There’s a special kind of panic reserved for the night before a big event. It’s when you’re surrounded by a mountain of “maybe” dresses and realize that not a single one of them fits, flatters, or even zips up.

That happened to me a few years ago when I ordered a glamorous sequin gown from this random dress rental shop, only for it to arrive two sizes too small and smelling suspiciously like someone’s aunt’s perfume.

After hearing enough horror stories besides my own—ranging from dresses that looked nothing like the photos to mysterious stains—I looked into the dress rental services in our country that actually deliver gorgeous, on-trend options. 

Here’s what I found.

1. Love Me Rent Me

Love Me Rent Me is a top pick for designer dress hire. Their exceptional range includes everything from maxis and minis to jumpsuits and playsuits—perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a race day or graduation.

I especially like that their collection spans sizes 6 to 18, making it easy for more people to find something. 

Booking a 60-minute appointment online for $25 (which is redeemable as a discount on your dress hire) is pretty worth it for me. It gives you access to a one-on-one session at their home boutique, which isn’t something you always get from other stores.

Customers also appreciate that their wishlist picks are already waiting in the fitting room when they arrive, along with extra styles handpicked by their expert team.

I also like that there’s a free 15-minute appointment option for those short on time. You can try up to four dresses and even bring up to four friends or family members for advice.

If shopping online, the process is smooth. Once you’ve found the perfect rental, simply select your event date and check out. Shipping is $15, which covers overnight delivery and collection from your home or work.

The shipping can be wonky, though. Some customers reported receiving packages with a bit of damage. 

Great selection of dresses

“Such an easy seamless process.  Great selection of dresses.  Karen was so friendly and helpful.  In the one hour try on, it was a perfect amount of time to try a lot of dresses on.  Once my daughter decided, she booked the dress online.  Great service.”

• Lynnette Holland, Google Reviews 

So helpful, professional and amazing

“Have rented a couple of dresses from here. Karen is so helpful, professional and amazing at her job!”

• Aimee Taylor, Google Reviews

2. The Wedding Wardrobe 

The Wedding Wardrobe is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a special dress for a bachelorette party, engagement or any wedding-related event.

I like that their collection is available in sizes 6 to 14, and appreciate that they focus on making the try-on and rental process as relaxed and pressure-free as possible.

While they don’t offer postal try-ons, we like how easy it is to book a try-on session. You just have to send them a DM on Instagram. 

I love that you can try on as many dresses as you like during the 30-minute sessions. You can even bring a friend or family member for a second opinion. 

I also think the inclusion of a damage waiver is a smart touch. It covers minor, repairable damage that might happen during your rental.  

When it comes to shipping, the $5 flat rate is super affordable. Even better, all orders placed before 2:00 PM are shipped the same day.

Returns are easy and free too—a prepaid return label is included with every rental. Just be sure to return your dress on time, as late returns incur a $25 daily fee.

Great selection of designer dresses to rent 

“Such a beautiful space with a great selection of designer dresses to rent for a special occasion! Customer service was amazing and I love being able to try before you rent! Will definitely use again – thanks Eden and Sammie!“

• Anna Dobson, Google Reviews

Ladies made me feel comfortable and welcomed

“Had a great experience renting here. Ladies made me feel comfortable and welcomed. I wore a black Natalie Rolt dress to a wedding and got lots of compliments. Packaging was also beautiful.”

• Rose, Google Reviews

3. Thread Rentals Ltd

Thread Rentals Ltd is a fantastic option if you’re looking to rent a dress for a special occasion without breaking the bank. 

I love that they offer a wide range of styles—from glam gowns to casual tube and maxi dresses. Plus, the dresses come in sizes 6 to 20, so there’s something for everyone.

Trying on dresses is easy and flexible. Many appreciate being able to book an in-store try-on appointment, or if you’re not local, take advantage of their postal try-on service. 

For $30 per garment (plus shipping), you can try up to two dresses at home before you commit. The best part? You’ll get a $30 credit for each item you end up booking through the postal try-on. 

The postal try-on service is open every Wednesday at 6 PM and closes Friday at 1 PM. 

Shipping is fast and reliable with Courier Post—and orders placed before 3 PM are usually sent out the same day, which is great if you’re in a hurry. 

However, late returns incur a $20 per day, per item fee. Be sure to send your dress back on time to avoid paying hefty fees.

Customer service and communication were outstanding

“I recently had the pleasure of renting a dress from Thread Rentals, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience! The customer service and communication were outstanding. They made the whole process seamless and stress-free. Not to mention, their range of dresses to choose from was amazing! I highly recommend Thread Rentals for anyone looking for a dress rental service. You won’t be disappointed!”

• Ellymay Milner, Google Reviews

Experience was super easy and convenient

“Cannot thank Thread Rentals and Isabella enough! I Rented the Ima dress in blue for my friends 21st and absolutely loved wearing the dress! The experience was super easy and convenient, will definitely be renting more garments in future!”

• Zahra Patel, Google Reviews

4. Dress Hire NZ 

Dress Hire NZ has all sorts of dresses—formal, race day, brunch—you name it. 

I really appreciate the variety in the collection, from elegant gowns to stylish jumpsuits. Sizes range from 6 to 14 and colours range from classic neutrals to eye-catching prints, giving clients plenty of options.

I also appreciate that first-timers get a 15% discount on their hire order. The booking process is also crazy simple—just find your favourite dress, check its availability on the calendar, select your size, and choose your event date.

Now, if you’re in Auckland, you can pick up your dress directly from their Ellerslie HQ. 

But for everyone else, Dress Hire NZ offers quick shipping across New Zealand. Orders are dispatched on Wednesday or Thursday. There’s even a Saturday delivery option for those last-minute needs.

That said, I was bummed that Dress Hire NZ does not offer in-person try-ons or postal try-ons. I had to make my selection based on the website’s photos and size guide, which aren’t always accurate.

If the dress doesn’t fit, you can return it within 24 hours for store credit. While that’s a decent fallback, it’s still not as flexible and as desirable as a refund.

Dress was clean and in great condition

“Such a wonderful experience! I had so many compliments on the dress. The dress was clean and in great condition! I will definitely be renting a dress here again x”

• Charlotte Johnson, Google Reviews

Dress we rented was absolutely beautiful

“The dress we rented was absolutely beautiful my daughter looked so stunning. Highly recommended and great options will definitely rent from Dress Hire NZ again. Thank you”

• Jessie M, Google Reviews 

5.  Attire for Hire

Attire for Hire has a huge range of colours and styles and over 13 years of experience styling thousands of happy clients. Whether you need a cocktail dress (from $110) or a long gown (from $180), you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste and occasion.

Appointments are essential, and yes, there’s a $30 non-refundable booking fee. But for what you get, I think it’s worth it. 

You’ll get a dedicated 45-minute one-on-one session with Judy, their expert stylist. She’s very friendly and takes time to help you find the perfect fit—even if that means going through tons of dresses. 

Customers also love that she really listens to what they want and helps them feel confident in their own skin. 

Once you’ve found your dream dress, you can secure it for your event. Payment is flexible—you can pay in person or via online banking. 

You can collect your dress in-store or have it couriered for an extra fee. After your event, just return the dress on the next business day or as agreed. 

Keep in mind, though, that there are no refunds if you need to cancel. They only hand out store credit.

Incredible experience and direction given by Judy 

“Incredible experience and direction given by Judy who pulled several great dress options for upcoming events.  Totally worth going to an expert who understands all shapes figures and fabric design 👌 thanks Judy I usually loathe trying dresses on but you know your stuff and it was wonderful. …”

• Emma Elliott, Google Reviews 

Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a dress

“I took my 16 year old daughter to Attire for Hire recently. It is such a great business with many dresses of all different styles. Although my daughter didn’t find a dress for now, she has a much better idea of what styles and colours suit her. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a dress for a special occasion.”

• Maree Maclver, Google Reviews

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