If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet the week before a wedding thinking, “I have nothing to wear“, you’re not alone. As a wedding guest, it can feel like every event calls for a new dress: one that fits the season, the dress code, the venue, and of course, your personal style. Buying something new every time isn’t just expensive, it’s usually unnecessary. If you can relate, it’s time to rent a dress for a wedding. Whether you do a one-time rental or a subscription for all of the events, i.e. the engagement party, wedding shower, and bachelorette bash, it’s the easier way to dress your best for less!
Renting a dress for a wedding saves you money, gives you access to designer styles you might not splurge on otherwise, and keeps your closet from overflowing with one-time outfits. Whether you’re heading to a formal black-tie affair or a casual beach ceremony, renting lets you find the perfect dress for the occasion without the commitment of owning it.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to rent a dress for a wedding using Rent the Runway, one of the easiest and most popular platforms for stylish, stress-free rentals. Let’s get started!
Why Renting a Dress for a Wedding is the Smart Move
Attending weddings can add up quickly: travel, gifts, hotel stays, and of course, something to wear. When you rent a dress instead of buying one, you’re choosing a more affordable and sustainable option. Plus, you get to wear something fresh and exciting for each event, without worrying about repeating outfits or storing bulky gowns.
Renting also gives you the chance to try high-end designers and current trends without the pressure of a permanent purchase. It’s perfect for special occasions where you want to look and feel your best, without the long-term commitment or high price tag.
How Rent the Runway Works
Rent the Runway is one of the most trusted services for dress rentals. Their website makes it easy to browse, filter, and order your wedding guest outfit without any guesswork. It’s the only place I recommend for wedding guest dress rental. Here’s why RTR makes it so much easier to find affordable wedding guest outfits that fit your style.
How to Rent a Dress Online
Here are tips to rent the dress of your dreams online.
1. Set Your Filters
Start by selecting the type of event you’re attending. You can filter by dress code (like cocktail, formal, or casual), season, color, length, and even body type. They have it all: yes, even black tie dress rental. Their filter helps narrow down your choices to dresses that actually make sense for your event.
2. Browse Styles
From classic silhouettes to trend-forward styles, Rent the Runway offers thousands of dresses from well-known designers like Reformation, Badgley Mischka, Zac Posen, and more. By viewing each category, you’ll find wedding guest dress ideas that inspire. Each product page includes customer reviews, real photos, and helpful sizing info, all of which make it easier to choose something that works for your body and the vibe of the wedding.
3. Choose a Rental Plan
You can either rent a dress one time or aaaaaaasign up for a membership if you have several weddings or events coming up.
- One-Time Rental: Choose a 4-day or 8-day rental window. Ideal if you only need one outfit.
- Membership: Swap out multiple pieces each month. Great for a busy social season or if you want everyday wardrobe options too.
4. Pick Your Size (and a Backup)
When you rent a dress for a wedding, you want it to fit perfectly. Rent the Runway lets you select a free backup size for most dresses, so you’ll have two options in case one doesn’t work out. Reviews from people with similar body types are also super helpful for getting sizing right.
5. Receive, Wear, Return
Your dress will arrive professionally cleaned, neatly packed, and ready to wear. Once the event is over, just place it in the prepaid return bag and drop it off at a UPS location. No dry cleaning or extra fees required.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Rental
- Book early: Especially during wedding season, popular styles go fast. Try to reserve your dress at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
- Read reviews: Look for comments from customers with similar body types. This is the best way to get a feel for how the dress fits in real life.
- Rent accessories: You can also rent earrings, bags, and outerwear to complete your look! No need to go shopping elsewhere.
- Choose a delivery date wisely: Aim for at least one day before the wedding to account for any delays or last-minute changes.
- Don’t forget backup shoes: Always have a pair of comfortable flats or sandals just in case your heels don’t make it through the night.
Benefits of an RTR Subscription
When you want to rent multiple pieces, a Rent The Runway subscription is the best way to maximize your styles each month. A clothing subscription isn’t just for special occasions. It’s a smarter way to dress for everything from daily errands to work meetings. Instead of overbuying, you can rent stylish outfits, avoid repeats, and keep your closet clutter-free. It’s fashion without the waste and without the full price tag.
1. Choose 5+ Styles
- Pick from 10,000+ premium styles, and they deliver items to you in 1-2 business days.
2. Wear Your Favorites, Request More Pieces If You’d Like
- Pick your favorites and wear them! Need more pieces? Request more looks to ship to you.
3. Send Them Back
- Ready to return? Simply schedule an at-home pickup, or drop at your local UPS.
What to Wear for Different Wedding Dress Codes
Not sure what type of dress or outfit to rent? Here are some quick ideas based on common wedding styles and settings:
Have questions? Their FAQ section covers it all!
Try It Now
Sign up with this special offer: Take 40% Off One Month of Subscription at Rent the Runway with code: RTRAFF30. Terms and Conditions May Apply.
Outdoor or Garden Wedding
Think floral prints, light fabrics, and breezy silhouettes. Maxi and midi dresses in pastel or nature-inspired tones work beautifully.
Destination or Beach Wedding
Go for breathable fabrics like cotton or chiffon. Consider high-low hems or wrap dresses that move well in the breeze.
Black-Tie Wedding
Rent a floor-length gown in a rich fabric like satin, crepe, or velvet. Look for classic cuts or glamorous touches like beading or one-shoulder styles. Go for a little sparkle with sequins!
City or Evening Wedding
Sleek cocktail dresses or modern jumpsuits are a great choice. Jewel tones, metallics, or bold prints can help you stand out in a good way.
Rent Your Next Wedding Guest Dress with Confidence
When you rent a dress for a wedding using Rent the Runway, you’re saving time, money, and stress. You get to enjoy high-quality designer pieces without the long-term cost or commitment, and you avoid adding another dress to your already full closet.
Whether you’re attending one wedding (or five!) this year, renting gives you the freedom to dress for each event in a way that fits your style, your body, and your budget.
► Ready to become a Rent the Runway wedding guest? Visit Rent the Runway and start browsing their collection of stunning wedding guest dresses.
This is a sponsored post.
