Rent Your Bridal Outfit

Image: By Rotation

Why should you spend a fortune on a dress you’ll only wear once? Renting a wedding dress was once tres passe, now it’s deriguour for any conscious bride.

Weddings are expensive things. Our nuptials are probably the only occasion which the majority of us will spend the most money on one single day. Renting your wedding outfit – accessories included – will allow you to save money at a time when you’re probably feeling the pinch. You’ll also obviously do a favour to the planet so whats stopping you! Are you afraid that you won’t fall in love with the dress of your dreams if you rent it? You’ll miss out on that teary moment in the Bridal boutique, your bridal party clutching glasses of champagne as you try on ‘the one’. Consider instead that your range of choice will actually be wider as you will be able to wear an outfit you wouldn’t normally afford to buy. This of course applies to shoes, bags, jewellery and other bridal accessories. If you never thought you and your bridesmaids could have worn Jacquemus and Gianvito Rossi for your wedding, think twice!

Who better than Eshita Kabra-Davies, founder of By Rotation, to give us advice on renting for your big day? By Rotation is the mobile app that allows you to lend and rent your wardrobe in less than 2 minutes. This means that you can organise a totally new outfit to wear mid commute, at a fraction of the cost of buying. According to their latest trends, the platform has started to see an increase in users listing both bridal wear and wedding guest outfits to rent. As a result they recently added a Wedding Bells edit to the app. It’s not just dresses and heels, one of the app’s male rotators has even listed the suit and tux he wore at his own wedding.

We talked to Eshita, who has also listed her own dreamy wedding outfit!

The Vendeur: What do you think is the biggest misconception when it comes to celebrations and dress rental?

Eshita Kabra-Davies: People like to plan and try their look on in advance and worry that this may not be possible with rental, especially when we don’t have a store or physical presence. With our app however, users have been able to communicate and message lenders to ask them about fit, style and even styling tips! Some have even rented a few items for one event (a dress and a bag) thanks to our proactive lenders of the community. There sometimes may also be a worry that the dress may not fit, however we offer a 100% refund if you contact us within the 24 hour rental period.

TV: What would you say to someone that is thinking about renting their wedding dress?

E K-D: Try it! It’s the most pragmatic approach to wearing a special piece you’ll only wear once. Our pieces cost-effective yet of very high quality. I would definitely start communicating with our lenders who have listed wedding gowns about the style and fit. Often they also offer an in-person fitting and may be open to temporary alterations of the dress. 

TV: How do you curate the wedding dresses selection?

E K-D: All of our listed wedding dresses are designer pieces that have been worn only once by the lender themselves. As they are often custom-made, we ensure that the lender has listed photos of themselves wearing it along with style and fitting notes.

All items available to rent from By Rotation
TV: Are there any popular bridal trends you have noticed?

E-KD: We have received a lot of queries on ethnic wedding rental, which is something we have already been working on! People are also very interested in renting bridal accessories, such as bags and shoes to match.

TV: Do you have any personal favourite pieces on the app at the moment?

E K-D: Although I got married recently myself, I would have loved to have rented the following; Gianvito Rossi shoes and Chiquita Bohemia Bride clutch bag for the reception. Camille Rose hats for my wedding guests! A white Victoria Beckham dress with a Chanel brooch for my civil ceremony (my something borrowed!) And of course the Abla Eloisa gown of dreams….! (Top of the page)

Did This Put A Smile On Your Face? Why Not Subscribe?

If you enjoyed this then theres plenty more on our email newsletters that you'll love. Whether you're a sustainable newbie or an eco conscious pro, our bi monthly emails will inspire you to live sustainably and ethically.

Disclaimer: The people and models in the images featured are not associated with The Vendeur and do not endorse it or the products shown. This post may contain affiliate links. Prices correct at time of publishing. 

This post was created in collaboration with By Rotation, it was not paid for.