We all know that wedding dresses aren't exactly budget-friendly. When you think about the fact that you'll probably only get to wear the dress once in your lifetime, for a total of a few hours, the price seems a lot more than it actually is.
The typical cost of a bridal gown is in the four figures, though the price of a lavishly designed gown can well exceed that.
Is it really necessary to drop hundreds of dollars on a dress just to wear it for a couple hours and snap a few pictures? To look beautiful on your wedding day, you don't need to spend a fortune on a dress.
The money you save could be used for the rest of the wedding, or even the honeymoon! If you answered "no" to the first question, then perhaps you should consider renting a wedding dress.
In the past, only the very wealthy could afford to wear white for their wedding.
Since white fabric was so difficult to care for, beautiful white wedding gowns that could only be donned once became the highest symbol of status for wealthy women after Queen Victoria's nuptials with Prince Albert in 1840.
It is now customary for brides everywhere, to wear white. There are, however, more cheap solutions for the thrifty bride who does not wish to spend tens of thousands on a couture wedding dress.
Find a bridal gown rental business and consider renting a wedding dress instead of buying.
Of course, there are also potential drawbacks to consider when deciding whether to buy or rent your wedding dress.
To help you decide whether or not to rent a dress rather than buy one, we've compiled some information you may find useful.
Why It's Better to Rent Your Wedding Dress
Here are some benefits to think about if you're thinking of purchasing your wedding dress in this manner.
Spending Less Money
Renting your wedding dress is a great option because it can help you save a lot of money.
While a designer dress can easily cost several hundred dollars or more, you can get similar styles online for half that price or less.
If you know where to look, you may rent a dress and save thousands of dollars. Costs for renting a wedding dress can range widely, from as little as $50 to as much as $600, depending on the garment and the rental business.
On the higher end, it is common to rent a designer gown for $500-$2,000, half of the full retail price.
This is the largest benefit and possibly the reason you're considering renting. Renting makes previously unattainable outfits more affordable.
Since you'll just be wearing the gown for a couple of nights, you might be able to affordably borrow an item from a high-end designer you've always admired.
Wedding dresses can easily cost four figures, but can be rented for far less through services like Rent the Runway.
It's possible that you'll even be able to spend less on add-ons.
For a lower total price, several bridal gown rental services provide bundles that include not just the dress but also accessories like veils and shoes.
Score Some Package Deals
Some bridal gown rental services aim to alleviate the stress of coordinating with numerous businesses by supplying the customer with nearly all of the accessories necessary to complete her bridal look and that of her attendants.
Included in several wedding dress rental packages are accessories such as the veil, belt, sash or headpieces.
- Accessories of the gown such as the veil, belt, sash or headpieces.
- Dresses for the matron of honour, bridesmaids, mother of the groom and bride, and flower girls
- Make-up artists
- Renting an engagement gown
- Accessories for the Wedding (ring pillow, cord, garter, etc.)
You may knock out more items on your "I do" list without having to contact as many businesses if you rent a wedding dress from a company that offers wedding package deals.
You Can Be the First One To Rent It
First-use rentals are something I've come across at a few rental places.
There are two possible explanations for this: either the gown was never rented out before, or it was produced by the shop specifically for this customer.
Another possibility is that you rented a dress that was made to your specifications but would be rented out again when you return it to the store.
It means you can rent the outfit you've had your eye on without having to shell out as much cash as you would if you bought it.
However, keep in mind that the cost of renting a new dress is far higher than that of renting a dress from their stock.
To make sure the dress is the right fit, you will need to schedule numerous appointments rather than just one or two.
Stress-Free Fittings
Many visits to your stylist or seamstress will be necessary when you order a custom wedding dress.
It all starts with a consultation to make sure they can picture you in the dress you want. Afterwards, you'll have a first fitting, then more fittings as the dress is being created, and finally, a last fitting just several weeks before the wedding.
Brides who select a designer who resides a fair distance away may find it inconvenient to make the round journey on top to their other duties and wedding planning.
Renting a dress is more handy than buying one. At the wedding gown rental shop, you will try on a variety of dresses before settling on the one you will wear on your big day.
The personnel will take your measurements in order to tighten the garment if it needs it. To secure your desired wedding gown, you must subsequently pay a reservation fee.
Then, just before the big day, you may pick up your freshly altered dress, try it on once more, pay the remaining payment plus your deposit, and jet off to your wedding venue.
If you want your deposit refunded, just return the dress to the store without ruining it.
If you need a wedding dress in a hurry, a rental service can come to the rescue.
Because of the lack of customisation, renting a dress can be a great option if time is of the essence when planning your wedding.
Preservation is not Necessary
After the wedding is finished, many brides aren't sure what they should do with their dresses.
The outfit is delicate and requires special bags for storage. To do so may call for additional resources.
Avoiding the inevitable yellowing of the cloth over time is a good idea.
It's not uncommon for brides to go to great lengths to protect their wedding gowns from fading and insect damage.
Some people want it solely as a memento of their big day.
However, there are many who keep them in the hopes that they will one day have a granddaughter or cousin to whom they can pass them on.
Those who don't want to cope with keeping the dress in good shape or passing it down to future generations might avoid these issues by renting instead.
The shop will take care of the cleaning, so as long as you don't ruin the dress or leave a huge stain, you won't have to stress about preserving such an expensive garment after the wedding.
The Downsides of Bridal Gown Rental
There are benefits to renting a gown, but there are also some drawbacks to think about.
Choices Are Limited
You can't be as fussy as Meghan Markle in Say Yes to the Dress unless you're willing to spend more for a Single Use Rental.
It's important to be open to compromise and adaptability if you have a specific aesthetic in mind but limited possibilities.
While a rental dress can be taken in to fit if it's too big, it can't be taken out to fit if it's too tiny, and not every rental store offers alterations.
So, whether you're a curvy bride searching for the ultimate plus-size gown or a tall, slender bride in need of a floor-length dress, you can be assured that the dresses currently on the market won't be a great fit.
It's possible that your ideal dress might have specific elements that other dresses don't.
Even if you do locate the dress of your dreams, another bride may have already reserved it for her wedding day.
In this situation, you should prepare yourself for the reality that you might not be able to rent your ideal wedding dress.
Renting might not be the greatest option if you have particular taste or are searching for a highly specific design.
Dresses may not be available on the day you need them, and the selection of styles may be limited.
Sometimes the dress you want isn't available in your size, and if it is, adjustments aren't an option, so you're stuck with it regardless of how it looks.
The perfect wedding gown of your fantasies may turn out to be a total letdown if you acquire it online.
Fortunately, most rental businesses will let you place an order for a dress only for the purpose of trying it on before you commit to borrowing it for the big day, though this option usually comes at an additional cost.
You Are Liable For All Costs and Repairs
Fees for renting a dress can add up rapidly. If you're late, you may have to fork over more money for delivery, insurance, and other penalties. Any costs associated with repairs are also on you.
Accidental wine spills, lipstick stains, ripped hems, and busted seams are just some of the ways your wedding dress can be damaged.
While most insurance policies will cover minor repairs, it is customary for the bride to settle for any major adjustments or replacements out of pocket.
Expect that your wedding dress may get dirty, stained, or damaged as the day progresses.
A casual, low-maintenance bride who also happens to own her wedding dress might be able to shrug off the accidental staining with chocolate or a drop of wine.
The bride who is renting her dress, on the other hand, may be extra cautious about things like stains, lipstick smudges, and spilt food.
The cleaning price you pay at the bridal shop could include removal of stains that can be cleaned.
Your security deposit could be used to cover the cost of minor repairs. However, if there is significant damage, you should be prepared to pay more money to get it fixed.
Risks to Health
In the midst of the epidemic, companies, including those renting wedding dresses, are adjusting to the new norm.
You can save time and money by getting your measurements taken at home, setting up a video chat with a sales associate, and then shopping from the comfort of your own couch.
However, delivery costs may apply.
If you've ever purchased clothing online, you know that the image on the screen isn't necessarily accurate to what you receive. In other words, what looked great on a model or in a store window might not work so well for you.
If physically visiting the store is now impossible, you'll need to figure out a way to have gowns shipped back and forth between the store and your residence until you locate the one you want to buy. The clothing is less expensive than what you would pay to actually own it, but the shipping costs might mount up quickly.
No Heartfelt Keepsake
Renting isn't the best option if you want to retain the dress forever and potentially pass it down through the generations. Some brides have irreplaceable memories attached to their wedding gowns, and renting a gown would mean losing those.
The social aspect of trying on dresses with loved ones may be lost if the bride opts instead to rent an outfit. It's possible that renting won't work out if you've always imagined saying "I do" in front of all your loved ones.
Gowns worn by brides are often kept and cherished as mementoes.
Renting a wedding dress eliminates the emotional investment because (a) other ladies will also be able to wear the dress and (b) the gown is technically not yours.
As a result, if you're the sentimental kind or if you'd like to leave open the possibility that your daughter could wear the dress at her wedding, it might be best to look into other, more cost-effective ways of acquiring your own dress.
MyDressBox is are wedding dress cleaning and preservation specialists servicing all major cities in Australia and New Zealand, including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast, Wollongong, Geelong and many more.
Conclusion
Typically, the price of a wedding dress will run you four figures. If you want to save money on your wedding, renting a dress is a great option.
In contrast to the hundreds or even thousands of dollars that a designer dress might cost, you can find very comparable fashions on the internet for far less.
The dress itself is often just part of a larger bundle that can also include veils and shoes.
Renting a wedding dress is far more expensive than buying one. Renting a garment can be convenient because of the limited options for personalisation.
The bride who chooses a designer who lives a long way away may find it inconvenient to make the trip again.
Renting a wedding dress is an option for brides who do not wish to keep theirs for posterity.
You won't have to worry about keeping a costly garment because the business will take care of the cleaning for you.
Renting a dress comes with several drawbacks, such as a smaller selection and higher price tag.
Most dress rental services will let you place a try-on order before you commit to renting the garment.
Damage to your wedding dress can come from a variety of sources, including unintentional wine spills, lipstick stains, ripped hems, and busted seams. If the bride chooses to rent her dress, she may miss out on the fun of dress shopping with friends and family.
There are some brides whose wedding dresses hold special, unique meaning. Since the rented dress is not yours, you won't feel any attachment to it.
Content Summary
- We all know that wedding dresses aren't exactly budget-friendly.
- To look beautiful on your wedding day, you don't need to spend a fortune on a dress.
- Find a bridal gown rental business and consider renting a wedding dress instead of buying.
- Of course, there are also potential drawbacks to consider when deciding whether to buy or rent your wedding dress.
- If you know where to look, you may rent a dress and save thousands of dollars.
- However, keep in mind that the cost of renting a new dress is far higher than that of renting a dress from their stock.
- If you need a wedding dress in a hurry, a rental service can come to the rescue.
- Because of the lack of customisation, renting a dress can be a great option if time is of the essence when planning your wedding.
- In this situation, you should prepare yourself for the reality that you might not be able to rent your ideal wedding dress.
- Sometimes the dress you want isn't available in your size, and if it is, adjustments aren't an option, so you're stuck with it regardless of how it looks.
- The perfect wedding gown of your fantasies may turn out to be a total letdown if you acquire it online.
- If you're late, you may have to fork over more money for delivery, insurance, and other penalties.
- Any costs associated with repairs are also on you.
- Expect that your wedding dress may get dirty, stained, or damaged as the day progresses.
- Your security deposit could be used to cover the cost of minor repairs.
- However, if there is significant damage, you should be prepared to pay more money to get it fixed.
- If physically visiting the store is now impossible, you'll need to figure out a way to have gowns shipped back and forth between the store and your residence until you locate the one you want to buy.
- The clothing is less expensive than what you would pay to actually own it, but the shipping costs might mount up quickly.
- Renting isn't the best option if you want to retain the dress forever and potentially pass it down through the generations.
- Some brides have irreplaceable memories attached to their wedding gowns, and renting a gown would mean losing those.
- The social aspect of trying on dresses with loved ones may be lost if the bride opts instead to rent an outfit.
- Renting a wedding dress eliminates the emotional investment because (a) other ladies will also be able to wear the dress and (b) the gown is technically not yours.
- As a result, if you're the sentimental kind or if you'd like to leave open the possibility that your daughter could wear the dress at her wedding, it might be best to look into other, more cost-effective ways of acquiring your own dress.
FAQS ABOUT RENTING A WEDDING DRESS
How much is a wedding dress deposit?
A deposit equal to half the entire price is to be expected. You should be aware that the remainder of the wedding cost is typically collected in instalments in the months leading up to the big day.
Can I try on wedding dresses without buying?
Although it is possible to try on bridal gowns without making a purchase, we advise against doing so unless you are in fact planning to purchase one. It may be necessary to set up multiple appointments in order to discover the perfect dress (though if you do, that's fantastic!).
Is it cheaper to make or buy a wedding dress?
Remember that a built-to-order dress will always cost more than a ready-to-wear gown, and that most expensive wedding dresses are manufactured to order.
What month is the cheapest to buy a wedding dress?
Because of this, many designers in the wedding industry release new collections and give steep discounts on older ones in January. Sales and discounts abound in January because of the abundance of new stock.
How soon is too soon to buy a wedding dress?
Do you find yourself wondering, "When should I go wedding dress shopping?" You should get started on this roughly 10–12 months before the wedding. The optimal period to buy a wedding dress is eight months before the big day.