In the past, finding a dress for your special event requires jumping from one local dress rental shop to another just to find that one dress that speaks to you. Fortunately, with the inception of the Internet as well as social media, renting dresses with international brands online is increasingly getting popular. You no longer need to step out of your house to pick a dress from your local clothing rental shop because the dresses that you can hire online will be delivered at your doorstep.
However, renting a dress without trying it on can be a bit daunting, especially for first-timers. To help you out, here are some things that you should consider when renting a dress online.
1. Budget
Let’s face it. Money is probably the leading factor when looking for rental dresses. When you’re shopping for dresses online, regardless if it’s to buy a new dress or rent one, it is important to remember that the price you see for the dress is not always the final amount you will be paying. You have to consider other costs, such as the shipping and taxes on top of the dress rental price. Also, for many stores, the price varies according to the number of days you will be renting a dress. Hence, set a budget and have some extra, if possible.
2. Occasion or theme of the event
Are you looking for a dress to wear on your friend’s graduation party? Or maybe you’re on a lookout for bridesmaid dresses for your cousin’s wedding? Perhaps it could be for a grand Christmas ball that your company hosts annually. Whichever it is, you should know the dress code of the event you will be attending because this could help you narrow down your search for rental shops. Some rental clothing stores offer evening dresses and long gowns only, some offer casual and cocktail dresses, and some only have designer labels.
3. Location of the dress rental shop
Just because it’s a dress rental store does not mean you only get to see the dress once it is delivered. Depending on the store, you can actually hire a dress online and see the actual dress provided that they have a physical store near you. This leads us to discuss why location is should be considered when finding a dress rental. If you want to have your dress fitted before the event, then choose a rental store that is close to your place. However, online shoppers usually shop rent for dresses because of the unfeasibility and the inconvenience of going to a physical store.
4. Not all stores offer “try on” services
Not all online dress hires allow you to try on their dresses. Some shops will not even refund you if the dress does not fit as long as the dress matches the measurements you have provided, which is clearly stated in their policy. If you really want to have the dress fitted on you, then only choose stores that are near you and allow you to do so.
5. Read online reviews
Say, you already have a list of stores on where to hire dresses online. Look up each store online and read the reviews of their previous clients. If they do not have them on their websites, try to check their social media pages. The best dress rental store, or any business for that matter, should be able to prove that they have a good track record.
6. Look through social media for the actual photos of the dress
While you’re looking for online reviews, also look for actual photos—if there is—of the dress you intend to hire. Some shops, such as The Volte Dress Hire, post pictures of their clients wearing their dresses on their social media platforms. This will allow you to have a look at the dress when worn.
7. Ask help via live chat, email, or phone
If your online dress rental store of choice has a live chat help, then reach out to them and ask whatever questions that are bugging you. Do not hesitate to ask. It’s better to get all things clear before you the dress arrives at your door only to find out that something did not meet your expectations. If they don’t have a live chat, connect with them via e-mail, phone (if your location permits you to), or social media. You can ask their stylist to help you decide on what kind of dress will suit you best.
Conclusion
There are so many dress hires online nowadays that surely there’s one for every occasion. However, finding the right dress rental shop and the right dress for you may require hours of sitting in front of your laptop and debating with yourself which is the best for you. Take note of the considerations above to make your dress rental search online less exhausting and less intimidating.
