Alright, so maybe some of you have even tighter budgets that won’t allow you to purchase the dress of your dreams, designer or not. Or maybe you don’t really care about keeping your wedding dress . If either of these scenarios sound like you, then Option 2 might be your best bet: Rent your wedding dress. After all, rarely do grooms purchase a tux for the wedding…so why should you have to buy an expensive gown only to wear once and then find storage space for in that seemingly shrinking closet?
Almost every city has a store that will rent out wedding gowns for a fraction of the cost to purchase them. Cost ranges from $100-$1,000 depending on the kind of dress you’re looking for. At werentweddingdresses.com, you can locate a wedding dress rental shop near you.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Find a wedding dress rental business with a stellar reputation. Ask for references and talk to brides about their rental experiences. Ask local bridal salons if they rent or if they can make a recommendation.
- Start shopping early. One disadvantage of wedding dress rental is that you’ll have fewer options. You want to find a dress that fits well and that is in excellent condition, which may take some time. When you do find a dress you like, make sure it’s available for rent on your wedding date.
- Ask about rental packages. It doesn’t make sense to purchase accessories for a dress you don’t own, so many rental stores offer wedding dress packages. Try to find a head-to-toe package that includes a veil or tiara, jewelry, undergarments and shoes. Undergarments refer to petticoats. You should purchase your own bra and underwear.
- Read the rental agreement carefully. The contract should include a guarantee that your dress will be clean and available for pick-up several days before your wedding. Pay close attention to charges related to dress damage and make sure you agree with the renter’s written description of the dress’s condition. Ask questions and express concerns before signing anything. You don’t want to end up paying more to rent the dress than it would’ve cost to just buy it.
Did any of you rent your wedding dress? Do you have any regrets or was it worth the cost-savings?
If you’re a bargain hunter, look forward to Part 3 soon!
