Getting married is, without a doubt, one of the most important days in your life. It's also one of the most expensive events you'll spend the rest of your life paying off (unless, of course, you have bucket loads of money, or your folks have sponsored your entire wedding).
From the planning process to the preparation on the big day, there are just so many costs one needs to consider. It's no wonder that many brides-to-be opt to either rent or have their dress made.
Of course, it's every bride's dream to be able to own her own dress, more so if it's a designer label. But the truth is not many of us can afford the price of a wedding gown.
Not only that, but what will you do with it afterwards? After all, how many times are you going to wear your dress? Maybe renting is more practical.
We've asked our readers which choice they made. Here are their responses:
Carmen: Wedding Box – I bought it almost 9 years ago. I just hung it up at home from parents' house today! Still totally love it.
Mimi: It was custom made by a wonderful designer about 10 years ago!
Taryn: Pink Chilly Bridal, I bought it :)
Martha: Borrowed mine from the lady we bought our house from. 23 years later I still have her dress, and we are still friends. (And, yes, I am still married to my amazing man) It’s amazing that from buying a house, that we made such wonderful friends. :)
Lyndall: I designed it myself and had it made by Nadine at New Romantics.
Angeliqueca: I rented my dress from Stella's Bridal Boutique in George.
Colleen: I was so excited to go to Bride and co., but utterly disappointed when I went. Their dresses are so generic! I ended up having mine made and got married in March.
Natasha: I rented from Black Tie, Hatfield in PTA for R4,500 but R1,500 served as a deposit. You get it back when you return it in good condition.
Michelle: I chose it from a US company, Pink Chilly Bridal in PTA imported it and then let me rent it! www.pinkchillybridal.co.za
Megan: My dress was made by my Grandmother, she's an awesome dress maker and still makes dresses to this day.
Leanne: I bought it from Scarlett Boutique R3500. I designed it and they made it!
Megan: Robyn Roberts. She is AMAZING – I had hired an existing dress but it was modified as requested.
Read more of our Facebook responses here:
Did you hire your dress, or did you opt for purchasing? Offer brides-to-be advice by sharing your stories and recommendations of the best places to go to either buy or rent a dress.