, style, and company. Renting a wedding dress is almost always cheaper than buying one, and it can free up your budget for other aspects of your wedding.
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Wedding dress styles, designers and budgets
The cost of a wedding dress in the UK varies significantly, with prices ranging from under £50 to over £100,000. The average cost of a wedding dress in the UK is about £1,500, although the 2022 average was £1,350.
The price of a wedding dress depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the style and design, the fabric, and any embellishments like embroidery, beads, or sequins. Dresses with more intricate details and made from luxurious fabrics like silk will be more expensive. The designer and where you buy your dress will also impact the price. For instance, a bespoke dress will cost more than a made-to-order gown, with prices for bespoke dresses starting from £1,850.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, there are several ways to find a wedding dress on a budget. You can consider renting a dress, which is a great way to access designer gowns at a lower cost. Charity shops like Oxfam and the British Red Cross also offer wedding dresses, with prices starting as low as £50. Brides Do Good is another option, offering donated luxury dresses at discounted prices, with proceeds going towards ending child marriage. You can also look for sample sales at bridal boutiques, where you can purchase dresses from previous seasons at reduced prices.
When it comes to wedding dress designers, there is a wide range to choose from, catering to different styles and budgets. Some notable designers include:
- Anna Kara: Contemporary styles featuring sheer lace work and sleek lines.
- Ashi Studio: Structured, couture gowns that are true works of art.
- Atelier Anonyme: Modern and clean designs for a casual yet cool look.
- Atelier Eme: Traditional lush gowns, dramatic silhouettes, cropped on-trend dresses, and coloured low-back numbers.
- Atelier Emelia: Ultra-feminine designs with quality textiles for a fairytale aesthetic.
- Babushka Ballerina: Unique, on-trend designs with lace, tulle, bustiers, and flawless silhouettes.
- A La Robe: Elegant silk slips, delicate capes, and intricate detailing for the modern bride.
These designers showcase a range of styles and budgets to consider when choosing your dream wedding dress. Whether you're looking for something contemporary, traditional, or unique, there are options available to suit your vision and financial plan.
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Accessories and alterations
Minor tweaks can cost as little as £20, while extensive fixes can reach £300. Hemming, for example, can range from £80 to £150, depending on the fabric. Side seam adjustments typically cost between £60 and £80, while converting a zip back to a corset back for more flexibility can cost around $180. It's important to note that these prices can be influenced by factors such as fabric type and the seamstress's expertise.
When budgeting for alterations, it's advisable to make a detailed list of the changes you want, prioritizing those that are essential. Being honest about potential weight fluctuations before the wedding is also crucial. During fittings, bringing your wedding-day shoes, accessories, and undergarments can help you envision the final look and make informed decisions.
In terms of accessories, veils are a popular choice and their cost depends on factors such as size, fabric quality, and manufacturing. A larger wedding dress train may call for a wider veil, which tends to be more expensive due to the increased fabric required. Simple fabrics like tulle are more affordable than those with embellishments, such as pearl studs or sparkles.
When considering the total cost of your wedding dress, remember that alterations and accessories can add significantly to the final price. The average cost of alterations is around £1000, so it's important to factor this into your budget.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of hiring a wedding dress in the UK varies depending on the designer, style, and rental company. It typically costs between $200 and $2000 to rent a used wedding dress, but prices can go higher or lower.
Some companies that offer wedding dress hire in the UK include:
- The Devout
- By Rotation
- Something Borrowed
- Selfridges
- Atelier Tamman
Hiring a wedding dress is a sustainable and cost-effective option for brides. It allows brides to access designer dresses without the hefty price tag, and gives them the opportunity to put more money towards other aspects of their wedding.
