We at D’Aisle Bridals do not rent out our wedding gowns and have multiple reasons behind this decision. Though we have been approached by plethora of brides for varying reasons for renting a weddinggown, we have been adamant on our decision. Renting wedding gowns are a common feature in most parts of Europe, America and even in some parts of South East Asia but is not a prevalent occurrence in India.
But we should also understand the fact that renting is common in other countries due to the space constraint. It is also to be understood that renting in other countries is not a cheap option but entails spending more than twice the cost of owning a wedding gown in India. Though, we would have loved to make wedding gowns more affordable and more inclusive by renting out, it is only going to be a wasteful effort because of the following reasons: –
• Climate – Indian tropical climate is hot, humid and is generally dusty (problems of a developing country) due to the on-going constructions resulting in the gowns getting dirty, dusty and sweaty in one use.
• Alterations and Modifications – Unlike European countries/America/SE Asian countries, Wedding Gowns in Kerala will require modifications and alterations to suit the modesty/propriety requirements of the church in terms of sleeves and neck. This makes it a tedious job to alter a gown every time for sleeve and neck requirement of the bride with additional material due to the large size of the gown and the multiple layers of fabric and tulle that has to be fought and struggled with. Additional material of the same kind might also not be available at all instances. This also renders the gown dirty due to the cumbersome nature of alterations in a gown.
• A wedding gown in most countries of Europe/America /South East Asia can be worn sleeves or off shoulder thereby not requiring any major alterations for a bride to wear it.
• Cleanliness – Due to the humid conditions , people generally sweat and imagine the commensurate amount a bride perspires in the hot and humid conditions donning a heavy bridal gown. It would not be a good idea to wear something used by someone in these conditions.
• Dry Cleaning – Dry cleaning a gown tends to reduce the lustre and shine of the white dress and reduces the fluffiness especially in case of tulle / net wedding dresses.
• Cost of making – The cost of making a gown of international quality like the ones we provide with multiple layers of tulle, net, lace, applique and other paraphernalia is huge and thus renting out a gown for just one use in its original shape and quality is not sustainable.
Therefore it is not a really great idea to wear something worn out for the most important day of one’s life.
We would suggest brides who think spending a lot of money on a wedding gown that is only used for a single day to explore the following options:-
• Use the wedding gown for a post wedding shoot during the honeymoon and make memories that would last forever.
• Design a gown that could be re-used by opting for a design that allows re-use.
• Choose a gown with coloured lining so that the outer material can be removed and the gown be reused.
We might tend to agree that renting would have been viable option if the climate / environment and other social /customary requirements were conducive. But till such time the issues are relevant in India it is better to buy a wedding gown.