Why Indian Brides Are Still Hesitant to Rent Their Wedding Lehengas

Renting wedding lehengas is emerging as a practical, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to buying expensive bridal outfits. Despite the obvious advantages—significant cost savings, access to designer wear, and the elimination of storage concerns—most Indian brides remain reluctant to embrace this trend. While renting has become popular among wedding guests, brides continue to prefer owning their dream wedding attire.

Why Indian Brides Are Still Hesitant to Rent Their Wedding Lehengas

The Rise of Wedding Outfit Rentals in India

In the past few years, several platforms like Flyrobe, Rent a Closet, and Kuro India have transformed the wedding fashion rental industry, making designer wear accessible at a fraction of the original cost. These services offer an extensive range of bridal couture, from replicas to authentic designer pieces, complete with doorstep delivery and pick-up.

According to Aanchal Saini, CEO of Flyrobe, “The wedding clothing rental market in India is growing rapidly, thanks to evolving mindsets and a greater emphasis on sustainability. Brides are increasingly open to renting their wedding outfits, recognizing the practicality of wearing exquisite designer lehengas at a fraction of the purchase cost.”

Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have been quick to adopt this trend, while smaller cities such as Raipur, Jaipur, Ludhiana, and Hyderabad are also catching up. Even destination weddings in locations like Goa, Udaipur, and Kerala are witnessing a rise in rented bridal outfits, allowing couples to save money without compromising on grandeur.

Why Brides Are Still Reluctant to Rent

Despite the increasing popularity of wedding outfit rentals, Indian brides hesitate to rent their lehengas for several reasons:

Emotional and Cultural Significance
- In Indian culture, a bride’s wedding lehenga holds immense sentimental value. Known as the “suhaag ka joda,” it is often preserved as a cherished heirloom.
- Nisha Kundnani, founder of Bridelan, explains, “For our brides, spending on wedding clothes is an investment of their feelings and emotions. There is no way a bride is going to compromise on the vision she has for herself.”
Family and Social Pressure
- Many families still frown upon renting a bridal lehenga, considering it unsuitable for such an auspicious occasion.
- Bhavya Arora, a bride-to-be from Delhi, faced resistance from both her family and in-laws when she suggested renting a designer lehenga.
Limited Customization Options
- Personalization is a major aspect of bridal fashion, with many brides wanting their outfits to be unique to their personality and wedding theme.
- Daisy (name changed for privacy), another bride, found that the lack of customization options was a major drawback of renting.
Logistical Challenges
- Many rental services operate primarily in metro cities, making access difficult for brides in smaller towns.
- Tiasa, a journalist from Siliguri, struggled with the logistics of renting a lehenga from Delhi and returning it within the limited rental period.
Fear of Judgment
- Renting bridal wear is still associated with financial constraints rather than being seen as a sustainable or modern choice.
- Many brides worry about whispers among guests if they choose to rent instead of buy their wedding outfit.

Wedding Guests Are Leading the Rental Trend

While brides are hesitant, wedding guests—including bridesmaids, the groom’s sisters, and the bride’s mother—are embracing rentals. Many prefer renting expensive designer outfits instead of spending heavily on outfits they might wear only once.

According to celebrity fashion stylist Divyak D’Souza, “Couture, particularly bridal couture, is notoriously expensive. Opting to rent instead of purchase can significantly cut costs while also being a sustainable choice. It eliminates the need for long-term maintenance, storage, and dry cleaning.”

The Future of Wedding Outfit Rentals in India

Although renting bridal wear is not yet a mainstream trend, industry experts believe it will eventually become widely accepted. Aanchal Saini compares it to the evolution of international travel:

“Think of international travel—it used to be a big deal a decade ago, and now it’s just another getaway. Similarly, the world’s perspective on rental clothing has evolved, but India’s journey is still gaining momentum.”

Also read: Indian Fashion Shines in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3

The decision to rent or buy a wedding lehenga ultimately depends on personal priorities. While some brides may prefer investing in a designer outfit for emotional reasons, others may choose to allocate their budget towards a grand honeymoon or a future home. With changing mindsets and growing awareness, the Indian bridal rental industry is poised for further growth, but it may take time before it becomes the norm.

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Last Updated on Friday, February 28, 2025 2:15 pm by Admin