FREE 2-Way Insured Shipping on ALL Packages (US Only)
When the big day approaches, choosing your wedding dress is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking decisions. This can be overwhelming if you don't have a family heirloom or bridal gown worn for generations before.
Should you splurge on a designer gown or save up for something more affordable? Or maybe you're torn between buying something new or renting a preowned wedding gown? Whether you are looking for a little inspiration or need help making sure you choose the best option, we've got some tips!
The cost of wedding dresses ranges from $300 to $1800. If you dream of wearing that smooth mermaid gown from Vera Wang or a strapless ballgown by Oscar de la Renta, you may face sticker shock when trying to buy the dress outright.
On average, brides spend around $3000 on their wedding gowns alone. It doesn't seem worth it when you'll only be wearing that dress for three to five hours on your special day, says Blaire Walsh, wedding style expert. She adds that you would rather spend that money on other things like honeymoon trips.
But buying a preowned wedding dress could be the perfect solution if you're short on time and funds to achieve that fairytale look. Wedding dresses on rent can cost anywhere from $50 to $600, depending on what dress you want and whether it's a one-time rental service or monthly membership. That's still much less than a brand-new gown, but it's a lot cheaper than having to pay thousands of dollars to purchase a dress you might not love.
Even better, you can rent high-end designer clothes like those from Vera Wang, Oscar De La Renta, or Monique Lhuillier for under $2000 as well. These dresses are one of the most expensive pieces of clothing you will ever own, so renting them allows you to get a taste without going broke. Plus, these dresses are guaranteed to fit perfectly and look flawless.
Renting a wedding dress will allow you to try on different dress styles until you find the dress that fits you best. This gives you the opportunity to see how much coverage you prefer (if any) or whether you'd like a strapless dress or halterneck. This can be especially useful for brides who are unsure exactly which style they want because they aren't sure how their bodies look.
With a rental dress, there's no worry about what to do with the dress afterward, either. The thought of storing or preserving a dress is enough to make any bride sweat. But with a rental, you won't have to deal with any of that. Simply hand over the dress at the end of your appointment and be done.
Furthermore, you can rent more than one dress for your wedding day. Whether you plan on wearing a veil or tiara or simply want to match every outfit on your wedding party, having multiple options available can reduce stress and give you more choices during your big day. From the bachelorette party to bridal shower and engagement party, you can rent every piece of attire you need throughout your wedding weekend.
Finding a reputable company that offers rentals can help ease some financial burdens when searching for a perfect dress that fits your budget and style. However, before renting, have an idea of your size and style preferences ahead of time. Doing this ensures you're not wasting money on something that isn't right for you.
If you don't know where to begin, ask friends or family members who recently married for recommendations. They may also be able to recommend where you can rent dresses in your area. You can also start researching online to discover websites that cater specifically to weddings.
Read what previous customers have to say about the quality of service they received from the store. It can give you an idea of what you'll experience when working with a rental shop.
When you are searching to buy online a wedding dress, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what to select. Use filters to narrow your search by length, color, silhouette, sleeves, neckline, and embellishments. If you're looking for specific details, such as lace appliques, beaded bodices, embroidered hemlines, or ruffles, you should filter those results too. Once you've found what you're looking for, click through the retailer's website to learn more about sizing and availability. (Read: The Materials That Make Up Wedding Dresses)
Consider what accessories are included in the package price. For example, many retailers offer headpieces, veils, shoes, and sashes at rental prices. These items could be sold separately for extra fees, so be aware of how much your entire package costs before you finalize your purchase. You can even rent bridesmaid dresses to create the perfect look for your big day.
Confirm the details of your rental contract, including the number of days you'll receive the dress, payment terms, and returns policy. Make sure you understand the process, so you have nothing to worry about on your special day.
💡 Pro Tip: Order your wedding gown as early as possible and see if you can try dresses beforehand for a fee. That way, you'll know if you really love the look or if you will have to return the dress.
While many women love the freedom of being able to rent a wedding dress, others find themselves stuck in the dilemma of what to do once they spill something on their rented wedding gown. In most cases, you can easily clean off a small amount of liquid without ruining the material. Some fabrics require more work than others, but if you're wearing that little cocktail dress, there is no reason to ruin it.
Remember that while stains can sometimes be removed, they often leave behind unsightly marks that won't go away quickly, especially on white materials. Regardless of how much care you take, stains can be difficult to remove completely and depend on the fabric; they might need an expert touch to restore their original beauty.
The more you try to do yourself, the worse things could get. Embellishments, like rhinestones, sequins, pearls, beads, and other gems, can easily come off or fall off if they aren't handled properly. You don't want to burden yourself with an expensive repair bill. Instead, contact the rental company immediately and let them handle the situation.
Before you attempt to clean any stain yourself, make sure you check with your rental company. Most companies' rental fee includes any minor mishap you may incur during the rental period. If the damage is significant, you may be liable to pay the full retail price of the dress.
For many rental companies, cleaning is the backbone of their operation. This means you don't want to unnecessarily risk damaging your beautiful rented wedding gown. Once your reception is over, return the dress back to the rental company. They will use specialized techniques to clean and restore the wedding dresses to their original glory.
Renting a dress means you are responsible for keeping the gown in great condition until your return date. Renting to save money and later spending on repairs isn't worth the hassle.
Whether you go for dress rentals or buy outright, always ensure that your wedding dress lasts long after the big day. This doesn't mean just making sure you have enough time to wear your dress again; it also means making sure you've taken proper care of the dress—no matter where it comes from.
Many women think they can clean their own wedding dresses by hand. However, this kind of practice can cause permanent damage to delicate fabrics such as silk, satin, chiffon, and taffeta. When you purchase a bridal gown, you buy into it as well as the cost of maintenance. Even with the best intentions, we all know how hard it is to maintain perfection. To avoid having to shell out hundreds of dollars repairing a stained wedding dress, consider hiring professionals to help you care for your special garment.
👉 Read: How Soon After the Wedding Should You Clean Your Wedding Dress?
If you need a little help when dealing with a stain or want to preserve the quality of your wedding dress for your future family memories, call Laxa Cleaners Bride N Queen today at (317) 209-9951.
We offer a wide variety of cleaning and preserving services designed specifically for wedding dresses. At Laxa Cleaners Bride N Queen, we use 100% non-toxic products that won't harm your dress even after years of use. All our cleaning methods are safe for delicate fabrics like lace, satin, tulle, and organza. We'll keep your wedding dress beautifully fresh in an acid-free keepsake box so you can enjoy it forever.
