Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dress rental is becoming an increasingly popular option for brides-to-be. With the average cost of a wedding dress at about $2,000, renting offers a more affordable, eco-friendly, and hassle-free way to wear your dream gown. There are now a plethora of rental companies offering a range of on-trend, party-ready pieces for every wedding event and role, from bridesmaids to mothers of the bride and groom. Renting a wedding dress can also give you access to designer pieces and price points that may have otherwise been unattainable. For those looking to save money, be more sustainable, or simply enjoy a unique and luxurious wedding dress, hiring may be the way to go.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | Cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, access to designer pieces, no dry cleaning or dress preservation |
| Cost | $200 to $2,000 for a used dress, $1,500 for a 7-day rental, dry cleaning and 3 alterations |
| Styles | Ball gowns, A-line, fit and flare, various lengths, designs, and styles |
| Accessories | Veils, garters, horseshoes, belts, underskirts, faux fur jackets, capes, warm kits |
| Fittings | Yes, some companies offer fittings, custom trouser hems, and standard hems |
| Insurance | Yes, some companies offer insurance for an additional fee |
| Cleaning | Some companies offer cleaning services |
| Sustainability | Reduces waste, encourages a circular economy, extends the lifetime of pieces |
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What You'll Learn
Rental companies
There are several rental companies that offer wedding dress rentals. These companies provide a range of styles, lengths, and designs to suit different body types, wedding themes, and personal styles.
The Dress Outlet, for instance, offers luxurious wedding dresses for rent, including ball gowns, fit-and-flare dresses, and A-line gowns. They prioritize comfort and breathability, with dresses that complement different body types. Dare and Dazzle is another rental company that provides a dedicated service to help bold brides find their dream dress while also reducing the wedding industry's carbon footprint.
For those seeking a more sustainable and affordable option, Rent the Runway offers access to designer pieces at a fraction of the cost. With a focus on sustainability, this company provides an opportunity to wear couture without the commitment of a single-wear purchase. Nuuly is another rental service with on-trend options for brides and bridal party members, offering a range of sizes and styles.
Additionally, local dress shops, pop-up bridal resale events, and online platforms like Poshmark and Still White provide opportunities to rent or purchase wedding dresses at discounted prices.
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Eco-friendly options
Renting a wedding dress is a more sustainable solution to the single-wear issue that often comes with wedding attire. By choosing dress rental, you can help to reduce the fashion industry's massive waste output. Some dress rental companies, such as Dare and Dazzle, also employ eco-forward cleaning processes.
If you're looking to buy an eco-friendly wedding dress, you can opt for a bespoke dress made from sustainable materials. For instance, a writer for Ecocult chose a bespoke hemp/silk dress from a sustainable Venezuelan designer. You can also look for bridal gown companies that do not wholesale to boutiques, as you're likely getting a great deal. However, this may require you to visit their store in person or ask them to ship samples to you.
There are also several brands that offer ready-to-wear wedding dresses made from eco-friendly materials. For instance, Pure Magnolia incorporates European laces, Indian silks, organic cotton, and vintage and recycled fabrics into its classic designs. Whimsy + Row specializes in minimalistic dresses made using eco-friendly materials like Tencel and Cupro, while also ensuring ethical treatment of their workers. Boden is committed to using more eco-friendly fabrics, with all of their clothing set to be made from sustainable materials by 2025. Reformation is another brand that employs sustainable practices throughout its supply chain and supports employee use of public transportation.
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Cost-saving benefits
Renting a wedding dress is a great way to save money without compromising on style or your dream aesthetic. The cost of a wedding dress can be hard to justify, especially considering you will likely only wear it once. Renting allows you to access designer dresses and luxury gowns at a fraction of the retail price. For example, a dress that retails for $1,500 can be rented for just $35.
Renting is a more sustainable and environmentally conscious choice, reducing waste in the fashion industry. It also saves you the cost of dry cleaning and storage after the wedding. With rental services, dry cleaning is included, and you don't need to worry about figuring out storage space in your closet. Some companies even offer packages with accessories, providing a veil and shoes for a fraction of the cost.
Renting a wedding dress allows you to save money for other expenses and aspects of your wedding. You can put more money towards an extravagant dessert table, a longer honeymoon, or even savings for a new home. It is a more economical choice, especially when you consider the high average cost of a wedding dress, which is around $1,800 to $2,400.
Rental services offer a range of styles, sizes, and designs, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to access your dream dress. With rental prices varying from $50 to $2,000, you can find a package that suits your budget and still have funds left for other priorities.
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Dress types and styles
Wedding dress styles vary, and choosing the right one for your big day is important. The dress should be made from breathable fabric, fit comfortably, and complement your body type. It should also complement your best features and be suitable for the venue and theme of your wedding.
A-line dresses are a popular choice for weddings as they are easy to move in and flatter most body types. They feature a fitted bodice that flares out to a flowy skirt, often floor-length. This style is versatile and can be dressed up or down, making it a good option for various wedding themes.
Fit-and-flare dresses are similar to A-line dresses in that they have a fitted bodice that flares out at the upper hips to a flowy skirt. This style is very comfortable and flattering to most body shapes, accentuating curves and enhancing the figure. The skirt makes it easy to walk and dance in, and the neckline can be chosen to complement the body.
Ball gowns are a traditional and dramatic choice, often chosen to symbolise purity and passion. They feature a fitted bodice and a dramatic, floor-length, flared skirt. The bold silhouette and colour make this style unique and classy, and they are considered a symbol of luck for the marriage.
Other wedding dress styles include the trumpet, mermaid, column, empire, high-low, jumpsuit, midi, mini, pantsuit, separates, sheath, slip, and tea-length. These styles vary in shape and silhouette and can be chosen to suit different body types and personal preferences.
Necklines also vary, with options including high, V-shaped, sweetheart, square, and asymmetric. A high neckline is elegant and ideal for brides who want to show less skin, while a V-neckline can be flattering and work well with different dress styles. Sweetheart necklines are considered the most romantic, while square necklines are good for those with larger busts, and asymmetric necklines add a unique touch.
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Fittings and alterations
It is recommended that you book your first fitting as soon as possible, ideally three months or more before your wedding day. This appointment will likely last about 30 minutes, and it is a good idea to schedule it for a day when you are not in a rush. It is also important to have chosen your wedding shoes and undergarments before this appointment, as these can impact the fit of your dress. It is also a good idea to bring along one or two people whose opinion you value, like your mother or maid of honour.
During the first fitting, the seamstress will assess the fit of the dress and suggest alterations. They will add pins to the hemline, straps, waist, and any other areas that need adjusting. The first fitting is when most of the work will be done on your dress, and subsequent fittings will take less time as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit. Most dresses will require two to three fittings, but this will depend on the number of changes that need to be made.
Your final fitting should take place one to two weeks before the wedding, as your body is unlikely to change significantly during this time. This gives the seamstress time to make any final adjustments to ensure your dress fits you perfectly.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several online stores that offer wedding dress rentals, including Nuuly, Rent the Runway, The Dress Outlet, and Dare and Dazzle.
A-line dresses, ball gowns, and fit-and-flare dresses are all popular styles for weddings and are available to rent. You can also rent individual pieces, such as bridal skirts and tops, and create your own unique look.
Renting a wedding dress is a more sustainable and cost-effective option compared to buying a new dress. It also gives you access to a wider range of designers and price points, allowing you to wear your dream gown without breaking the bank.
When renting a wedding dress, look for a breathable fabric that fits comfortably and complements your body type and best features. It's also important to consider the rental company's damage policies and fees, as you will likely be responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear.
