Finding the perfect dress is at the top of every bride-to-be’s list. Unfortunately, no matter how much we love it (and want it), most of us can’t afford that exquisite Vera Wang gown. Luckily, there are a number of rental and second-hand dress shops with a selection of beautiful bridal wear that isn’t too hard on the budget.
Bridal Manor
Bridal Manor is an exclusive importer of designer wedding couture. Sourced from all over the globe, you will find the Bridal Manor rails filled with gowns by Pronovias, Justin Alexander, Maggie Sotero and Sophia Tolli, to name just a few.
To help you dress shop on a budget, Bridal Manor has a designated pre-loved wedding dresses section. In-store sample wedding dresses and second-hand dresses that were originally bought from Bridal Manor, and are still in pristine condition, are available in the pre-loved section and categorised according to price range.
Bridal Manor charges an initial fitting fee of R400. Fitting appointments are 90 minutes long and you can select any number of dresses to try during this time. Should you decide to purchase one of the Bridal Manor pre-loved dresses, you will be refunded 50% of the initial fitting fee.
Details: 52 Selati Street, Alphen Park / 012 460 285 / www.bridalmanor.co.za
Dream Dress Wedding Boutique
At Dream Dress Wedding Boutique you can take your pick from a collection of 200 dress designs that are all available for rent at a reasonable price. Expect to find dresses from designers such as Alfred Angelo and hiring fees to start around R5 000.
Dream Dress Wedding Boutique offers a free consultation to help you find the perfect figure-flattering wedding gown design. Consultations are by appointment only.
Details: 909 Dabchick Street, Montana / 072 232 2984 / www.dreamdress.co.za
Your Day Bridal
Your Day Bridal has a large selection of quality wedding gowns for hire. Whether you are looking for something formal, classic or casual, you’re likely to find it here. Wedding dress rental at starts at around R6 500, and the establishment operates on an appointment basis.
During your appointment, you can select the dresses that you’d like to fit. The Bridal team can make suggestions of designs that will complement your build and highlight your best features to give you that extra confidence boost on your big day.
Details: 104 Willem Botha Avenue, Centurion / 073 299 2028 / www.yourdaybridal.co.za
Fantasy Bridal Wear
With wedding dress rentals starting at R2 800, Fantasy Bridal Wear is a definitely a budget-friendly bridal boutique. Fittings are by appointment only and are charged at R50 per appointment; booked on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays. You can select two different dresses to fit during your appointment but any additional fittings are charged at R10 per dress
Fantasy Bridal Wear has an alteration service and will happily make minor alterations to customise your dress choice to suit your style.
Details: Montana / 083 822 0988 / www.fantasybridalwear.co.za
Ella Cocoa Bridal Boutique
Ella Cocoa Bridal Boutique gives future brides the budget-savvy option of hiring a custom-made Ella Cocoa wedding gown. Their highly professional dress-hiring service includes a fitting session. Where you are assisted in determining the best fit, colour and style suited to your unique style. Consultations are charged at R200.
Your preferences regarding fabric and embellishments, as well as the latest wedding trends, are also taken into account when ultimately making a recommendation of which style of wedding gown to consider hiring.
Details: 396B Diana Road, Lynnwood / 082 684 5877 / www.ellacocoa.co.za
Imago Bridal
If you’ve tried the wedding boutiques nearby and still haven’t found the perfect dress to match your budget, Imago Bridal might be worth a visit. Located about in Boksburg, a 45-minute drive outside of Pretoria, Imago Bridal has an extensive collection of wedding gowns for hire.
Imago Bridal caters to “all sizes, tastes and budgets”. Make sure to book an appointment in advance.
Details: Sunward Park, Boksburg / 072 316 5789 / bridalwear.co.za
By Jana van der Linde
