As you begin planning your dream wedding, one of the most exciting decisions you'll make is choosing your wedding dress. While many brides opt to buy their dresses, an increasingly popular option is renting a wedding dress. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about renting a wedding dress, from the benefits to the process and more.
Benefits of Renting a Wedding Dress
There are several reasons why renting a wedding dress can be a smart choice:
Cost: Perhaps the biggest benefit of renting a wedding dress is the cost savings. Wedding dresses can be incredibly expensive, with some designer dresses costing upwards of $10,000. By renting a dress, you can get the look you want at a fraction of the price. You might be able to save on accessories, too. Some wedding dress rental companies provide packages where you can add on a veil, shoes, and other accessories for a package price like Laine London
Variety: When you rent a wedding dress, you have access to a wide variety of styles, sizes, and designer brands. This allows you to try on different styles and find the one that fits and flatters you best.
Eco-friendliness: If you're environmentally conscious, renting a wedding dress is a more sustainable option as it reduces waste and resources compared to buying a new dress.
Convenience: Wedding dress preservation is expensive because a lot goes into making sure the delicate fabric doesn't yellow over time. This is also not a guarantee that the dress will be protected as some brides attest to pulling out yellow, moth eaten or worse dresses after 20 years. With a wedding dress rental, there's no hassle about where you'll keep your gown after the big day or how you'll preserve it. Rental companies also typically include dry cleaning with the service. Dry cleaning for a gown can cost up to $200, so consider those savings a major win. Just send it back, and you're done!
Shorter timeline: We are told as soon as we get engaged that the dress should be ordered 6-12 months before the wedding to ensure it arrives in time. But what if you want a short engagement or you don't know what size you will be 12 months from now because you are pregnant or losing weight. Renting the dress shortens to the timeline to as little as 45 days! You can be sure the dress is available for your date at Laine London because your stylist only brings you gowns that are in stock and not booked. No guesswork required, only beautiful dresses for you to make a decision.
How to Rent a Wedding Dress
Renting a wedding dress is a fairly simple process, but there are a few steps you'll need to follow:
Start early: It's a good idea to start looking for a wedding dress rental at least six months before your wedding. This will give you plenty of time to find the perfect dress and ensure that it's available for your big day. But as we stated before, if you find your self with a tight timeline, make your appointment today!
Do your research: There are many places where you can rent a wedding dress, including bridal stores like Laine London, online rental companies, and even department stores. Do your research to find the best options in your area and compare prices. Having an in-store appointment ensures you still get the full bridal experience you deserve! Renting does not make the process any less memorable.
Schedule fittings: Once you've found a rental company or store that you like, schedule fittings to try on dresses. Be sure to bring any undergarments, shoes, and accessories that you plan to wear on your wedding day to get the most accurate fit.
Make a decision: After trying on a few dresses, you should have a good idea of which one you like best. Be sure to double-check the rental agreement and ask any questions you have before making a final decision.
Place your order: Once you've decided on a dress, place your order and make any necessary payments. Be sure to follow the rental company's instructions for returning the dress after your wedding.
Schedule alterations: Most brides will need to get their dress tailored for a perfect fit, Laine London's package includes standard alterations like a hem or a sleeve adjustment. Give yourself time to get this adjustments made before your big day.
Tips for Renting a Wedding Dress
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when renting a wedding dress:
Know your budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on a rental dress and stick to it. Don't be tempted to overspend just because you're not buying the dress outright. Here at Laine London our signature package starts at $1,500 and includes a 7-day dress rental and alterations.
Consider the venue: Think about the location and theme of your wedding when choosing a dress. If you're having a beach wedding, for example, a flowing, bohemian style dress might be more appropriate than a formal, traditional gown.
Read customer reviews: When renting, check out what previous customers are saying about the dresses and experience. If its a shop, pay attention to dress variety, stylists attention to detail. If you are shopping online pay attention to size and what other customers say about the dress you're potentially renting. Laine London has over 300 5 star reviews.
How long can you rent: Confirm with the rental service how long you're able to keep the dress. Every business is different, and you'll want to order the dress as far in advance as possible. At Laine London you have your dress rental for 7 days. This works for both local and destination weddings.
Take care of the dress: Be sure to handle the rental dress with care and follow the rental company's instructions for cleaning and preservation. At Laine London we handle the dry cleaning for you!
Get insurance: Many rental companies offer insurance just in case.
In Conclusion
If you're in the market for a wedding dress rental, the above tips will help you have a smooth process. If you are in south east region of the United States you'll want to check out Laine London! As the only brick and mortar wedding dress rental boutique in the United States, Laine London offers a unique and convenient shopping experience for brides. Laine London carries sizes from 0 to 32, making it a great option for brides of all shapes and sizes. And if you need any alternations, Laine London has in-house services to ensure that your dress fits like a glove. But what really sets Laine London apart is their excellent customer service. The experienced and knowledgeable staff at Laine London are dedicated to helping you find the perfect dress and ensuring that your rental process is seamless.
Overall, Laine London is a fantastic choice for brides looking for a stylish, affordable, and sustainable wedding dress rental. With their exceptional customer service, in-house alternation services, and commitment to sustainability, you can't go wrong with Laine London. Book with us today!