Looking to rent your wedding dress? Smart choice! "Wedding dress rentals have become the savvy bride's secret weapon," explains celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger in Vogue. "You can wear a $10,000 designer gown for a fraction of the cost."
Before diving into the details, browse our wedding dress rental directory to find trusted rental services in your area.
Why Rent Your Wedding Dress?
"The wedding dress rental market has transformed modern bridal fashion," shares Rent the Runway CEO Jennifer Hyman in Forbes. Here's why more brides are choosing to rent:
Financial Benefits:
- Wear designer for less
- Save 70-85% off retail
- Avoid preservation costs
- Eliminate storage needs
- Better budget allocation
Environmental Impact:
- Reduce fashion waste
- Support circular economy
- Lower carbon footprint
- Minimize resources
- Promote sustainability
Designer Wedding Dress Rental Guide 2025
"Designer rentals have democratized luxury bridal fashion," explains Vera Wang in WWD. "Every bride can now access couture quality."
Premium Designer Collections
Vera Wang Collection:
- Retail: $5,000-25,000
- Rental: $800-2,500
- Most Popular: Signature ballgowns
- Booking Window: 4-6 months
- Alterations: Basic included Expert Note: "Vera Wang rentals often include her newest collections," shares bridal stylist Jessica Kelly.
Oscar de la Renta:
- Retail: $7,000-20,000
- Rental: $1,000-2,800
- Most Popular: Lace A-lines
- Booking Window: 5-6 months
- Alterations: Limited Expert Note: "Oscar's detailed embroidery makes these rentals exceptional value," notes fashion director Shelley Brown.
Carolina Herrera:
- Retail: $6,000-15,000
- Rental: $900-2,200
- Most Popular: Classic silk styles
- Booking Window: 3-5 months
- Alterations: Yes, with limits Expert Note: "Herrera's clean lines make alterations simpler," says bridal consultant Julie Sabatino.
Luxury Designer Options
Monique Lhuillier:
- Retail: $3,000-12,000
- Rental: $500-1,800
- Most Popular: Romantic styles
- Booking Window: 3-4 months
- Alterations: Most included
Elie Saab:
- Retail: $8,000-30,000
- Rental: $1,200-3,500
- Most Popular: Beaded gowns
- Booking Window: 6+ months
- Alterations: Limited
Jenny Packham:
- Retail: $4,000-10,000
- Rental: $600-1,500
- Most Popular: Vintage-inspired
- Booking Window: 3-4 months
- Alterations: Yes
Contemporary Designer Rentals
Marchesa:
- Retail: $3,000-8,000
- Rental: $450-1,200
- Style Notes: Modern romance
- Availability: Good
- Alterations: Most included
Reem Acra:
- Retail: $4,000-12,000
- Rental: $600-1,800
- Style Notes: Detailed classics
- Availability: Limited
- Alterations: Basic only
Amsale:
- Retail: $2,500-7,000
- Rental: $400-1,100
- Style Notes: Clean modern
- Availability: Excellent
- Alterations: Full service
Wedding Dress Rental Costs 2025
According to The Wedding Report, here's what brides are paying:
Designer Gowns:
- Retail: $3,000-10,000+
- Rental: $500-1,500
- Savings: Up to 85%
Mid-Range Dresses:
- Retail: $1,500-3,000
- Rental: $300-800
- Savings: Up to 75%
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Retail: $700-1,500
- Rental: $150-400
- Savings: Up to 70%
Looking for more budget options? Check our vintage wedding dress marketplace for unique finds!
How Wedding Dress Rental Works
Bridal expert Ally McGown of Brides explains the process:
Booking Timeline:
- Browse selections (3-6 months before)
- Schedule try-ons (2-4 months before)
- Reserve dress (1-3 months before)
- Receive dress (3-7 days before)
- Return after wedding (1-3 days after)
"Always book a backup size," recommends wedding planner Mindy Weiss. "It's usually included and provides peace of mind."
Try-On Process
Celebrity bridal stylist Julie Sabatino shares her tips:
Before Try-On:
- Take measurements
- Research styles
- Check availability
- Book appointments
- Bring proper undergarments
During Try-On:
- Try both sizes
- Test movement
- Take photos
- Check details
- Discuss alterations
Common Rental Concerns
Wedding planner Jung Lee addresses top worries:
Fit Issues:
- Professional measurements
- Multiple sizes available
- Basic alterations included
- Specialist consultations
- Fit guarantees
Damage Concerns:
- Insurance coverage
- Clear policies
- Photo documentation
- Protected cleaning
- Expert handling
Wedding Dress Rental Timeline
"Timing is everything with rentals," explains bridal consultant Randy Fenoli.
6 Months Before:
- Research options
- Compare services
- Read reviews
- Check availability
- Start budgeting
3 Months Before:
- Schedule try-ons
- Choose design
- Book rental
- Plan alterations
- Arrange backup
1 Month Before:
- Confirm delivery
- Review policies
- Plan accessories
- Schedule fittings
- Prepare storage
Designer Rental Tips
Fashion director Danielle Nachmani shares in Harper's Bazaar:
Best Times to Book:
- January: Post-holiday deals
- March: New collections
- July: Sample availability
- September: Best selection
- November: Winter styles
Styling Designer Rentals:
- Keep accessories minimal
- Focus on fit
- Consider photos
- Plan alterations
- Think seasonally
Planning a smaller celebration? See our micro wedding planners directory for intimate wedding expertise!
Ready to Rent Your Wedding Dress?
Remember these key points:
- Book early
- Try multiple sizes
- Read policies carefully
- Plan your timeline
- Consider insurance
- Document everything
Need more wedding fashion advice? Check our guides to designer dress rentals and rental try-on tips!