Photo courtesy of postgradproblems.com
Update: Vow To Be Chic ceased operations in May of 2018. The company rented bridesmaids’ dresses. To learn more, please click here.
Just last summer, a good friend of mine dropped over $1,000 on bridesmaids dresses for three outdoor weddings. She hasn’t worn any of the three since. Up until recently, guys have certainly had the advantage when it comes to formal wear. Rental tuxedo shops have existed for decades and have helped save men money from their senior prom to their wedding day (and likely beyond).
Women, on the other hand, haven’t been so lucky. Brides often want to their bridesmaids to wear designer dresses that are unique but also a bit expensive. Now, thanks to new site Vow to be Chic, brides can ask their girls to wear an Amsale dress and not feel so guilty about it. Launched in 2013 as a project for business school at UCLA by Kelsey Doorey, Vow to be Chic offers high-end bridal designer dresses for rent for a fraction of the purchase price.
The site, which received funding from two venture capitalists after winning a school contest at UCLA, “works like a personal shopper.” To get started, a bride or bridesmaid will sign-up online and complete an inquiry. A bridal stylist will then send her a total of 10-15 dresses based on her color, cut, and style preferences. The stylists also take into account the location and date of the wedding, suggesting dresses from local designers if applicable and season-appropriate fabrics. Once the client makes a selection, the company ships different sizes for the bridesmaids to try on and then mails the correct size again a week prior to the wedding.
Currently, the site is working with only a handful of designers, including Jenny Yoo and Lula Kate, but is looking to add more high-end names online.
Visit Rent It Today Before the Big Day
Wedding just around the corner? Now that the dresses are taken care of, it’s time to turn your attention to a few of the million other details to work out before the big day. Are you in need of wedding decorations, a photographer, caterer, limo, or other accessories? Rent It Today can help! The most comprehensive rental resource online, RIT can help connect you with rental providers of anything you need to make your special day more memorable. For more information, visit www.rentittoday.com!
Great idea. Typically you can’t wear those things ever again!!!