You want your bridal party to look stunning, but outfitting your bridesmaids in beautiful dresses can often be a substantial financial (and environmental) burden. Fortunately, a growing trend has emerged that offers a practical and cost-effective solution: renting your bridesmaid dresses. Let's explore why renting gowns is gaining popularity and the benefits it offers.

The Cost

Let’s face it, weddings are expensive, and not just for the couple. Bridesmaids often find themselves covering the cost of dresses, shoes, travel, and gifts, which can amount to a significant financial outlay. Buying a bridesmaid dress outright can cost anywhere from €150 to €500 or more, depending on the designer and quality. And more often than not, that gorgeous gown ends up collecting dust at the back of a wardrobe, never to be worn again.

Lost in Love Photography

Renting, on the other hand, gives bridesmaids access to the same stylish, high-quality looks for a fraction of the price, sometimes as low as €50–€100. This cost-effective option allows everyone to enjoy the experience of looking and feeling their best without the added pressure of stretching their budget. It’s a win-win: your bridal party looks amazing, and their bank accounts stay intact.

The Variety

One of the most challenging parts of choosing bridesmaid dresses is finding a look that suits everyone. Every woman is unique, and it's important that each bridesmaid feels comfortable, confident, and beautiful on the big day. Renting opens up a far broader range of options than many traditional bridal shops can offer.

Rental platforms frequently stock hundreds of styles in a full spectrum of colours, sizes, and silhouettes. From flowing boho maxis and elegant halter-necks to contemporary slip dresses and sleek structured gowns, there’s something to suit every body type and personal style. It also makes it easier to accommodate mix-and-match bridesmaid looks, perfect if you want a cohesive colour palette but different cuts for different figures. Plus, you’re not restricted to the typical bridal brands; many rental services carry sought-after designer labels, allowing your girls to wear something truly special that might otherwise be out of reach.

The Convenience

In addition to saving money, renting bridesmaids’ dresses can also save a considerable amount of time and stress, two things in short supply during the run-up to any wedding. Rental companies are designed to be user-friendly and efficient, offering try-on services, detailed size guides, and customer support to ensure a smooth experience. Some even send dresses in multiple sizes to ensure the perfect fit.

Arbor and Co

After the event, there’s no need to worry about dry cleaning, resale, or finding storage space; most services include return packaging and take care of all cleaning. This added convenience is particularly beneficial for bridal parties who live in different cities or countries, or for destination weddings where bringing a bulky dress in a suitcase is impractical. When the logistics are taken care of, your bridesmaids are free to focus on what matters.

The Sustainability

As the wedding industry begins to reckon with its environmental impact, an increasing number of couples are seeking ways to plan their weddings more consciously. Fast fashion and single-use clothing contribute massively to textile waste, and formalwear is one of the biggest culprits. Renting offers a more sustainable alternative, helping to reduce demand for new production and extend the life of garments already in circulation.

Megan Kelly Photography

Some rental platforms also prioritise eco-friendly packaging, low-impact cleaning methods, and carbon-neutral shipping, which adds another layer of environmental responsibility. By choosing to rent, you and your bridal party are supporting a circular fashion model, one that values reuse, waste reduction, and mindful consumption. And while it may seem like a small choice, it contributes to a bigger, more meaningful shift in how we approach clothing and special occasions.

The Sharing Economy

Renting bridesmaids’ dresses also reflects a broader cultural shift toward the sharing economy, a concept that prioritises access over ownership. Whether it's car-sharing apps, home rentals, or clothing swaps, people are increasingly embracing more flexible, cost-efficient ways to use goods and services. In the context of weddings, this shift feels especially relevant. A celebration that’s meant to last a day doesn’t need to result in a wardrobe of items that will never be used again.

Inna Yasinska

Renting allows bridesmaids to enjoy beautiful designer fashion without long-term commitment or waste. It also opens up opportunities for creativity; you can choose a different look for each celebration (think: hen party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding day) without worrying about storage or overspending. Ultimately, renting bridesmaids’ dresses gives bridal parties the freedom to prioritise experience over excess, and memory-making over material ownership.

Where To Rent From

If renting sounds like the perfect solution for your bridal party, there are plenty of reputable rental platforms to explore. These companies offer a wide variety of styles and price points, making it easy to find the right fit for your wedding aesthetic:

- Gráinne