Getting an invite to a wedding means two people couldn't imagine celebrating their big day without you. Is there any higher form of compliment? We think not! From the moment that gorgeous piece of paper arrives in your letterbox, the anticipation begins - a great day out, maybe a night away and of course, a killer outfit. It's a glorious excuse to go wedding guest outfit shopping, but if you feel a tinge of guilt at splashing out on a 'wear it once' item because of budget or the environment, then why not hire your outfit at a fraction of the cost? This sustainable new approach aims to eliminate the fast fashion trend, and also allows people to rock a designer look for a high-street price. To help you out, we've rounded up the best places to hire a gorgeous wedding guest outfit in Ireland, and browsing these sites is every bit as fun as shopping for something to purchase outright.
The Benefits of Hiring
The fashion industry is the second biggest polluter of the planet - yikes! Not only that but people are buying more clothes and wearing them less often. To put a figure on it, it's estimated that there's a whopping €443 billion a year of global waste when it comes to fashion. So it's no surprise that many great brands have sprung up to tackle this problem, from hiring, to peer-to-peer lending and selling, those of us that love fashion can still experience the joy of dressing up, just in a more sustainable way. An added advantage is that it also allows us access to designer brands that we could only daydream about buying. Dolce & Gabbana or Oscar de la Renta dress anyone? We thought that would get your attention! So heck out Ireland's top hiring boutiques below.
THE IVORY CLOSET
SIZES: UK8 - UK14
PRICE: €80 - €250
HOW LONG: 3 day hire which can be extended at an additional cost.
DELIVERY: Yes
DRY CLEANING: Included in cost
BRANDS: Alex Perry, Rachel Gilbert, Thurley, Elle Zeitoune, Zhivago, Bronx And Banco
WATCH OUT FOR: The three-day Closet Clear-Out each quarter where some previously worn dresses are available to buy.
VISIT: theivorycloset.com
RAG REVOLUTION
SIZES: UK6 - UK14
PRICE: €49.99 - €90, depending on rental period
HOW LONG: 3 day and 7 day, with longer option available upon request.
DELIVERY: Yes
DRY CLEANING: Included in cost
BRANDS: Rotate, Queens of Archive, Rixo, Kitri, AJE, Ghost, La Semaine Paris
VISIT: theragevolution.com
COVET BOUDOIR
SIZES: UK4 - UK 18
PRICE: From €185 for short dresses and €195 for full length dresses.
HOW LONG: 3 days, or longer periods on request.
DELIVERY: Yes
DRY CLEANING: Included in cost
BRANDS: Badgley Mischka, Oscar de la Renta, Covet Collection, Tadashi Shoji, Greta Constantine, Rachel Gilbert, Tarik Ediz,
WATCH OUT FOR: Alterations - they adjust straps, bust, waist and length to make sure it fits perfectly.
VISIT: covet.ie
WARDROBE SPACE DRESS HIRE
SIZES: UK6 - UK16
PRICE: From €60 - €80
HOW LONG: Standard rental is 5 days or longer periods on request.
DELIVERY: Collection & drop off available in Navan or €15 return postage with An Post. Wardrobe Space provide a prepaid & addressed return envelope with your rental for handiness.
DRY CLEANING: Included in the price
BRANDS: Self Portrait, Solace London, Nadine Merabi, Rixo, Ted Baker, Whistles, Reiss, Sister Jane, Baum und Pferdgarten and more.
TRY ON SERVICE: Available for an optional extra €5
VISIT: Instagram @wardrobespacedresshire
BYBORROW
SIZES: This is peer-to peer lending and selling so range of sizes available
PRICE: Set by lender and pay per day (5-8% of retail cost recommended)
HOW LONG: Minimum 3 days
DELIVERY: Yes
DRY CLEANING: Included in cost
BRANDS: Constantly changing depending on lenders' items which are pre-approved for quality
WATCH OUT FOR: Follow lenders who are the same dress size, whose style you like!
VISIT: byborrow.com
DESIGNER ROOM
SIZES: UK6 - UK18
PRICE: From €60 - €200
HOW LONG: 3 days 4 days
DELIVERY: Yes
DRY CLEANING:Included in cost
BRANDS: Collection is also lender generated so includes everything from Alexander McQueen to Umit Kutluk.
WATCH OUT FOR: Buy discounted dresses on the online Outlet, or borrow from the Designer Room or the peer-to-peer lending options. There are also fitting appointments available at the Showroom in Dublin 4.
VISIT: designerroom.ie
HAPPY DAYS
SIZES: UK6 - UK20
PRICE: €60 - €80
HOW LONG: 3 days Minimum 3 days
DELIVERY: Yes as well as in-store collection and drop back
DRY CLEANING: Included in the cost
BRANDS: Diane von Furstenberg, Ganni, Jonathan Simkhai, Maje, Needle & Thread, Sandro, and much more.
WATCH OUT FOR: Lots of bump-friendly options! Walk in possible to try on in store at the Showroom in Leopardstown, Co Dublin. You can also hire statement coats, jackets and accessories including designer handbags.
VISIT: happy-days.ie
Don't forget the accessories...
To complete your gorgeous borrowed look, you can hire a designer handbag to give that extra wow factor. With designers such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Chanel your arm candy will be sure to turn heads.
LUXE LIBRARY
CONDITION: Brand new or pre-loved mint condition
PRICE: From €15 per day and depends bag
HOW LONG: 7 days or 30 days with option to extend.
DELIVERY: Yes
CLEANING: Included in cost
BRANDS: Dior, Simone Rocha, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Chanel
VISIT: Luxe Library
Top Tips for Hiring a Wedding Guest Outfit
- If you're not familiar with the brand's sizing, opt for a try-on service.
- Don't try and wash or dry clean items - companies prefer to do this themselves to avoid damage.
- Normal wear and tear is expected, such as small removable stains or tears, but treat the items with the care and respect you'd give your own clothing, so that it can be used again.
- Some outlets offer a damage indemnity policy which works out as an extra 12.5% of your rental fee. This covers you for almost everything bar losing the item.
- Book your dress well in advance as popular styles may already be booked for your date.
- Return it on time to avoid a late fee. Remember someone else might have it booked!
Wedding guest outfits are not the only items you can hire for a wedding day, you can also hire wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses too as a budget friendly and sustainable option.
Continue the hunt for your wedding guest outfit, with our 28 Wedding Guest Outfits to Shop Right Now and be sure to follow One Fab Day on Instagram for more inspiration.
