I’m thrilled to share the delightful story of Armoire member Carrie Beck, who took a modern approach to finding her perfect wedding dress. Carrie, an Armoire member since 2022, makes a compelling case for why it makes sense to rent your wedding dress.
Carrie knew she wanted something different. “I didn’t ever plan to have a traditional wedding dress, like a big white fluffy dress. It’s not really me,” she explained. The practicality and sustainability of renting a dress aligned perfectly with her values. Plus, she saw it as a chance to avoid spending thousands on a dress she would only wear once.
Since joining Armoire, Carrie buys significantly fewer clothes. She told us, “I’ll often be looking at something online or in a store, but I’ll think, I bet I can rent something similar from Armoire instead, and I always can. I’m also more aware of fast fashion and trying to avoid it as much as possible.”
Carrie did look around online to see what options she could find to buy a wedding dress, but she liked the options at Armoire more than those she found elsewhere. Plus, she could rent her dress essentially for “free” since she was already an Armoire member. “It was so economical,” she noted. “My friends were really impressed.”
A Seattle local, Carrie brought her friends into Armoire’s member lounge to help her make her choice. She worked with one of our stylists, Emma, to find dresses that met her specifications. She envisioned a green dress for the special day, so Emma had several green options waiting for her. In addition to her wedding dress, Carrie left with three other green dresses for her honeymoon and other celebrations, at the urging of her entourage.
Members outside of Seattle can create a similar experience by filling their monthly case with their top dress picks and inviting their gal pals over for a try-on party. Our stylists work virtually too—a free service for all members. Have champagne on hand for when you say yes to the dress!
Carrie said yes to the perfect dress from the selection Emma pulled for her, a floor-length Jenny Yoo gown with a sleek and elegant design. It features a deep V-neckline and thin spaghetti straps, giving it a sophisticated and feminine look. It also has a deep V-back, mirroring the front neckline, and includes a distinctive tied detail at the lower back, creating a bow-like effect. The back also has a cut-out detail below the bow, adding a subtle hint of allure. The bodice is fitted, accentuating the waist before flowing out into a gently flared, A-line skirt that drapes beautifully to the floor. The fabric is a light and airy luxe chiffon, providing a graceful and flowing silhouette. The soft, muted sage green color adds to its understated elegance.
“The dress made me feel great. I thought it was beautiful,” she said, describing how it gave her that “princessy” feeling without the hefty price tag. It fit perfectly and looked stunning on her special day.
Carrie’s wedding at the Seattle Municipal Courthouse was intimate and heartfelt. The ceremony was more romantic and thoughtful than she had expected. The couple was treated to a stunning view of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay as they tied the knot alongside family and close friends.
The Important Reason to Rent Your Wedding Dress
Carrie is one of many modern brides who are prioritizing sustainability when planning their wedding day. From recycled paper invites to locally grown flowers, LEED-certified venues and plant-based menus, there are many ways to plan an event that’s special without leaving a negative impact on the environment. That’s one of the primary reasons you may choose to rent your wedding dress.
Did you know the average wedding dress costs $1,631 to purchase, requires up to 9,000 liters of water to produce, and contributes around 200 pounds of CO2 emissions from production to delivery? If sustainability is a priority for you, alternative options are worth a look. About 18% of millennial brides consider sustainable options, including second-hand dresses, rentals, or gowns made from sustainable materials. With that in mind, we’ve curated a few gorgeous options to inspire you.
Say Yes to a Lace Dress
Approximately 40-50% of brides are saying yes to lace dresses, and it’s easy to see why. Lace is the ultimate chameleon in the world of wedding fashion. Whether you’re envisioning a romantic vintage vibe, a free-spirited bohemian look, or a sleek and chic modern style, lace has got you covered. Its intricate details and delicate patterns add that extra sprinkle of magic to any gown, making you feel like an absolute goddess on your big day.
From flowing A-lines to form-fitting mermaids, lace fits perfectly into every bridal silhouette. It’s no wonder this classic fabric is a favorite for brides seeking both traditional and contemporary looks. If you’re on the hunt for a dress that radiates elegance and versatility, lace might just be your new best friend.
The Tea on Tea-Length Dresses
Tea-length dresses, which gracefully fall between the knee and the ankle, are perfect for the bride who wants to combine elegance with a touch of playful sophistication. Whether you rent your wedding dress for a casual outdoor wedding, a retro-themed celebration, or just want to show off some killer shoes, a tea-length dress is the perfect choice. About 10-15% of modern brides opt for this chic option.
This fun and flirty style offers a fresh alternative to traditional full-length gowns, making it perfect for fashion-forward brides who want to make a statement. If you’re up for a dress that’s as unique and stylish as you are, join the growing number of brides falling in love with tea-length dresses.
The Bold Trend of Non-White Wedding Gowns
Brides are increasingly choosing gowns in colors that express their unique style and personality, like Carrie, who wanted to wear her favorite color on the day she will never forget.
If you’re looking to rent your wedding dress to express your individuality on your big day, a colored gown is the perfect canvas. For many, embracing cultural heritage means opting for vibrant hues that hold deep significance, moving beyond the traditional white. Plus, a non-white dress ensures you stand out in a sea of white gowns, creating a memorable and distinct wedding aesthetic. And let’s not forget the photographic impact—colored dresses make for stunning visuals and striking contrasts.
Rent Your Wedding Dress in a Romantic Floral
If you’re dreaming of a dress that embodies romance and whimsy, floral wedding gowns are your perfect match. Today’s brides are falling head over heels for gowns adorned with delicate floral embroidery, intricate lace appliqués, and even bold printed blooms. Whether you’re channeling a bohemian goddess with cascading floral patterns or opting for a classic look with subtle botanical details, these dresses are all about celebrating nature’s beauty. They bring an enchanting, fairytale-like quality to your bridal look, making you feel like you’ve stepped right out of a storybook.
But the magic doesn’t stop there! Floral wedding gowns offer an incredible range of styles and customizations. Imagine walking down the aisle in a gown that features your favorite flowers, perfectly matching your wedding’s color palette and theme. These dresses are not only stunning in person but also make for breathtaking photos, capturing the intricate details and vibrant colors that pop against any backdrop. So, if you’re ready to embrace the blooming trend and make a romantic statement, a floral wedding gown might just be the dreamy, unforgettable choice.
From Aisle to Afterparty: Wedding Jumpsuits
If you’re looking to make a bold fashion statement when you rent your wedding dress, bridal jumpsuits are here to steal the show. Approximately 5-10% of brides are swapping traditional gowns for these chic and contemporary alternatives. Jumpsuits offer the perfect blend of style and practicality, giving you the freedom to move with ease while looking effortlessly fabulous. Ideal for civil ceremonies, elopements, and even receptions, jumpsuits bring a fresh, fashion-forward twist to bridal attire.
Choosing a non-traditional wedding gown is all about feeling fabulous and confident on your special day. Whether you opt for a soft pastel, a bold hue, or a shimmering metallic, the most important thing is that your dress makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
The post Would You Rent Your Wedding Dress? Meet a Bride Who Did! appeared first on The Curated Column from Armoire.