I am so picky when I’m shopping for dresses. The highlight of any and every search is when I can find a dress that fits perfectly in a color or pattern that I love. And when that happens, I tend to wear it over and over again. But weddings as a bridesmaid often requires purchasing a dress you may never wear again. Seeing something sit in my closet and hoping for an opportune moment to wear it again is so frustrating. But there’s a solution: renting!
Everyone has probably heard of Rent the Runway, which is one of the best ideas ever. But there are other fun, unique companies who specifically cater to weddings and bridesmaids. I’ve loved discovering these sweet companies, so naturally I have to highlight a few of my favorite rentable wedding fashion finds (most are under even $50)!
1. Jane – Little Borrowed Dress ($75; pictured in Slate) // 2. Kate – Little Borrowed Dress ($50; pictured in Papaya) // 3. Lace Dress – Rent the Runway ($75) // 4. One-Shoulder Gown – Rent the Runway ($70) // 5. Earrings – Rent the Runway ($30) // 6. Clutch – Rent the Runway ($30) // 7. Necklace – Rent the Runway ($40)
Dresses:
1 & 2: Both of these dresses are available for rent through Little Borrowed Dress, a company base in New York City who specifically caters to bridesmaids. Dresses are available for rent for either $50 or $75 (a true steal!) in 16 different long and short styles which can also be mixed and matched. Plus, there are equally as many colors available, which you can preview in person by ordering swatches. If your bridesmaids would prefer to purchase their dresses, they can do that too! Each dress retails for $150 or $185. I’m a fan. :)
3 & 4: Rent the Runway is another great source for dresses your ‘maids can rent! The short petal lace dress is perfect to wear to a wedding of any style, but I can easily see it at a vintage-inspired fete. All of your bridesmaids can easily wear it, but it’s definitely one to consider if each girl is wearing a slightly different dress in the same hue. The one-shoulder magenta gown is such a show stopper not only in style but also in color. The only downside to RTR is the styles are not available in a variety of colors, like Little Borrowed Dress, so the color pictured has to be spot on with your wedding palette. P.S: Either dress is also perfect if you’re a wedding guest!
Accessories:
5, 6, & 7: Accessories complete an outfit, and similar to dresses, it’s typically so difficult to find an event to wear them to again. So, rent them! All three of these pieces are from Rent the Runway and are all so inexpensive to rent. But they’re designer pieces that retail for far more than $100. Mind blown. Each piece is so classic and perfect for a black-tie wedding, and I’m obviously in love with the Kate Spade bow necklace. My thoughts on the earrings and clutch: gold for the win!
Would you suggest renting dresses and accessories to your bridesmaids? Let’s hear it!
Stay tied to Carly is Inspired…
This is such a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Sarah! I love that the styles are so current yet still budget friendly. :)
What a terrific idea! Wish I’d thought of it!!!!
I wish I had thought of it too! We could be in business together. :)
We can go into this business together – as long as you don’t mind managing me!