Should you buy or rent a wedding dress?

Not so fun fact: Wedding dresses are NOT cheap! Considering that you’ll only be wearing that gown once in your life for a few hours, it makes that price tag seem larger than it is. In average, a wedding dress costs around four figures, but can go much higher if you’re considering getting a luxurious designer dress. If you think about it, are a few hours and few pictures in that dress worth spending a big fortune on? You don't need to buy the most expensive wedding dress to look breathtaking on your big day! Keep in mind that you can be putting the saved money towards other wedding expenses, or even your honeymoon! If your answer to that first question is no, then you might want to rent a wedding dress.

If you're looking for wedding dress hire services, then you're at the right place!

Renting a wedding dress is an alternative option that allows you to save some money while still looking stunning walking down the aisle in your dream dress. If you’re not sure how to start your wedding dress shopping, here are a few tips and tricks that might help you!

Tips and tricks to rent a wedding dress

It goes without saying that every bride has dreamt of that princess white dress ever since she was a little girl. And It’s important to mention that it is her right to want to look her absolute best on such an occasion. So, what can she do if she can’t afford that perfect designer dress? Does she splurge and buy that expensive dress? No! Does she settle for an average dress that fits her budget? Absolutely not! She considers renting the dress instead of buying it!

Here are a few pointers!

• Choose a reliable bridal boutique
• Start your shopping earlier
• Rent matching accessories as well
• Understand the choice you’re making
• Visit a couple of boutiques before saying yes to the dress
• Know what you’re looking for
• Go through the terms and conditions
• Know your budget
• Choose your bridal entourage

Choose your bridal stores wisely to rent a wedding dress

Firstly, if you’ve started wedding dress shopping then you know by now that there are plenty of rental wedding dress stores. With that being said, you should keep in mind that not every store can be reliable. Make sure you choose a reputable boutique to rent a wedding dress from. Do your research and ask your friends and relatives who have already rented a dress from a store. It is better to stay safe and ensure that your wedding dress will be perfect! Choose at least two stores to visit out of the recommendations you’ll get. While doing your searches, try to look up online the store, read their reviews, browse their social media/website, look up their real brides. Getting inspiration from their authentic posts can help you make the right choice. It’s always a plus if you find a stores that have bridal accessories as well!

Work in a fixed timeframe and budget

Secondly, work on a timeframe and a budget to keep yourself in check. After fixing the date and venue, start looking into bridal shop options to visit. You need to start your shopping at least 9-6 months prior to your wedding date. We recommend this timeframe as renting a wedding dress can be a long process especially if you need to have alterations done. If you’re planning on losing weight before your big day, do not worry! Alterations can be done right before your wedding day to stay on the safe side!

Understand the choice you’re making

Thirdly, you need to be sure and certain that this path is the right one for you. You need to know everything about renting a wedding dress, what you can and can’t do, what are your options. That’s why it’s very necessary to do your research and make your final decision. You should take into consideration more than just money while choosing this option. You wouldn’t want to settle for a dress just because it fits your budget. That’s exactly why we opt for renting instead of buying. Never settle! So, here are some of the pros and cons to consider before you decide to rent a wedding dress.

Pros of renting a wedding dress

Let’s start with the positives, shall we? You’re saving money but getting the same luxurious look. Instead of spending a huge amount on a designer dress, you can rent it for much less.

Another positive point is that you don’t have to worry about the aftercare. The dress isn’t yours so you’re saving that boring dry-cleaners trip and expenses. In addition to the aftercare, preserving your dress or storing it is an issue as it needs special care and space. After the wedding you just return it to where it came from.

Cons for renting a wedding dress

Now for the cons, if you’re a sentimental person, then parting ways with your wedding dress can be hard for you. Some people like to keep their dresses as an heirloom for their future kids. This isn’t an option in rental dress, unfortunately.

Remember how we just said you don’t need to worry about the aftercare? Well, that’s not quite true. Since you’ll be returning the dress, you’re expected to be extra careful during the ceremony as you might be charged for damages, depending on your contract.

Whether you decide to rent or buy your wedding dress, make sure you choose the dress of your dream! Opt for something that gives you the wow factor, a dress that makes it hard to take your eyes off of! Remember, this is your big day so don’t settle and most importantly, enjoy it to the fullest!

Related Topic: Here are the best simple wedding dresses!

About Esposa

With a presence spanning over 30 years, Esposa is a luxury bridal boutique offering every bride-to-be a one-stop shop to find her perfect wedding look, from her dream gown to her wedding shoes and the accessories she needs.

Esposa Group includes the Esposa Privé stores located in Downtown-Beirut and Dubai where bridal creations offer the choice between a multi-brand selection showcasing the works of international designers including Viktor and Rolf, Vera Wang, Monique L’huillier, Marchesa and Esposa Privé’s own couture brand, Esposacouture, as well as a wide evening segment and a selection of shoes and accessories. Esposa Group encompasses also the Esposa boutiques located in Lebanon (Dbayeh and Ramleh Al Bayda), and Dubai, showcasing a multi-brand bridal collection in addition to its own couture brand, Plume by Esposa, an evening segment, and a selection of shoes and accessories.