Wedding dress: rent, buy or reform?

Brides, regardless of the age or type of wedding they are going to have, have in common as their concern the choice of wedding dress and how to make a good deal when deciding on a particular model.

The wedding dress has a unique emotional significance for women, even for those who have never had marriage as an ideal. For women who have always dreamed of the wedding ceremony, this represents the girl's dream of dressing like a princess; for those who have a strong bond with the family, it symbolizes the values ​​of their ancestors moving forward through marriage; and for those who see marriage as part of the life cycle, it expresses evolution.

The beauty and perfection of the wedding dress is a goal for all brides, but they are increasingly aware that balancing cost and benefit is important, both for getting a quality product and not breaking the budget and not starting the engagement. with a financial hole.


The harmony between costs and dreams

To make the best decision, designer Fátima Meira gives a tip for those who want to get a proposal that harmonizes look and price: • The bride must stipulate the amount available to decide if it is worth buying or renting. Organizing your finances and ideas, as well as a lot of research and patience can be good solutions for those who are in doubt about the wedding dress.

The values ​​of the wedding dress market are diverse, but renting a dress costs, on average, between $ 1,500 and $ 2,000. There is also the option of the so-called "first rent", where the dress is custom made and after the ceremony the bride returns to the store to rent to other brides, which usually is between $ 3,000 to $ 4,500. For those who want to buy a dress this will cost at least $ 5,000.

Anyone who appreciates family traditions and vintage style and therefore wants to reform a dress that some woman in the family should keep in mind that adaptation can be costly, as there is often a need for adjustments that entail to look for the same or similar materials as the old dress.


Depending on the state of the dress, if it is very yellow, for example, or the huge difference in body structure between the previous and the current bride; You may want to consider retrofitting the dress by buying it or making the first rent deal.

Is it better to buy the wedding dress when?

  • There is no guarantee that the dress would look good;
  • You want to keep the dress (maybe your daughter can wear it), know how to keep it, and have room;
  • You have set aside good money and this will not hinder other expenses;
  • You want to do a Trash the Dress photo shoot.

Is rent a better option if?

  • You prefer to keep only photos and not the dress;
  • Did you like a dress available for rent;
  • You think you can make the model you want through the first rent;
  • Your budget is restricted.

Should a dress be reformed?

  • The bride has an emotional bond as a family play;
  • You think a couturier will be able to make the makeover and the fabric and sewing allow;
  • The cost of the makeover is less than a first rent that would reproduce this old dress;
  • You want to keep most of the look of the original dress.

Regardless of whether you choose to buy, rent or refurbish, your decision should especially consider whether the dress suits your body and personality, because in your marriage you deserve to be well with yourself.

Crinoline (Hoopskirt) Tips & Tricks | Lucy's Corsetry (April 2024)


  • Wedding, Dresses, Dresses and Accessories
  • 1,230