It is a known fact that wedding dresses are not cheap. This is where the idea of renting a wedding dress comes into play.
The price to pay for a wedding gown sounds even more expensive when you consider you’ll only be wearing it once.
At this point, a bride might wonder — is it worth the cost? Should I rent a dress instead? Well, there are both advantages and disadvantages to that idea.
Here are all the things you should consider before you proceed.
Advantages of renting a wedding dress
It is cheaper
Renting a dress is a much cheaper than buying one, and wedding dresses that cost four figures are often brought into three instead.
Added Extras
Sometimes when you rent your wedding dress, some rental companies provide packages where you can get your wedding veil, accessories, or shoes, as well. The overall discount in a package deal can bring your costs down even more.
No Need to Wash
Cleaning typically comes standard with a wedding dress rental. Given that wedding dress dry cleaning costs almost a fortune, that’s another thing to factor in.
ALSO READ: 5 Creative Things To Do With Your Wedding Dress After The D-Day
Disadvantages of renting a wedding dress
Not the same as shopping for a dress
A lot of women long for that day when they take their mom’s and bridesmaids’ wedding dress shopping with them. Renting one isn’t the same experience.
You are responsible for the damages
You need to be extra careful at your reception to keep your dress in mint condition because if it gets damaged you are definitely going to pay an extra sum.
It can’t be passed to another person
When you rent a wedding dress, you’re forfeiting the experience of ever passing the dress down to your own daughter or other relatives/friend, and it may feel a little less special to know you never owned your dress.
Renting gives you limited options
The options available among rental dresses aren’t as broad and might be dated. If you’re looking for a specific style or are a picky shopper, renting may not be the best choice. Not only are gown options more limited, but the places offering them aren’t as common as those offering buyable gowns.
Size Constraints
Even if you do find a gown you like, it may not be in your size. Are alterations allowed? That’s something you’ll need to ask wherever you’re renting from.
Important Things To Know Before Renting A Wedding Dress
1. Make sure to try the dress on immediately. Alterations on rented gowns typically aren’t allowed, as they need to be able to fit a wide variety of brides. If you have specific sizing issues, a wedding dress rental may not be your best option.
2. Read carefully and understand what your security deposit covers, and don’t be afraid to ask if you need any clarifications. You don’t want to spill a drop of champagne on your dress only to learn later that you now owe the rental boutique the retail price.
3. Inspect the dress carefully when it arrives to make sure it doesn’t have any wear-and-tear that you might find unacceptable.
4. Don’t miss your return date so you don’t get charged extra fees.
5. Start shopping early. Rental outlets will usually have a limited amount of stock, and won’t be able to just order a dress in your size the way your average bridal boutique can.
