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Ah, the wedding… That big day when we say “yes” for life (at least, we hope so). But before taking the plunge, there is that famous essential step: finding THE wedding dress . And then, surprise: some dresses display a price equivalent to a small used car. This is where wedding dress rental comes into play, this clever option to look your best without melting your savings account. But then, how much does it really cost? Spoiler alert: it depends. But don’t worry, we’ll explain everything, from the simple petticoat to the bling-bling princess combo .
First of all, let's be clear: renting your wedding dress is not a shame, quite the opposite. It's modern, eco-friendly, economical , and frankly, it's often an excellent idea. The dress will only be worn for a day, or even a few hours (well, maybe until dawn if the evening gets a bit out of hand), so why sink two months' salary into it?
In France, the average price to rent a wedding dress is between €150 and €600 , depending on the style, brand, designer, boutique, and options chosen. Some luxury models can go up to €1,000 , but this is not the norm. If you're more of a "simple but chic" type, you'll easily find what you're looking for for less than €300 .
Let's now look in more detail at the elements that influence this price.
Because no, it's not like renting a self-service car. A wedding dress is a work of art sewn with love (and sometimes a lot of lace). Here's what can affect the rental price.
A strapless satin mermaid gown? More expensive. A flowing, lightweight bohemian dress? Less expensive. A fairytale gown with an XXL train, corset, and Swarovski crystals? Bingo, it's the jackpot.
The more elaborate the dress , the more expensive the rental will be. It's logical: these little wonders require more maintenance, more care, more of everything.
If you dream of wearing a dress by Vera Wang, Elie Saab, or Pronovias , have your checkbook ready, even if it's a rental. Some boutiques offer designer pieces for rent, but obviously, prestige comes at a price .
On the other hand, if you are more comfortable with an independent French brand or a ready-to-wear wedding model, the price will be more reasonable.
A day or a weekend? Yes, duration matters . Most stores offer packages for 24 to 72 hours , with sometimes a week-long option if you're going across the country or abroad to get married. The longer you keep the dress, the higher the price.
Sometimes included, sometimes extra, alterations can add up to a hefty price tag. Some stores adapt to your body shape for free, while others charge a little extra.
Some rentals include the veil, removable train, petticoat, or even gloves (yes, they still exist). Others offer them separately, as an à la carte menu.
Now let's see what you can get based on your budget . A word of caution: these prices are indicative, but they give you a good idea of what to expect.
For this price, we're keeping it simple. Straight dresses, strapless wedding dresses , little lace, no volume, but very pretty models, often bohemian or rustic, perfect for a small wedding or at the beach. You can also find second-hand dresses to rent in this budget.
This is the heart of the range , where the magic happens. You can have an elegant dress, with worked details, a little tulle, a pretty fitted cut, without blowing your budget . This is often the price offered by local designers or brands specializing in rentals.
Here we start talking about princess dresses , silk, embroidery, beautiful finishes, and sometimes even renowned designers. This is the ideal option if you want a dress that will impress, without having to sell a kidney .
At this point, we're talking about real designer pieces, sometimes haute couture models, including exceptional winter wedding dresses . You can rent them, but it's clearly not the most economical option. It's more for those who want luxury at a (relatively) low price.
No, it's not enough to go to the local dry cleaners. Wedding dress rentals can be done in specialty stores , online, or in-person. Here are your options.
More and more boutiques specialize solely in renting wedding and formal dresses, including elegant styles like satin wedding dresses . The advantage? You're welcomed, advised, pampered, and most importantly, you can try on the dresses on-site. Ideal for avoiding unpleasant surprises.
Some independent designers also offer rentals of their designs, often handmade with love . It's a great way to support local crafts while owning an original dress.
Websites like Glamourent, Les Cachotières, and Une Robe Un Soir allow you to rent your dress online, with easy delivery and returns. It's super convenient if you already have a specific idea or don't have time to shop.
Some second-hand platforms like Vinted or Le Bon Coin now also offer rentals between individuals . It's sometimes cheaper, but be sure to check the quality and conditions (and don't receive a dress 10 sizes too small the day before the wedding).
Renting your wedding dress, including a plus-size wedding dress , isn't just about price. It's also a practical, smart, and ethical choice. Here's a quick overview of the benefits and points to look out for.
Economy : Let's not lie to ourselves, this is the first argument.
Space saving : No need to store a bulky dress for 30 years.
Ecology : Less production, more reuse, the planet thanks you.
Access to beautiful dresses you wouldn't have been able to afford.
You won't keep your dress as a souvenir (but let's be honest, how many still open it 10 years later?).
There can be stress if the dress doesn't fit perfectly or is damaged before the event.
Returns are sometimes tight (give it up on Monday when you're in the middle of a post-wedding downturn, ouch).
A word of advice: read the rental conditions carefully. Some clauses can be hefty in case of unpleasant surprises.
How long after the wedding do you have to return the dress? And if you're late, is there a direct penalty? Check carefully.
Some shops require a deposit , sometimes a high one. This is normal, as a precaution if the dress comes back with a red wine stain or a broken zipper.
When trying it on (or upon receipt if mail order), inspect the dress . No pulled threads, suspicious stains, or missing buttons. If not, have it noted.
Some shops allow small alterations (hems, straps), others don't. And above all: no scissors without permission , eh!
Because we like to see you save money, here are some ideas to pay even less for your rental .
Off-season (fall-winter), some stores offer rental promotions . Fewer requests = more good deals.
As with airline tickets, the earlier you book, the cheaper it is . And you'll have more choices.
Some stores offer all-inclusive packages , including veils, jewelry, and shoes. This is often more cost-effective than renting everything separately, as you can see in this article .
So, now you have a clear and complete overview of the cost of renting a wedding dress . As you have seen, it all depends on the style, the duration, the rental location, and your desires . But overall, you can treat yourself to a splendid dress for a fraction of the purchase price , without compromising on elegance or comfort.
And frankly, between you and me, what's better? A dress that's been sitting in a dust bag at the bottom of a closet, or a clever plan that lets you save money for your honeymoon, the photographer, or the mojito fountain?
So, ready to say yes to renting?