Would you lend your friend your wedding dress?

[WeddingDressQuest]

Just that really. I've been looking for a wedding dress. I don't want to spend loads as I'm having a small intimate wedding. I've seen people that rent their own dresses out and I think it is great. It then got me thinking of all my friends who have been married and their dresses sat away.

So would you lend out your dress or do you feel too attached to it? If it got a bit of damage would it ruin the friendship etc?

I would never think to offer that tbh as I wouldn’t think someone would want to wear the same dress as me. But I wouldn’t mind lending it, although I still haven’t had it cleaned since my wedding almost 5 years ago! I would also say check Vinted, Charity shops, Facebook marketplace. And also places like ASOS and high street shops.

I just posted about this on fb. I'd be happy to loan my dress to anyone who was in need of one, got married in October & im not going to wear it again. I only want to keep incase we ever have a daughter and id love her to play around/try it on! Mines a size 16 but can go up around 4 sizes! I didn't need any alterations on it. Where can I advertise this? Would be with the veil, headband & belt (if their style) cost around 1k in Wed2b. Would love to help other brides out , my sister kindly bought my dress but my wedding was very low budget and family helped out. I personally wouldn't mind marks / stains as I wouldn't wear it again, it would just be for fun trying on in years to come.

ASOS has some lovely wedding dresses for low prices, op. Have you looked on there? There's loads of size 14.
Ps. My Internet search history is mental, due to mumsnet 😄

Honestly I wouldn’t - it was special to me, and I wouldn’t want to see one of my friends in it (I know that sounds really selfish!!). Also would you want to be wearing a dress all your friends has already seen on someone else ?

I got my dress for a fraction of the price on Still White - it was a sample dress that had only ever been tried on in a shop a few times due to Covid. I would recommend going to dress shops so you can find your style / size etc and then look on Still White

My DD has told me since she was about 10 that she wants it. She’s 21 now and says she wants parts of it so the plan is that she butchers it and makes it hers. I love the idea. If I hadn’t had that arrangement then I think I’d be fine giving it to a friend.

They could have it if they wanted it. Its just in the wardrobe taking up space because I haven't bothered getting shut of it yet.

I think initially no, but after a bit of time yes.

I would but I’m divorced so that puts a slightly different slant on things 😆. Someone who is superstitious may not want it! While I was still married I lent it to the local primary school for a play (I’m quite small and it was lace back so an 11 yo fitted it ok).

I managed to back into someone drinking red wine on the dance floor in mine…needless to say it didn’t recover! So there is a real risk it could get ruined and that might create tension in the friendship

EBay

With the greatest of pleasure, honestly I adored my dress but don’t feel any particular attachment to it now the wedding is done. That being said, I’ve still not had it cleaned and we’ve been married over 4 years now so the borrower would have to be happy to do that!

I’m not sure why I’m hanging onto it really, we have a daughter and I’ll show her/ let her try it on one day I suppose, but I’m sure she’ll have her own ideas/ fashions will have changed by the time she gets round to getting married if she even chooses to.

Yes no problem, but I wouldn’t want any permanent alterations made to it and I would want it cleaned before it was returned to me.

I gave mine to the charity shop. My DH was a bit upset, but I couldn’t see the point in keeping it. I’ve kept him, what more does he want!

I’d be very flattered if a friend wanted my dress. It is too sentimental to give away to a stranger but I’d be thrilled if it was worn again by someone close to me.

If anyone wanted my early 1990’s meringue they’d be welcome to it!

You can ask, but make it clear you won’t be offended if they say no.

I would, but it would have to be on condition that it was returned cleaned and unaltered.

I bought it very cheaply off the sale rail two sizes too big and my MIL altered it to fit me.

Yes I would, I don’t care for it and I’ll never wear it again. They could keep it 🤣

I had my day, lovely photos and memories and that’s all I need. I’ll never put it on again and I’m not going to sit there stroking it!

I’m tempted to sell/donate mine now! It’s come with us for 4/5 house moves. It’s way too big for me now, was made for a bigger me by a friend. I must look for a local charity wedding dress place, South Herts if anyone knows of one.

I didn't have a dress, it was a skirt and jacket but yes, there's no point having something lying around for the rest of your life when it could be used. If anyone wanted it they could have it.

Yes I would although it’s probably better to give it to them so it can be altered as required. Mine’s been crumbled in the bag in the wardrobe for 7 years which is a bit daft really. I really loved how I looked on the day but I never really found exactly what I was looking for in a dress (that wasn’t 3 grand 😂)so maybe that’s why I could part with it? Funny really as I hang on to all sorts of other crap!

Yes I would, but I imagine you wouldn't have much choice unless all of your friends are your size.

Monsoon do a lovely bridal range, might be another option.

I'd be flattered if someone asked to wear mine! I've got it professionally cleaned and boxed so I'd ask them to do that but other than that go for ut

Yes I would

I would absolutely. Free of charge though I'd require that they only do size, not style, alterations, and that it's dry cleaned before it's returned.