Renting vs. Buying your wedding gown

bswalsh08

Hey everyone!  I'm getting married next September so it's about that time to start looking for dresses.  Budget is rather tight (only ~$1000 for dress with alterations) so I'm considering different ways to get the best bang for my buck.  My mom suggested renting my gown since that'll open up a few more options and definitely cut the cost.

Other than sentimental reasons, does anyone know of horror stories or reasons to avoid renting versus buying it?  Also, I would greatly appreciate ideas and tips on how to get a good deal on a well made dress (no David's Bridal...).

Thanks!
Brittany

jnc1113

I ordered my dress from a store here called Bridal Mart.  Their prices are much lower than many other places. because they are sort of a no-frills place.  You walk through the racks yourself pulling dresses (but there are certainly consultants to help you if you'd like), but it's no pressure since the salespeople aren't on commission.  If you are willing to peruse the racks yourself with your party rather than get the experience of having a consultant pull everything for you, it's a great option.  I got my dress for almost $400 less than it normally sells for.  There should be an option similar to this store in your area, which makes buying your dress affordable.

I don't know a thing about renting a wedding dress, TBH, so I just wanted to throw in my two cents.  I'm interested to hear what people have to say about renting!

aaduerr3511

I'd say look at some local bridal shops. Or, a bride magazine I got a while ago brought me to a website called Group USA. Google them! You can also buy at wedding gowns at JCPenny, Macys and Sears (online I believe). Oh, and Target, too. yes.. target. lol But I'd reccomend looking at a bridal boutique or Group USA first.

Angrytomato

I bought mine on etsy.com. Beautifully handmade and well worth the 400 i paid. Be warned though, it's not for last minute shoppers. These girls make your dress to order....so it can take a few months for it to finally come in. Make sure you leave plenty of time if it needs to be altered.

t.kaufman

I wanted to rent my dress as well, but could not find anywhere around here that gives that option. I've also heard that with renting, you will pay a lot of money on the rental, and it won't be as nice of a dress anyhow... so if you're not picky, it might be an option. but you also won't be able to alter the dres to fit your body perfectly.

You can buy a dress for $1000 or less. Mine is an awesome Sottero & Midgley [though it's from a couple of years ago] that I got for $900. Not sure how much alterations will be, but hopefully no more than $200. If you find a dress you like, many of the ladies on here recommend checking out Pearl's Place or netbride to see if they have it for cheaper. My dress was the same price from the salon as from these places, so I bought from the salon.

mysticl

I've never heard of renting a wedding gown.

I bought my dress, slip, bra, veil, and headpiece for about $720 at David's Bridal.  Havent done alterations yet. 

katydid2014

I found a dress that I love, and I shopped around and found it for about $100 cheaper at another store about 100 miles away.  I let the store close to me know the lower price and they are matching it!  So my Maggie Sottero dress will be $840 (plus SC has a no sales tax weekend which includes all wedding attire, so that will save me $$ too!).  And my dress has a corset back so I really should need limited alterations. Just some things to think about....it definitely never hurts to ask!!!

dawsonm

If you're looking for a designer dress, which to me is what it sounds like you're wanting, renting is an option. I don't know much about it but I think it's more common in bigger cities like New York, etc. 

I'd suggest checking boutiques for designer samples and sample sales. I got my dress on sample sale and saved $2000 on it. Yes, other girls have been in it to try on, but no one has worn it down the aisle and it will be altered to fit me perfectly. If you're on a budget but you really want the high end dresses, I suggest this option!

TheCranberry

I have heard of renting wedding dresses but don't have any firsthand knowledge or know of any places that do it.

To get deals on dresses try sample sales at bridal boutiques; they often have great deals.  More clothing brands are starting to have bridal lines like J. Crew and Nicole Miller.  You could go into a department store with a large dress department and get a white dress that's not necessarily a bridal gown or a bridesmaid dress in white.  There are also consignment stores that sell wedding dresses.  Try googling for places in your area.