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Original poster

Would you lend your friend your wedding dress?

235 replies

WeddingDressQuest · 31/01/2024 06:17

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?

OP posts:
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7
Canthave2manycats · 02/02/2024 01:14

Not in a million years!! My daughters - I'd be honoured - anyone else, just fucking no!

Ponderingwindow · 02/02/2024 01:23

No.

i might consider giving it away, but i would not lend it. If it were damaged, it would be too complicated.

Wedding dresses often get at least minor damage, especially if they are big. Fabric dragging on the floor and ground gets dirty and sometimes even torn.

Scorchio84 · 02/02/2024 01:56

BigDogEnergy · 31/01/2024 07:10

Are there any charities near you? I got mine from a place that people donate wedding dresses to and then they sell them to fund weddings for people with terminal illnesses. Mine was about £500 (plus about £80 for seamstress bits but they did that too) and was the most expensive one they had. Price range started at £50 I think. Sometimes more general charities sell them too - oxfam from memory

That's such a good idea, a total win-win for everybody! I think Barnardos over here have a largish shop dedicated to bridal & formal wear like Debs etc, it's definitely somewhere I'd go if I were ever to lose my marbles & get married!

I have my mams wedding dress, I kept it after she died & I admit I have tried it on a few times after a wine or two to much hilarity, veil & all! But I couldn't give it away because of obvious sentimental reasons, I realise the absolute hypocrisy alert!

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Scorchio84 · 02/02/2024 01:58

NorthernSpirit · 31/01/2024 12:48

No - I wouldn’t lend someone my wedding dress.

But, didn’t have a traditional dress. I eloped to New York and bought a Champagne sequin dress from a New York designer.

I’ve worn the dress since & plan to wear it again.

That sounds gorgeous!

Ladyj84 · 02/02/2024 02:18

I know a few friends and family that got there dresses on eBay and gumtree..I didn't want a traditional dress so picked one I could wear at functions etc to so wouldn't lend it or get rid haah

cannonlc · 02/02/2024 02:57

Mines in the attic at my parents if you want it !

Girlontherailreplacementbusservice · 02/02/2024 09:40

Rubyphoebetina · 01/02/2024 22:18

No I wouldn’t, but there are clearly a lot nicer people on here than me!

I promise I'm not nicer. I think it's just different feeling about objects. Some people will have an emotional connection to an item while others are happy to part with a physical object because they connect to the memories rather than the thing.
I'd be happy for a stranger to borrow my dress but not a friend - I wouldn't want to be compared to a friend in 'my' dress but someone who I have not connection too, no guests in common I'd love it if they loved my beautiful perfect dress as much as I did.

Polis · 02/02/2024 10:27

I doubt any of my friends and family would remember what my dress looked like. I wasn’t married yesterday.

bikewidow50 · 02/02/2024 11:14

Look at stillwhite - a marketplace where people sell their wedding dresses. If you’re SE there’s a well known second-hand shop in Otford, near Sevenoaks. Also Brides Do Good where they take donated and sample dresses and then donate some of their profits to charities working to end child marriage.

vincettenoir · 02/02/2024 11:18

Yes, I would. But I guess I would prefer that the look was not the same as mine. Different hair, shoes, maybe a bolero or belt etc.

afkonholidaynearleek · 02/02/2024 12:12

"You can borrow it if you get it cleaned!"

Then sell it. Excellent plan.

Snowtimex7 · 02/02/2024 12:16

If I had a really expensive dress and you attended the wedding I think it would be a bit weird us both having pictures online wearing the same thing if I am honest.

I got married cheaply in December. I just got one from asos for £120 and I loved it. I also pretty much ruined the train as I wasn’t fussed on keeping it 100% clean. Have you looked at any shops?

also saw quite a lot on marketplace when I was looking

Star8888 · 02/02/2024 12:57

Have a look on Ebay. I bought a designer dress, brand new for £200. It was supposed to retail at £1250. It was a sample dress in a wedding shop, but tags still attached, pristine condition. Worth a look

Radioshark · 02/02/2024 14:18

I would never have lent mine to anyone. I was the same with my Silver Cross pram 6 years later, nobody ever got to use it.

SpringHexagon · 02/02/2024 14:25

I would happily pass on my wedding dress to a friend, I am unlikely to be wearing it again and would be nice for it to get another use.

maxandru · 02/02/2024 17:03

If it were a really close friend then yes, I would 100% LOVE to lend her my dress !!

Jynxed · 02/02/2024 17:38

I gave leant mine out twice and always consider it a great honour. If you are in the Sussex / Brighton area you would be welcome to be the third 😁

fleurneige · 02/02/2024 17:40

Radioshark · 02/02/2024 14:18

I would never have lent mine to anyone. I was the same with my Silver Cross pram 6 years later, nobody ever got to use it.

Can only think 'what a shame' - what is the point. Are they still both stored int he attic? No criticism, but just don't get it.

Mumof3confused · 02/02/2024 17:52

It’s likely to get ruined or damaged so its a big risk if they’re attached to it. I bought mine on eBay. So glad I only spent £200 on my dress! It was gorgeous but totally ruined after the one day.

MrsPetty · 02/02/2024 18:02

I gave mine to my sister. It was a beaded sundress type effort … she’s worn it to loads of parties in warm climates. If she hadn’t wanted it, would definitely have donated it.

myfaceismyown · 02/02/2024 18:04

I made my dress, and hand embroidered the front panel - it has already been bagged by DD!

SunflowerSeeds123 · 02/02/2024 18:07

I got married in a white suit. The venue put rise petals on the floor so I got stains on the trousers and I never got them out. Eventually the whole thing went in the bin.

But if I'd had a wedding dress and I didn't need it or didn't feel a strong attachment to it (I'm not one for "things") I'd lend it out, definitely.

mambojambodothetango · 02/02/2024 18:20

I'd be delighted if someone wanted to use it

anon666 · 02/02/2024 18:42

Sure. I think. 🤔

ThistleTits · 02/02/2024 19:17

Rent one