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9 September 2026 · 1 min read

How Renting a Wedding Dress Works in South Africa

A step-by-step guide to renting a verified designer wedding dress in South Africa — from fittings and deposits to delivery and returns.

Renting your wedding dress lets you walk down the aisle in a designer gown for a fraction of the retail price. Here is exactly how it works on Runaway Dress, from the first search to the final return.

1. Search by date, size and style

Start with your wedding date. Our search only shows dresses that are actually available for your day, and you can filter by city, silhouette, neckline, budget and even your own bust, waist and hip measurements. Every live listing has been checked by our verification team.

2. Try it on at a fitting hub

Many dresses can be tried on at a partner fitting hub in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban or Gqeberha. Book a free, private appointment from the dress page. A stylist will help you check the fit and talk you through any temporary adjustments.

3. Secure your date with a deposit

When you find the one, choose your wedding date and pay a 30% deposit through PayFast. The owner confirms within 48 hours. If they can’t, your deposit is refunded in full. The balance, plus a refundable security deposit, is due 14 days before delivery.

4. Delivery a few days before your wedding

Your dress arrives two days before the big day, by insured courier or ready for collection at a fitting hub. You will receive SMS updates at every step.

5. Return the day after

After the celebration, pack the dress in the prepaid return bag. There is no need to clean it — professional cleaning is included. Once the dress is checked, your security deposit is released.

Is renting right for you?

If you love designer gowns but would rather spend on your honeymoon than on a dress you will wear once, renting is a smart, sustainable choice. Browse verified dresses to see what is available for your date.