Renting Bridesmaids Dresses

queenfinch

Hey all!

Given that most of my bridal party is a bit strapped for cash, I was looking into the idea of renting bridesmaid dresses. Has anyone here done this? I'm currently looking at Little Borrowed Dress, and I would love to hear feedback on that process or any other options that people have used. Thanks for your help!

manateehugger

queenfinch said:

Hey all!

Given that most of my bridal party is a bit strapped for cash, I was looking into the idea of renting bridesmaid dresses. Has anyone here done this? I'm currently looking at Little Borrowed Dress, and I would love to hear feedback on that process or any other options that people have used. Thanks for your help!

So here's my thought on renting. Unless the rental price is under $50 or so, I'm going to be irritated that you didn't work harder to find a cute dress at Macy's or Target or something. 

If it's cheap and I wont wear it again, I'll rent away. If it's a black cocktail dress or pink sundress, I'm going to be annoyed that I can't invest my money in something I'll actually hold onto. 

Also, renting would make me nervous because you'll want to make sure you have time to ensure that the dresses fit and flatter your ladies. 

queenfinch

PDKH said:

queenfinch said:

Hey all!

Given that most of my bridal party is a bit strapped for cash, I was looking into the idea of renting bridesmaid dresses. Has anyone here done this? I'm currently looking at Little Borrowed Dress, and I would love to hear feedback on that process or any other options that people have used. Thanks for your help!

So here's my thought on renting. Unless the rental price is under $50 or so, I'm going to be irritated that you didn't work harder to find a cute dress at Macy's or Target or something. 

If it's cheap and I wont wear it again, I'll rent away. If it's a black cocktail dress or pink sundress, I'm going to be annoyed that I can't invest my money in something I'll actually hold onto. 

Also, renting would make me nervous because you'll want to make sure you have time to ensure that the dresses fit and flatter your ladies. 

Those are good concerns. The dresses in question at LBD are 50 dollars to rent. They're much more 'typical bridesmaid' than a cocktail dress of a sundress, and I know I've personally never worn those dresses again.

I can order sample dresses and have a fitting party at my place. I'll order a few of the different styles in different sizes. My current plan is, if the ladies like the dresses and find them flattering, then go ahead. If they hate them, I certainly don't want them to be uncomfortable. I'm all about finding something that's in their comfort zone, both in fit and in price.

atlastmrsg

If I have to be in another wedding that involves typical bridesmaid dresses, I'd much rather rent.  The last (hideous) long satin A-line gown I had to buy from David's Bridal ended up on eBay the Tuesday after the wedding.  Including shipping, I sold it for $14.  So my end recoup was more like $5.  If I was in your wedding, I'd be quite happy about renting.

Check out Rent the Runway, too.  You could get them designer cocktail dresses...and they send free backup size, free envelope to send it back to RTR after the wedding.  So easy.

manateehugger

Since it's a standard bridesmaid dress (insert encouragement to explore bridesmaid options that are more flattering and less cliche), I'd consider renting it. 

Either way, you need to clear it with all of your bridesmaids first to make sure they are cool with it. It's their opinions that matter here. 

emmyg65

Little Borrowed Dress is a sponsor on A Practical Wedding, so there's a ton of information about the company over there: http://apracticalwedding.com/?s=little+borrowed+dress