These Rental Wedding Dresses Make Bridal Shopping Easy

Brides-to-be have the right to feel fairly smug right now - because when it comes to finding the best wedding dress, the world of rental wedding dresses has never been healthier. More and more prospective brides are opting to borrow their dream dresses for the big day. Carrie Symonds famously chose to rent her bridal dress for her secret wedding to Boris Johnson and has continued to support the act of borrowing over buying at several public appearances. (HURR reported that, following the wedding in May 2021, it saw a 268% surge in bridal rentals. Clearly, brides are taking note.)

Despite the fact that the pandemic rather put the brakes on wedding proceedings, rental wedding dresses, perhaps surprisingly, became more popular than ever before. According to the peer-to-peer rental app By Rotation, its bridal selection grew significantly during lockdown. It has since expanded and now includes pearl white suits by Galvan, Rixo's new bridal collection, and swoon-worthy gowns from Justin Alexander Bridal, as well as high-street wedding dresses from ASOS and River Island on Hirestreet.

Grazia's Best Rental Wedding Dresses At A Glance:

Best lace rental wedding dress (Editor's Pick): Rixo Louella Floral Lace Wedding Dress, £78.18 + - View offer on HURR

Best simple rental wedding dress: Rat & Boa Ophelia Dress, £39.44 + - View offer on HURR

Best ASOS rental wedding dress: ASOS Edition Lisa Drape Sleeve Plunge Wedding Dress, £39 + - View offer on HIRESTREET

One reason why more women might be opting for rental wedding dresses is due to the rise of the three-day wedding. With more couples choosing to make a weekend of it, brides are looking for day-before-the-wedding dresses– without bankrupting themselves. There's also the fact that choosing sustainable wedding dresses has never been more firmly on the fashion world's agenda than now, with the idea of 'wardrobe longevity' via renting becoming more and more mainstream.

SHOP: The Best Rental Wedding Dresses 2023

What Are The Benefits Of Renting A Wedding Dress?

Renting a wedding dress offers several advantages. First of all, it allows you to wear a high-end designer gown at a fraction of the cost of purchase. Also, you don't have to worry about storing or preserving the dress after the wedding, and it's an eco-friendly option that reduces textile waste.

One of the best things about renting is its price point and the ability to save money. This varies, of course, but for an elegant gown that would work wonders for a beach wedding dress, you could be looking at as little as £20. Even for more traditional dresses, like those in the special bridal offering on My Wardrobe HQ, which has a selection of designer wedding dresses, prices start from £6 per day (you can rent in increments of either four, seven, 10 or 14 days; ideal if you're planning a wedding abroad and need some flexibility when it comes to dates).

As Eshita Kabra-Davies, By Rotation's founder and CEO, put it: 'It's pretty common for the groom to rent his tux, but renting a wedding dress seems to be more unconventional even though it would be the perfect 'something borrowed'.'

Among her community, people definitely seem to appreciate wedding dress hire for the fact that it allows them to choose alternative wedding dresses. For Elise Santangelino, who had to cancel her original plans due to Covid-19, it was the perfect opportunity to wear something simple yet still show-stopping for her rearranged town hall wedding.

'I never wanted to wear anything traditional, and I was also hoping to find a second-hand vintage wedding dress. I love Cecilie Bahnsen and came across By Rotation about three weeks before the wedding day. I wore it with some Cecilie Bahnsen sandals (even in the rain) and custom earrings by my sister. Our day was perfect — so simple but so beautiful and intimate, with just a small handful of family and friends there with us.'

At HURR, favourite options for wedding dress hires include designer gowns and jumpsuits from The Vampire's Wife, Shona Joy, Bernadette, The Own Studio and Emilia Wickstead. Its range of jumpsuits is particularly impressive, in fact, with prices starting from just £33 for long-sleeved and impossibly chic styles from Vanessa Cocchiaro. Coloured wedding dresses have also become ultra-popular on rental sites, replicating Mandy Moore's style of ceremony.

Where Can I Rent Wedding Dresses?

If you're looking for the best places to rent your wedding dresses, here are Grazia's top-three choices for wedding dress rentals that are likely to find you the perfect dress.

Hurr Collective: comes with ratings and reviews

Hirestreet: well-known high street brands, including ASOS bridal

Cercle: high fashion and luxury options

How Far In Advance Should I Book A Rental Wedding Dress?

We recommend booking your rental wedding dress at least six to eight months in advance. This gives you ample time to browse through options, make a reservation, and ensure the dress arrives in time for any necessary alterations.

Can I Alter A Rental Wedding Dress?

Many rental companies allow minor alterations to ensure a perfect fit. However, significant modifications may not be allowed, as the dress needs to be returned to its original condition. Always check with the rental company about their alteration policies.

What Happens If The Rented Wedding Dress Gets Damaged?

Rental companies usually have a damage policy in place. Minor wear and tear are typically covered, but significant damage or irreparable stains may incur additional fees. It's essential to read and understand the rental agreement and handle the dress with care.

Lillian Sesiguzel is Grazia's Social Media & Video Producer, working across fashion and beauty. Lillian comes from a background in fashion, having assisted celebrity stylist Elizabeth Saltzman. She is also a blogger, focusing on fashion for women with fuller busts. Find her on Instagram and Twitter.