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| | | Though men rent tuxedos, women traditionally buy a wedding dress. With the recent increase in popularity, wedding dress rentals are now an option for many brides. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Inexpensive wedding dress rentals may cost $75 to $200. A popular place to elope, Las Vegas tends to have inexpensive gown rentals. Beware of hidden fees when you see prices in the $100-and-lower range.
- Moderate wedding dress rentals may cost $250 to $500. In this price range, you should be able to pick from several current, designer styles. For $250, many companies across the U.S. offer a complete rental package including accessories, alterations and cleaning fees.
- Expensive wedding dress rentals may cost $600 and higher. Brides looking for dresses from well-known designers may rent a gown rather than purchase to stay within their budget. A $3,000 designer gown may rent for $600, for example.
What should be included: | - A complementary dress fitting should be included, both when you pick out the dress and also just before the wedding (after alterations). Alterations may or may not be included in the overall fees.
- A bridal rental boutique should clean the gown before your wedding day and deliver the dress in ready-to-wear condition.
- Many rental companies will let you keep the gown for two to three days surrounding your wedding date. Always read the fine print to avoid late fees, and have a friend return the dress and accessories if you'll be on a honeymoon.
Additional costs: | - Unless otherwise specified, expect to pay alterations fees starting at around $35 for a basic hem up to $100 for taking a dress in or out.
- If accessories are not included, you might pay $50 to $100 to rent a slip, bra, veil/headpiece and shoes.
- Pre-wedding cleaning fees of $10 or more may apply. Ask if either a pre- or post-wedding cleaning is included in the rental fees.
- A damaged dress fee of $8 up to the entire retail cost of the dress might apply. Normal wear and tear and make-up stains are usually excluded from this.
- Late fees of up to $25 per day may apply for returning the dress after the due date.
- Shipping fees of $15 to $30 may apply if you are ordering the dress from out-of-state. Remember to try the dress on and allow plenty of time for alterations if you're having it shipped before the wedding.
Discounts: | - Look for dress rental packages that also include the groom's tuxedo rental and accessories. Kansas-based Tomorrow's Memories runs a $700 package that will outfit the bride, groom, one bridesmaid and one groomsman, which includes all rented clothing, alterations and bridal accessories (veil, slip, shoes, bra and tiara). On its own, a bridal gown rental runs $400 at this shop.
Shopping for a wedding dress rental: | - Expect to pay either a deposit or the entire rental fee upfront.
- If you aren't crazy about the idea of wearing a pre-worn dress, The Knot suggests asking if the shop has any new gowns in stock or if they will order any prior to your wedding. You could be the first to wear the rental gown.
- If keeping or preserving your gown is important to you, ask if the boutique will let you purchase the rented dress for an additional fee.
- Brides.com has a glossary of bridal undergarments to consider when shopping for a dress.
- If you are renting to save money, consider instead buying a bridesmaid-style dress in white or ivory. According to the Brides.com forum, these are usually cheaper than bridal gowns.
- While there aren't any large, national chains that specialize in renting wedding dresses, many smaller, independent stores are willing to ship gowns across the country. If you don't know where to start, try Austin-based Classy Concepts Design or the popular Los Angeles rental company, One Night Affair.
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Article updated February 2010 |
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