Wedding Dress Rental Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
Thinking of getting married but worried about the cost? With the price of everything rising nowadays, weddings are certainly no exception. The average cost of a wedding is $36,000, up a staggering 25% or $7,000 from 5 years ago. As a result, renting a wedding dress has become an increasingly popular choice for budget-conscious brides or for those looking to embrace sustainability. However, many brides may be unfamiliar with the etiquette involved in renting a wedding dress. So, if you’re looking for some essential do’s and don'ts to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and respectful rental experience, read on!
Don’ts
Let’s start with some things that you should NOT do if you are looking to rent a wedding dress…
1. Don’t Overlook Dress Care and Cleaning Instructions
Treat your rental dress like it was your own. In fact, you should probably treat it even better! Be careful not to gather any accidental stains or damage that could lead to additional charges. Some services, such as Soul Mates Bridal, include professional dry cleaning in their rental. Should you gather some minor stains, you won’t need to rush to find a dry cleaner that can properly deal with your dress. That does not give you the green light to be careless of course, but it does give you the peace of mind that your dress will be taken care of.
2. Avoid Making Unauthorized Alterations
If the dress is truly not to your liking, you can always contact the rental service. Never make permanent alterations like cutting fabric or extensive tailoring without approval. Remember, these dresses are meant to be enjoyed by many, and unauthorized alterations can not just ruin the dress for you but others who are expecting the dress! Furthermore, unauthorized alterations or alterations can be prohibited by some rental contracts and almost always result in fines or even replacement charges.
3. Don’t Miss Your Return Deadline
So you had a planned return deadline, but are wondering if you can return the dress the next day? Keep in mind that missing the return date can not only incur a late fee but also inconvenience the bride and the service that is expecting your dress. Some services can charge $100 a day for delayed returns. Even premier services such as Soul Mates Bridal will charge $50 per day for delayed returns. Setting timely reminders can help you avoid extra costs and unnecessary stress.
Do’s
1. Book Your Dress Early
Some things can be left to the last minute: plans for the weekend, grocery shopping, or a favor you promised your boss. However, your wedding should not be left to the last minute! Much like buying a dress, you should plan ahead when renting. Popular wedding dress styles and sizes tend to get reserved quickly, so it's wise to start looking 6-12 months before your wedding date. If you’re reading this now and your wedding is in a couple of months, don’t panic! Finding dresses that have lace-up designs, like those in Soul Mates Bridal, can allow for a great fit without lengthy alterations that require advanced bookings. We specialize in helping last-minute brides find their perfect gown, even within days of their wedding day. Stop by, and let us help you!
2. Understand the Rental Agreement Clearly
Take the time to review your rental agreement carefully. Be clear on details regarding returns, potential damages, cleaning fees, and penalties for late returns. Knowing these terms upfront prevents surprises and ensures a smooth rental experience. Soul Mates Bridal ensures transparency and clarity in all agreements, with a dedicated customer support team ready to answer your questions. This ensures that when it comes to renting a dress, the only surprise is for your guests, not your wallet.
3. Plan Your Rental Duration Thoughtfully
Be mindful of how long you'll need your gown. Planning how long you will require the dress and communicating when you can both pick up and return your dress is critical. Keep in mind that someone else may be waiting for this dress! Planning properly prevents unnecessary stress and late fees, helping your wedding preparations remain joyful and carefree.
4. Consider Soul Mates Bridal
If you’re still searching for the right place to rent your wedding dress, we’d love to help. At Soul Mates Bridal, we’re more than just a dress rental service, we’re a team that understands how important this moment is and how every detail should reflect you.
Here’s what we offer, based on what real brides have told us matters most:
One-of-a-kind styles that are designed in-house, inspired by modern trends and timeless beauty.
Convenient all-in-one packages that can include your dress or suit, hair and makeup, and professional photography—everything you need, handled in one place.
Clear, upfront rental terms so you won’t be surprised by hidden fees later on.
Professional cleaning included so you can enjoy your day without worrying about post-event care.
Last-minute availability, for those spontaneous courthouse ceremonies or quick-turnaround events that still deserve stunning style.
Whether you’re planning months in advance or just decided this week, we’re here to make sure you feel amazing every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations on your big day! Following these do’s and don’ts of wedding dress rental etiquette will ensure your experience is enjoyable, respectful, and stress-free. With proper preparation, renting your wedding dress is the best way to achieve bridal elegance without breaking the bank. Remember that with Soul Mates Bridal, you are getting the best service and care every step of the way!
Love Notes from Our Brides
“We had an absolutely amazing experience with Yuki at her downtown studio. From the moment we walked in, she made my daughter feel comfortable and confident while searching for the perfect wedding dress. Yuki was incredibly friendly, patient and answered all of our questions with expertise and grace. The concept of renting a wedding dress is such a wonderful option, making the entire process more accessible and stress free.
Her studio is chic, modern and spacious-plenty of room for all seven of us to be a part of this special moment. I highly recommend Yuki and her studio to anyone looking for an unforgettable bridal shopping experience.”
“I rented my wedding dress from this bridal shop and it was honestly perfect! It looked amazing both in person and in photos. The owner was super sweet and really helpful the whole way through. Definitely the right choice over buying!”
“I visited Soul Mates Bridal with one of my best friends to try on wedding dresses, and I was blown away by the whole experience! The staff is super friendly and helpful. She guided us selecting dresses and helped with every details. The wedding dresses are all gorgeous. I highly recommend Soul Mates Bridal to any bride-to-be looking for the perfect dress and a wonderful shopping experience.”
For more love notes from our brides, please check out our Google Maps.
