I distinctly remember sitting at Bravo with my friend Molly, stuffing my face full of pasta when I first heard about Rent the Runway (I'm so glamorous, I know. I was drinking white wine so...it's alright). She said, "I rented a Badgley Mischka gown for a bachelorette party I'm going to for like $30."

Say what?

I then proceeded to go home and basically cry over all of these beautiful dresses that could be rented by a mere touch of a button (!) for very little money. Because just one summer before this conversation, another friend of mine and I were lamenting over the fact that we couldn't afford to pay $700 for these bridesmaids dresses for her wedding:

Image via Melissa and Beth

BAM. On RTR for $90.

Image via renttherunway.com

Turns out there are a ton of really stunning dresses on RTR that make for perfect bridesmaids dresses. Because, let's face it, 90% of bridesmaid dresses go unworn after the event, no matter how lovely they are. I think the biggest problem is that they are bridesmaid dresses and have a very specific look to them. You can't wear them to dinner (too fancy), you can't wear them to another wedding without fear of looking like you're trying to be a bridesmaid, and if you add in the fact that many are an odd color or gown length, the chances of re-wearing are even smaller. The fact is, you're spending $150 dollars minimum on something that's just going to sit in your closet, so why not rent?

Image via renttherunway.com

Image via Renttherunway.com

Image via renttherunway.com

They also have a tonnnn of really gorgeous bridal accessories or awesome backup dresses (for your getaway or reception!

Bottom line:
1. Save your girls some money!
2. Help the environment!
3. Have beautiful designer gowns in all of your wedding pictures!
4. SOME OF THEM ARE LESS THAN $50!

I also love that you can read through reviews about fit, see pictures and sizes of people who have previously rented dresses, and order a backup gown. They are also always running specials for new signups, and from everything I've heard, they are really awesome about making sure you get a dress you love that fits you great! 

What do you think? Do you have any experiences with using RTR for your wedding? I would love to hear from you!