Wedding Dress Hire: The Best Places to Rent a Wedding Dress
Trying to tighten your wedding budget and save money? Hiring a wedding dress could be the perfect answer! Here is everything you need to know...
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
Wedding dress hire is a smart way to save money, stay sustainable, and even tick off your “something borrowed”, a true win-win-win! If you’ve dreamed of a designer wedding dress but thought it was out of reach, renting a designer wedding dress could be the perfect solution.
According to By Rotation, “The biggest benefit of hiring a wedding dress is that your dream designer dress, once unaffordable, suddenly becomes accessible.” Bridal rental UK options make it easier than ever to wear the gown you’ve always wanted, without blowing your budget.
Opting for sustainable wedding dresses also helps you reduce fashion waste. Wedding gowns use metres of tulle and embellishments, with a high environmental cost, renting keeps your big day beautiful and eco-friendly.
Last-minute wedding planners will love the convenience too. By Rotation notes, “With wedding dress hire, you don’t have to wait weeks for delivery, and you don’t need to stress about size changes before the big day.” Renting a second wedding dress for pre-wedding events or a casual reception is just as easy.
Many couples now choose wedding dress hire to look fabulous, save money, and keep their celebrations sustainable. Whether you’re searching for bridal rental UK-wide, renting a designer wedding dress, or exploring options for a second wedding dress, there are plenty of gorgeous gowns ready to rent near you.
- Bridal Shops That Rent Wedding Dresses
- Best Rental Platforms for a Second Look
- Renting a Wedding Dress: Pros & Cons
- Wedding Dress Hire: Expert Advice
Bridal Shops That Rent Wedding Dresses
If you're looking for a curated wedding dress selection when it comes to renting your wedding dress, bridal shops that offer rental services can be an excellent choice. These shops provide a focussed selection of wedding gowns, with the option to try on various styles and sizes. You’ll find a selection of classic or contemporary designer gowns, whatever suits your style.
Something Borrowed
Something Borrowed is a wedding wear rental and resale service for brides and bridesmaids. The company aims to make preloved and unwanted gowns for the wedding day accessible and more affordable, while helping modern nearlyweds reduce wedding waste and make more sustainable decisions.
Something Borrowed also stocks an incredible range of Hen-Do outfits, from slip dresses and mini styles through to suits and co-ords. And, if you want to rent your accessories, too, they have a range of veils and hair bows, earrings, handbags and more.
To rent a wedding dress at Something Borrowed, you can follow three simple steps: try, borrow, and return. They also offer a two-day home try-on service at £75 that allows you to choose up to three styles to try in the comfort of your own home, and it is redeemable against the rental cost of your chosen dress.
The Bridal Gallery
The Bridal Gallery is a London-based specialist in bridal, special occasion wear and accessories. They have over 100 gowns in store, from a variety of brands, for you to choose from even if your wedding day is only a week away and you don’t want to spend a ton on your wedding dress.
They’re one of the few dedicated bridal boutiques that offer wedding dress rental services. You can rent from £380 - £800 depending on designer – meaning you can wear the designer of your dreams without the stress of waiting and going over your budget. If you’re looking to rent a dress, book an appointment and reserve your rented wedding dress in advance to make sure you're not disappointed.
Something Borrowed Bridal
Something Borrowed Bridal is an Essex-based bridal rental service, which started after owner Alyson couldn't find anywhere to sell her own wedding dress – so instead, she launched a rental platform!
The rental prices start from £250 and go up to £600 depending on which dress you choose, and this covers the dry cleaning cost too. You still get the experience of going to a bridal shop and trying on dresses, but without worrying about where to store your dress or the additional expense of buying one. Plus, if you want to have a ‘one stop’ experience, you can find veils, jewellery and hair accessories there, too.
Dress Rental Services with Bridal Options
For those who want a flexible approach to wedding dress hire, dress rental services with bridal options is a great place to start. These platforms often feature a mix of modern and traditional wedding dresses, with the added convenience of online browsing and delivery services.
Whether you're interested in designer wedding dress rental UK or just need a stunning bridal gown for a more intimate ceremony, these services provide a stress-free option.
Rixo Rental
In their bid to create conscious fashion, Rixo has created a rental platform, and while they don't have a dedicated 'wedding' section, but if you filter by white dresses, you'll be greeted by the brand's stunning collection of modern wedding dresses, just waiting to be hired.
Don't fret about the gowns not fitting – Rixo's Fit Policy gives you your money back if the item doesn't fit you, you just need to return this item within 24 hours of your rental beginning, and once your item arrives back with the brand, a full refund, minus the dry-cleaning cost and delivery charge, is processed.
To rent the Lara Dress dress shown here, it costs just £61.78 for four days - what a bargain!
John Lewis Fashion Rental
Everyone's favourite department store offers wedding dress rental - who knew? The selection is limited, with a collection of wedding dresses courtesy of Whistles and other brands on offer. The stunning mini pictured here, by lkyaz Ozel, retails at £1,290, but can be rented for £135 for four days.
John Lewis's Fit Policy gives you your money back if your item doesn't fit. Return it within 24 hours of your rental beginning and once your item arrives back at John Lewis, a full refund, minus the dry-cleaning cost and delivery charge, will be processed.
By Rotation
By Rotation is an inclusive community-powered platform that allows users to lend and rent their clothes. Many brides are now renting wedding dresses for more spontaneous, smaller ceremonies while others are into non-traditional options, such as non-white dresses.
"Hiring a dress on By Rotation is a super easy process," the brand tells Hitched. "Just browse online for your perfect dress, select the days you’d like to rent the item for and then get in touch with the lender. Most lenders will allow you to try on the dress before renting so you can ensure the item will fit on your special day."
We adore the number of styles the store has – there are so many options and a good range of sizes too. This pretty Suki Bridal dress comes in a size 12 and costs £89 per day for four days.
Hirestreet
Hirestreet is an innovative service that makes wedding dress hire really affordable – and while wedding dresses just make up a small portion of their offering, there are a number of styles to choose from in a variety of different styles. You can rent a wedding dress, along with other pieces, for a low monthly fee.
Their subscription plans start at just £39 per month, which allows you to rent a wedding dress and two additional items. For those who want more variety, there’s a five-item plan available for £59, and a generous 10-item plan for £99 per month. The service is all-inclusive, meaning laundry, delivery, and collection are covered, making it incredibly convenient.
What’s more, Hirestreet takes the stress out of potential damage – if your rented wedding dress gets damaged, simply return them as usual – there are no additional charges.
HURR
Hurr is a clothing rental platform that lets you join as a lender or a borrower (or both, if you want!), and it has dedicated bride and bridesmaid sections, so you don't have to trawl the site for hours on end.
Brands available to rent on the site include Grace Loves Lace (perfect for those looking for a boho wedding dress), Berta, Halfpenny London and more. We are swooning over the Hudson Dress by Solace London, which can be rented for £330 for four days. Don't fret if you dress doesn't fit or suit you when it arrives. If you return this item within 24 hours, you'll receive a part-money, part-credit refund.
Atelier Tammam
Atelier Tammam is a haute couture fashion house that offers bespoke design, fabric sourcing styling, and couture alterations. All their sample gowns are available for hire at a lower cost compared to buying a dress.
For very special occasions such as weddings, they even offer a bespoke hire service, meaning they will create one of their signature styles to exact size and detail specifications for half the price of a regular bespoke service.
The nearlywed can then return their customised dress to Atelier Tammam and their experts will give it a new life. Being an indie brand, they’re flexible and very happy to find a perfect solution for their clients.
Girl Meets Dress
Girl Meets Dress is a dress hire service with a big catalogue of items by hundreds of designers such as Self Portrait, Stella McCartney, and Suzannah. They have a dedicated wedding section that will satisfy the needs of both the brides and their guests. We adore this Ralph Lauren style, which costs just £89 for seven days rental.
The process of renting a dress through their website is simple. You browse, order, party, and return! A plus point for this site is the Advance Try On service. Select this option at the checkout and you will receive the dresses ASAP to choose check they fit, before sending them back to be redelivered for the big day.
My Wardrobe HQ
Since launching in 2019, MY WARDROBE HQ has built up an attractive selection of designers including the likes of Stella McCartney, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Valentino. Each item has both rent per day and buy prices – this incredible Charlie Bear dress is just £29 per day. Their bridal edits are both trendy and classic, meaning you're sure to find something you love.
Selfridges Rental
Selfridges Rental is a designer rental service with stylish items curated by their expert buyers. Currently, they don’t have a wedding section, but if you filter the clothes by colour, you will see a glorious selection of white dresses that you could totally rock at your intimate wedding day.
If you’re feeling bold or unconventional, you also have plenty of choices of coloured gowns to choose from. This super cute Rotate Birger Christensen dress costs just £44.20 for four days. Also note – there is an incredible range of bridesmaid dresses if you want to treat your best pals to a designer look
Best Rental Platforms for a Second Look
For your wedding after-party or reception, renting a second wedding dress is easier than ever with brands like Rites, Borrowed From, and By Rotation. Go bold or keep it chic, these bridal rental UK options let you dance the night away in style without overspending.
Rites
Rites makes designer wedding dress hire effortless, letting you rent gowns from labels like Needle & Thread, Marchesa, and Temperley London. Perfect for brides after high-end style without the high-end price, Rites brings luxury bridal looks within reach.
Borrowed From
Borrowed From offers a curated rental wardrobe of stunning wedding dresses from the likes of Self-Portrait, Reformation, and Vivienne Westwood. It’s a sustainable, budget-friendly way to wear your dream designer gown and keep fashion waste at bay.
John Lewis
Weren't expecting to see John Lewis on this list? Well, the news is out - John Lewis has officially launched a dress rental arm to its business, and you can snap up luxury dress brands such as Elliatt, Bronx and Banco and The Vampire's Wife for less than £100.
Renting a Wedding Dress: Pros & Cons
Wedding dress hire is a stylish, budget-friendly, and sustainable option, just weigh the pros and cons to see if it fits your wedding plans.
Pros:
- Affordable designer options: Wedding dress hire makes it possible to wear a dream designer gown without the designer price tag. Renting a designer wedding dress lets you shine on your big day while staying on budget.
- Sustainable choice: Choosing sustainable wedding dresses through rental keeps stunning gowns in circulation and reduces fashion waste, perfect for eco-conscious couples.
- Convenience & flexibility: Bridal rental UK services often offer quick turnaround times, ideal for last-minute planners or anyone needing a second wedding dress for pre-wedding events or casual celebrations.
- Less post-wedding hassle: No storage or resale stress, after the big day, you simply return your rental, keeping your life clutter-free.
Cons:
- Limited alterations: Most wedding dress hire services allow only minor adjustments, so you may need to compromise on a perfect fit.
- Availability restrictions: Popular styles and sizes can book up fast, so early planning is key if you’re set on renting a designer wedding dress.
- Care requirements: Rental gowns need to be handled carefully to avoid extra cleaning fees, spills and stains are usually covered, but prevention is better than cure.
- No keepsake: Unlike buying, you won’t have a gown to keep as a memento, so renting is less sentimental if you dream of a family heirloom dress.
Wedding Dress Hire: Expert Advice
From the best questions to ask when going to rent a wedding dress to understanding the costs involved, here are the most popular questions about wedding dress rentals answered by our in-house wedding experts:
Can You Hire a Wedding Dress?
Yes, it is definitely possible to hire a wedding dress – you'll be inspired by the choices in this article. Many general dress rental services now offer wedding dress hire, allowing you to rent gorgeous gowns for your big day rather than making a full purchase.
The great thing about bridal dresses for rental is that they often come from top designers, making it easier to get the wedding gown of your dreams without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re looking to hire a single wedding dress or have multiple options for wedding weekenders, there are plenty of services available that can help you find dresses that suits your style and budget.
With the increasing popularity of rental services, you'll have plenty of choices when it comes to dresses for different themes – black tie, garden party, fairytale – as well as dresses available in different sizes, in most cases from from 4 to 26.
Can You Alter a Hired Dress?
Yes! Many wedding dress hire services allow small adjustments so your gown fits perfectly, letting you enjoy your designer rental without compromise. Bridal rental UK options make it easy to get a tailored look without buying a new dress.
What Happens if I Spill Wine on a Rented Dress?
Don’t panic, most rental wedding dresses come with cleaning options included, so spills are covered. Renting a designer wedding dress means you can celebrate freely, knowing any accidents won’t ruin your gown or your budget.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Wedding Dress?
The cost of hiring a wedding dress can vary depending on the rental service and the designer you choose. Generally, wedding dress rental is much more affordable than buying a wedding dress outright. While the price can range, renting a designer wedding dress often comes at a fraction of the cost of purchasing one.
If you're on a budget, or love a gown that's out of your price range, hiring a dress offers you the chance to wear a luxurious piece at a more affordable rate. While the price varies depending on the rental company and the dress, you can expect it to be more economical than buying, allowing you to save money for other expenses, like your honeymoon or a saving for your new home together.
Can I Go to a Store is Everything Online?
This depends on the service you choose, but lots of companies do have boutiques which you can visit to try the dress on.
Remember to also look at the positives of ordering online, like being able to try the dresses on from the comfort of your own home and often being able to return anything you don’t like easily.
While the majority of rental wedding dress services don't have physical store for you to try on the gowns, many offer a fittings policy, which allows you to send the dress back if it doesn't fit, with you only being charged the cleaning and delivery fee.
How Much is it to Hire a Wedding Dress?
The cost to hire a wedding dress can vary widely depending on the rental service and style you choose. Typically, you can find wedding dresses to hire starting from around £200, but for more high-end designs or rental wedding dress options, the price can climb to over £1,000.
Renting a bridal gown allows you to access a stunning dress without the hefty price tag of purchasing it. Renting offers significant savings, especially if you want to have multiple outfits for your big day.
Remember that some services also allow you to rent accessories like veils, shoes, and clutches, which can be a great way to complete your bridal look without spending a fortune.
Why Should I Rent a Wedding Dress?
Renting a wedding dress is a win for your wallet and the planet, keeping gorgeous gowns in circulation instead of letting them gather dust. Opting for bridal rentals and sustainable wedding dresses helps you join the circular fashion movement while looking effortlessly stunning.
Still on the hunt for your dream dress? Check out our edit of the best simple wedding dresses.
