Attention, bridal party: thanks to Rent the Runway, your fears of turning into Katherine Heigl from "27 Dresses" need not come true.
While being an important part of a loved one’s special day is priceless, the cost of bridesmaid dresses does start to add up. That’s where clothing rental website, Rent the Runway, can come to the rescue.
REAL WEDDINGS
Jacoby Andrick and her fellow bridesmaids used Rent the Runway for her friend Ashley Thomas’ wedding. “Lerv it and don't wanna return it!" she said about the Utopia Maxi by Badgley Mischa that she wore for the Outer Banks wedding and I don’t blame her. This fun, flirty dress is perfect for a beach wedding!
Bridesmaid: Jacoby Andrick // Bride: Ashley Thomas // Location: OBX Beach // Date: May 14, 2016 // Photographer: Luke & Ashley
Bridesmaid: Jacoby Andrick // Bride: Ashley Thomas // Location: OBX Beach // Date: May 14, 2016 // Photographer: Luke & Ashley
The gorgeous Award Winner gown by Badgley Mischka looks like it was made for this wedding at the Bothwell Hotel in Sedalia, Missouri. Bridesmaid Danielle Johnson told me that using Rent the Runway for the dress was a risky process though it worked out in the end. She's not sure if she'd recommend using the website to every bridal party, but I've got to say, this bridal party looks flawless.
Bridesmaid: Danielle Johnson // Bride: Sarah Reynolds // Location: Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, MO // Date: March 5, 2016 // Photographer: Shanna Marie Photography
Bridesmaid: Danielle Johnson // Bride: Sarah Reynolds // Location: Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, MO // Date: March 5, 2016 // Photographer: Shanna Marie Photography
TIPS AND TRICKS
Using Rent the Runway for a bridesmaid dress doesn’t come without concerns. You can’t try on the dress before you rent it and there is no tailoring option. However, you can rent two sizes for the price of one, promising that one of them will likely fit. I suggest visiting a store that carries the brand of dress that you are considering (such as Kate Spade) and trying on a dress by the designer. This will give you an idea if the designer’s dresses tend to run smaller, larger, or just right.
One of my favorite features of Rent the Runway is the customer reviews that are usually accompanied by a photo and the sizing of the person who rented. This is incredibly useful when trying to determine if a dress will flatter the different shapes and sizes found in a bridal party.
If you haven’t used Rent the Runway before, don’t fret. The website is easy to navigate and has multiple categories that make browsing a breeze. If you aren’t finding anything to your taste under a specific category (such as wedding or gown), scroll through the complete dress category and use the filter to narrow down your choices.
You can also check out The Wedding Guide to find rental suggestions for guests and brides for everything from the engagement party to the wedding reception.
SHORT & SWEET
The best part of using Rent the Runway is that you can find unique dresses. This tulle and lace concoction won't be found at most weddings, but the Kenzie Dress by nha khanh is romantic enough to be next to the bride . Save yourself the $495 retail price and rent it for only $75.
SIMPLY STUNNING
The Coral Marilyn Gown by allison parris is sassy and classy. The high low hem and full skirt will be flattering on almost anyone, and the coral color will pop in photos. This stunner retails for $485 and has the affordable rental price of $100. Perhaps the best part? It has pockets.
VINTAGE GLAM
The 1920s called and said you would look fantastic in this dress. The Chakra Gown by BCBGMAXAZARIA is an art deco-inspired masterpiece in nude and black. This beauty retails for $578, but can be rented for $85. If you love the style, but not the long sleeves, check out the similar and sleeveless, Laundry by Shelli Segal.