There’s so much sentiment attached to your wedding gown – from the very wedding day to the experience shopping for the perfect fit, it’s a huge part of any wedding. Which means it can also be stressful… and expensive. So, you have two options: purchase a gown, or rent one. We gathered the opinions of wedding planning professionals to hit us with the facts. Wondering at the pros and cons, and how to go about renting if that’s what you decide? It’s all here for you!
I love that today brides aren’t restricted to buying their wedding dress of the rack or having one custom-made. Websites like Rent The Runway have provided brides with the option of being able to wear the dress of their dreams at a small portion of the retail price which makes dresses by favourites Monique Lhuillier and Marchesa and more contemporary designers like Halston Heritage easily accessible. While renting means you won’t be able to hold onto the dress for sentimental reasons, it does mean that you won’t have to worry about storying the dress for years to come.
On the other hand….Buying a wedding dress is a special moment for a bride, finding that one that is hers to wear and treasure. One that she can pass down to future generations and become an heirloom. To me, there is something magical about that prospect.
A middle ground….I absolutely love that sites exist for brides to re-sell their pre-loved gowns. Stores like Shop Gossamer has some incredible vintage pieces while many other sites exist where brides can purchase pre-loved designer gowns like Vera Wang. – Victoria Cameron
Photos by Byron Loves Fawn
If you are the sentimental type, I think buying your gown is a must. The likelihood of you keeping it is far greater, and you may even want to pass it down as a family heirloom.
However, if you are just dying for a fabulous gown, perhaps even a designer dress that you wouldn’t dare purchase for retail price, RENT IT! How many times in your life will you get to wear an Oscar de la Renta or some other amazing designer?!? And you’ll have photographs for a lifetime! – Love Anne Joy
Photos from Borrowing Magnolia
Renting your wedding gown can certainly be a cost effective way to have a designer gown at a fraction of the cost or for the bride that does not feel strongly about keeping her gown after the “i-do’s”. Companies such as Borrowing Magnolia make this process super simple and offer the option to buy as well. A few things to keep in mind should you decide to go the rental route are things like:
– Is your gown cleaned in advance or do you need to do this?
– Will you need to steam it or have it professionally pressed upon arrival?
– What are the shipping and return costs? Timelines and deadlines?
– Are alterations allowable? If so, what is the method for having these done?
Wedding gowns can require a lot of work and hand holding and you want this to be a positive experience. Make sure you ask all of the right questions in advance to avoid costly charges along the way. – Magnolia Bluebird
Super helpful 🙂
My taste is expensive, so renting might be the way to go!!
Ah I feel like every girl wants to buy… But they make a good case for renting!!
My best friend rented… and I think I will do that for my wedding! she still got a beautiful dress she loved and it was SO cheap
Such great advice! I’ll be sure to take it into account!
Very 🙂
Thanks for the comment Leah!
Exactly!
:)))
Yay!
great tips! thank you!