What to Rent vs. Buy for Your Wedding: A Complete Guide

By Terry Meadows




Are you unsure which wedding essentials to rent and which to purchase? 

Wondering how to stretch your budget while still achieving your dream day? 

At Zion Springs, we’ve hosted weddings since 2010 and love sharing insights to help couples make informed decisions for their celebration.

In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies for deciding what’s worth renting and what’s better to buy, using examples like attire, décor, and accessories. We’ll also include average prices in Northern Virginia and share how choosing an all-inclusive venue like Zion Springs can simplify the process and reduce costs by bundling many of these expenses.

The $1 Rule: How to Decide Whether to Rent or Buy for Your Wedding

One effective method for deciding whether to rent or buy is the $1 Rule. Divide the cost of an item by the number of times you expect to use it. If the cost per use is high, renting might make more sense.

Example of the $1 Rule

Consider a wedding dress costing $1,200, which is a common price for a mid-range gown in Northern Virginia. If it’s worn once, that’s $1,200 per use. Renting a comparable dress for $300 reduces the cost and leaves room for other priorities, like catering or photography.

"We rented almost everything for our wedding day—from the decor to my dress. It allowed us to create a stunning setup that looked high-end without breaking the bank. The process was seamless, and I loved seeing everything come together so beautifully."
Gabby and Mike

Wedding Items That Are Better to Rent

Certain items are better rented because of their high purchase price or limited utility after the wedding.

Wedding Attire

  • Why Rent? Tuxedos and suits are typically worn once, and renting them can save significant money. In Northern Virginia, tuxedo rentals average $150–$250 per suit.

Pro Tip: Many rental companies offer packages, such as $200 per groomsman, including accessories like ties or pocket squares.

Décor and Furnishings

  • Why Rent? Items like centerpieces, arches, and table linens can cost $500–$1,500 to purchase, depending on quantity and materials. Renting these items typically costs $200–$800 for a full setup.
  • What to Look For: Rental companies or online platforms like Rent My Wedding offer packages for themed décor that can reduce your planning workload.

Tableware

  • Why Rent? Renting plates, glassware, and utensils is more practical than purchasing, as they’re needed in large quantities for weddings. In Northern Virginia, the average rental for table settings is $5–$10 per person, including cleaning services.

Bonus Tip: Many rental companies bundle tableware with linens and chairs for additional savings.

Lighting and AV Equipment

  • Why Rent? Professional-grade lighting and sound systems cost $1,000–$3,000 to purchase but average $500–$1,500 to rent, depending on the complexity.

Pro Tip: Many all-inclusive venues, like Zion Springs, include lighting and AV equipment in their packages, eliminating the need for separate rentals.

Renting vs. Buying: What Wedding Décor Should I Rent? Need Your Advice!
by u/Lopsided-Tangelo-547 in Weddingsunder10k.

What to Buy for Your Wedding to Maximize Value

Certain items hold sentimental value or can be reused, making them worth purchasing.

Accessories

  • Why Buy? Shoes, ties, and jewelry can be used beyond the wedding day. A pair of quality dress shoes in Northern Virginia typically costs $100–$200, while ties and pocket squares average $20–$50 each.

Pro Tip: Choose timeless designs that complement future formal occasions.

Favors and Keepsakes

  • Why Buy? Personalized wedding favors make lasting impressions. Expect to spend $2–$6 per guest for items like mini candles or potted plants.
  • Example: A wedding with 100 guests could budget $200–$600 for thoughtful, memorable favors.

Small Décor and Signage

  • Why Buy? Items like welcome signs, table numbers, and banners can double as home décor. Customized signage in Northern Virginia averages $50–$200, depending on size and material.

Savings Tip: Repurpose these items for anniversaries or family celebrations to maximize their value.



Budget-Friendly Wedding Tips for Renting and Buying

Combining smart rental and purchase strategies with bundled services can help you save significantly.

Mix and Match

Rent larger items, such as furniture and lighting, but purchase smaller personal touches, like table decorations or signage, to keep costs manageable while adding a personal flair.

Shop Secondhand

Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or wedding resale websites often have gently used items at reduced prices. Décor or dresses bought secondhand can save you hundreds.

Consider All-Inclusive Venues

All-inclusive venues like Zion Springs bundle many of these costs, often saving couples thousands by including essentials such as décor, lighting, AV equipment, and even catering. In Northern Virginia, these venues simplify planning and can save an average of $5,000 compared to hiring vendors separately.

Renting vs. Buying Wedding Essentials: Key Takeaways

Deciding what to rent and what to buy for your wedding can feel like a balancing act, but breaking it down item by item makes it easier. In this article, we’ve covered strategies like the $1 Rule to determine value, explored common items to rent (such as attire, décor, and tableware), and highlighted those worth buying (such as accessories and personalized favors).

At Zion Springs, we are well-placed to provide this guidance because of our extensive experience hosting weddings since 2010. Education is an integral part of our approach to helping couples, and we’re passionate about ensuring every decision feels informed and stress-free.

For even more practical advice and inspiration, visit our Answers and Advice page to explore additional articles and resources designed to simplify your wedding planning experience.

All photos in this article are courtesy of Zion Springs' in-house photographer.