The Pros and Cons of Renting a Wedding Dress

Photo by Rene Asmussen

Many brides spend anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 on their wedding dresses alone. Considering that the dress is often worn for only a few hours, that price may seem too high to some.

Renting a wedding dress presents an opportunity to save significantly on this expense, with rental prices typically ranging from $50 to $600, renting allows brides to embrace a more sustainable shopping experience while potentially affording multiple looks for less.

So, is renting a wedding dress the right choice for you?

The Pros

  • Price: The most obvious advantage of renting a wedding dress is the potential for substantial cost savings. Dresses that may have been previously unattainable due to budget constraints suddenly become accessible, offering brides the opportunity to wear designer ensembles at a fraction of the retail price.
  • Convenience and Maintenance: Renting eliminates the need for dress preservation, storage, and dry cleaning. Rental companies typically include dry cleaning services with the dress, sparing brides the expense and hassle associated with caring for the gown post-wedding.
  • Ease of Shopping: Most wedding dress rental companies operate online platforms, providing brides with the convenience of browsing and selecting their dream dresses from the comfort of their homes. This virtual shopping experience is particularly appealing to brides who prefer to avoid the traditional bridal salon setting.

The Cons

  • Limited Options: Renting a wedding dress may not be ideal for brides seeking specific styles or sizes. Limited availability and sizing constraints could result in disappointment if the desired gown is unavailable for the wedding date.
  • Additional Fees and Responsibilities: Renting entails potential additional costs, including shipping fees, insurance, and late penalties. Brides are also responsible for any damages incurred during the rental period, which could result in hefty charges.
  • Sentimental Value: For brides who cherish the sentimental aspects of their wedding dress, renting may not fulfill this desire. Owning a gown holds emotional significance for many brides, allowing them to preserve memories and potentially pass down the dress as an heirloom.
Photo by Dmitry Zvolskiy

Whether you choose to rent or buy, the most important thing is selecting a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident on your special day.