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Rent The Runway for the Wedding

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Rent The Runway for the Wedding
Jessica Bishop Headshot

Over the years, perhaps you’ve not been invited to any black-tie affairs, but weddings will typically require nicer attire than you keep on rotation in your closet. In these moments, you’re faced with every savvy gal’s dilemma… do you splurge on an expensive dress you’ll likely only wear once? Do you purchase a pricey frock and try to wear it more than once to get your money’s worth? (hint: no- people always notice that stuff!) Do you borrow something? What happens if you spill on it or it gets torn? So many variables, so many stressors.

If you want to be able to buy a home and not end up spending what could’ve been a downpayment on designer footwear, a la Carrie Bradshaw, welcome to the rental revolution. Keep things simple and stress-free with a Rent The Runway membership. RTR offers designer gowns that you can rent at a fraction of the price of buying to keep. I’m talking about BIG NAME designer dresses from the likes of Badgley Mischka, Kate Spade, Reem Acra, Tibi, Herve Leger, Carolina Herrera, and more!

My Top 5 reasons I love Rent The Runway:

  1. Convenience. You go online, book a date, reserve your items, and they ship them straight to your doorstep. It honestly couldn’t be simpler.
  2. Selection. They have thousands of styles and sizes to choose from from top designers and brands you’ll love, including a variety of accessories to complete your look. They have options that are great for wedding guest dresses for any level of formality or dress code.
  3. Value. For a monthly fee, you can borrow a number of pretty options, and depending on what plan you choose, you can even swap them out throughout the month. It’s like having an unlimited designer wardrobe!
  4. Fabulousness. Wearing amazing, high-quality clothing makes you FEEL like a million bucks without spending it. You can style yourself in designer dresses for way less than buying to keep.
  5. Comparison. Their social comparison features allow you to view the dress on previous renters to get a better idea of how it could look on your particular body type! This is a game-changer for short-waisted, busty gals or anyone who tends to fall in between sizes in most clothing brands.

Rent the Runway Dresses for Wedding Guests under $100

Being savvy is all about getting a luxury look for less. But when you’re planning a wedding, you’ve got so many expenses to think about already, so luxury fashion might not be feasible within your regular budget. And if you’re invited to other people’s weddings, too, you’ll have to think about wedding guest dresses to wear for all those celebrations you’ll be attending.

Rent the Runway to the rescue – they have a special section of gowns specifically for event rentals to help you find the perfect outfit for any festive occasion. The ease of shopping through Rent The Runway’s interactive size guides and backup options ensures a seamless experience when selecting your wedding guest attire. Here are just a few wedding guest dresses I’ve got my eye on- each of these sparkly dresses is $100 or less to rent!

Winter Wedding Guest Dresses for Rent

A woman is wearing a long-sleeved, high-neck black sequin dress with a side slit. She accessorizes with gold earrings, small sunglasses, and a gold clutch. She is also wearing black strappy heels, completing the elegant, glamorous look.

Gold Sequin Dress

Rent the Runway

This stunning Ted Baker gold sequin midi dress with long sleeves and a high neckline exudes glamour and sophistication. Perfect for a sleek evening wedding look, it features a chic side slit for added allure and elegance.

A woman is wearing an elegant emerald green velvet dress with short puff sleeves and a tulip-style wrap skirt. She pairs the outfit with silver heels and carries a small black clutch, adding a refined and sophisticated touch to the ensemble.

Teal Velvet Dress

Rent the Runway

This teal green velvet dress features elegant puff sleeves and a flattering tulip skirt design, offering a timeless and sophisticated look for a wedding or formal event. The rich texture and luxurious fabric make it a standout piece for special occasions.

A woman wearing a floor-length, sleeveless red gown with a high halter neckline. The gown features a subtle shimmer and a floral embellishment at the shoulder. She pairs the gown with black strappy heels.

Red Halter Gown

Rent the Runway

This elegant deep red gown by elle zeitoune, featuring a halter neckline adorned with a rose detail, exudes timeless sophistication. The slim-fitting silhouette is perfect for formal events, offering a striking yet refined look.

Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for Rent

A woman wearing a long metallic gold dress with long sleeves, a side slit, and a draped waist detail. She holds a small round clutch and wears transparent heels.

Champagne Shimmer Dress

Rent the Runway

This shimmering gold dress by Significant Other, featuring long sleeves, a draped front, and a flattering side cutout, combines sophistication with a touch of glam. The subtle high slit adds movement, making it an ideal statement piece for evening events or wedding receptions.

A woman in a long, mustard-yellow sequined dress with long sleeves. She is holding a small silver bag and wears minimal accessories.

Mustard Sleeved Shimmer Gown

Rent the Runway

This striking golden sequin gown by STINE GOYA is a glamorous statement piece, perfect for an upscale event. With its full-length design and shimmering detail, it captures attention effortlessly, blending elegance with bold, modern flair.

A woman wearing a long-sleeve, black midi dress adorned with multicolored floral embroidery. She is holding a small gold clutch and wearing black strappy heels.

Folklore Floral Dress

Rent the Runway

This ILEENA for Macdougal dress features a striking black base adorned with multicolored floral embroidery, creating a bold yet romantic look. The sheer overlay adds texture and dimension, while the long sleeves and midi length offer a refined and elegant silhouette, perfect for any special occasion.

Summer Wedding Guest Dresses for Rent

A woman is dressed in a sleeveless black midi dress with glittering details and subtle side cutouts at the waist. She carries a small embellished handbag and wears black strappy heels adorned with feather accents, creating an elegant and chic evening look.

Black Sparkle Cut Out Dress

Rent the Runway

This black glittery dress by ELLIATT features delicate spaghetti straps and subtle side cutouts offering a chic and modern twist on classic evening wear. The shimmering fabric, paired with its midi length, creates an elegant and stylish look, perfect for weddings or formal events.

A woman is wearing a vibrant magenta pleated dress with a deep plunging neckline. The gown features layered panels and a cinched waist, giving it a structured yet flowing silhouette. She accessorizes with matching statement earrings and black strappy heels.

Magenta Chiffon Dress

Rent the Runway

This vibrant magenta gown by Sabina Musayev features a deep V-neckline and a tiered, pleated skirt for a dramatic, statement-making look. The structured waist and bold color make it perfect for formal events where making an impression is key.

A woman is wearing a strapless, navy blue, and light blue floral dress that falls mid-calf. The dress has a structured bodice and voluminous skirt, creating a classic silhouette. She accessorizes with silver strappy heels and a sparkling clutch for an elegant, polished look.

Blue Floral Strapless Dress

Rent the Runway

This elegant strapless dress by Sachin & Babi features a striking blue floral print and a structured bodice, making it perfect for formal occasions. The full skirt adds a touch of sophistication, while the vibrant pattern brings a fresh, modern twist to classic eveningwear.

Spring Wedding Guest Dresses for Rent

A woman is wearing a strapless, navy blue, and light blue floral dress that falls mid-calf. The dress has a structured bodice and voluminous skirt, creating a classic silhouette. She accessorizes with silver strappy heels and a sparkling clutch for an elegant, polished look.

Sage Satin Dress

Rent the Runway

This elegant satin Reformation midi dress in a soft sage green features a sweetheart neckline and a flattering silhouette. Perfect for a bridesmaid or wedding guest, its minimal design is both timeless and effortlessly chic.

A woman is wearing a fitted light blue bandage dress with cap sleeves. The dress has a textured, body-hugging design with horizontal paneling and a subtle shimmer. She completes the look with black strappy high heels.

Light Blue Bandage Dress

Rent the Runway

This soft blue Hervé Léger midi dress features a structured, form-fitting silhouette with subtle texturing and cap sleeves, offering an elegant and refined look for formal occasions or weddings. The high neckline adds a sophisticated touch, perfect for those seeking a timeless, yet modern style.

A woman is wearing a soft blush pink halter dress made from satin, which falls just below the knee. The dress has a fluid, flowing silhouette, with a slight sheen from the fabric, creating an elegant and understated look. She pairs it with delicate white strappy sandals and carries a matching blush satin clutch for a cohesive, minimalist ensemble.

Blush Satin Halter Dress

Rent the Runway

This blush pink halter-neck dress by VINCE features a flowing, satin-like fabric that drapes beautifully for an effortless, elegant look. The subtle sheen and minimalist silhouette make it a versatile choice for weddings, formal events, or evening occasions.

Rent the Runway for Wedding Dresses

Looking for a Rent the Runway wedding dress to wear as the bride? The shopping experience is made easy with Rent The Runway’s user-friendly platform, allowing brides to find their perfect wedding day look effortlessly. You could totally rock some of the options from RTR as your ACTUAL wedding day attire. But their selection lacks truly bridal wedding day styles, IMO. However, they’ve got some great options in white that are great for the ever-popular wedding wardrobe. So whether you’re looking for an outfit to wear to your engagement party, bachelorette bash, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or day after brunch, be sure to check out Rent the Runway for rentable options rather than buying new.

A woman is wearing a one-shoulder, white sequin jumpsuit with wide-leg pants. The jumpsuit has a fitted bodice and a sleek, modern design. She has her hands on her hips, showcasing the outfit's bold, confident silhouette.

White Sequin Jumpsuit

Rent The Runway

This bold, one-shoulder jumpsuit from Nookie exudes modern elegance with its fitted silhouette and wide-leg design. The all-over sequins add a glamorous touch, making it an ideal option for the fashion-forward bride seeking a chic alternative to the traditional wedding gown.

A woman is wearing a white sequin long-sleeved gown with deep V-neck cutouts at the waist. The dress has a flowy silhouette with long balloon sleeves. She is carrying a small beige clutch with gold embellishments and is wearing white strappy heels.

White Maxi Cutout Dress

Rent The Runway

This stunning white gown features a modern cut-out detail at the waist and long, billowy sleeves that add a touch of elegance. The deep V-neckline complements the chic design, making it a perfect choice for a stylish bride looking for something unique and sophisticated.

A woman is wearing a sleeveless white gown with a high neckline and ruched detailing along the sides. The dress has a fitted silhouette with a sleek, modern design, featuring a thigh-high slit for added elegance and movement.

White Form Fitting Dress

Rent The Runway

This sleek and minimalist sleeveless gown from Suboo features a high neckline and subtle ruching for a flattering, figure-enhancing silhouette. The side slit adds a touch of sophistication, perfect for the bride seeking an elegant, modern look for a wedding day.

A woman is wearing an off-the-shoulder white dress with ruffled sleeves and a fitted bodice. The dress has a flowing, midi-length skirt with a soft ruffle at the hem, creating an airy and romantic silhouette. She pairs the look with black strappy sandals and holds a gold clutch.

Off the Shoulder Dress

Rent The Runway

This off-the-shoulder Reformation gown features delicate flutter sleeves and a fitted silhouette, offering a perfect blend of romantic and modern style. Though perhaps not formal enough for a wedding, this dress is perfect for brides seeking a timeless yet contemporary look for a shower or engagement party.

A woman is wearing a white mini dress with thin spaghetti straps and a sleek, structured silhouette. The dress features a large fabric flower embellishment near the hip and a small front slit. She pairs the outfit with clear heels and holds a small metallic silver handbag.

Floral Accent Mini Dress

Rent The Runway

This chic mini dress from DELFI Collective features thin straps, a sleek silhouette, and a standout floral accent, making it the perfect choice for brides looking for a modern, playful look for their engagement celebration, after-party, or even an elopement!

Rent the Runway for the Big Day

Whether you’re a bride or a guest, this platform offers a stylish and budget-friendly way to access fabulous designer fashion without breaking the bank. In addition to dresses, Rent The Runway offers a variety of accessories to complete your wedding day look, ensuring a comprehensive styling experience. Enjoy your special moments while keeping your finances in check – what a win-win!

With its convenience and variety, it’s a fabulous choice for anyone looking to elevate their wedding wardrobe. Plus, with a focus on sustainability, you can feel good about your choices aligning with the values of today’s conscious consumers.

Thinking about renting from Rent The Runway for your upcoming wedding? What a savvy choice! Not only is it a smart way to save some bucks, but it’s also a step towards a more sustainable and joyful celebration.

If you’re in love with this idea like we are, please sign up for a Rent The Runway membership via our affiliate links and get to renting some designer duds on a budget.

What do you think? Would you consider renting your wedding dress?

Jessica Bishop Headshot

Jessica Bishop is the founder of TheBudgetSavvyBride.com, and has worked in various areas and roles within the wedding industry since 2007. She is the author of the best-selling book,The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer and also hosts The Bouquet Toss Wedding Planning Podcast. Jessica's expert wedding advice and savvy savings tips have been featured by Good Morning America, COSMOPOLITAN, Glamour, and more. You can learn more about Jessica on her personal blog and professional website.