Shop’s Gowns Designed for Brides on a Budget

It’s that time of year when many brides-to-be start poring over magazines in a quest for the most important gown of their lives. Of course, when they learn that the wedding dress of their dreams runs $1,000 and up, the budget is in trouble. Here’s a solution that can save money and still deliver that special dress: rent.

One Night Affair has a selection of over 1,000 bridal designs. Eve of MiLady is popular now, and a dress that runs $3,200 costs just $395 to rent.

A simple Vera Wang that would cost $4,200 carries a rental fee of $495, and a heavily beaded Norma LaNain that runs an astronomical $5,200 is the top of the line at One Night Affair with a rental cost of $595.

Those are the high-end figures, but there are less expensive names. Several gowns from Dimitrios would range in price from $800 to $1,200 to purchase, but only $195 to $250 to rent.

This is a great way to be kind to the bridesmaids, who probably won’t wear this gown again. Dresses come in 80 styles and approximately 15 colors and rent for $45 to $95 instead of a purchase price of $150 to $325. Even the mother of the bride has a wide selection of about 1,000 styles.

All accessories, with the exception of shoes, are offered on a rental basis as well. All dresses are available in sizes 2 to 30, and there are three seamstresses on the premises for alterations. Call for an appointment.

* One Night Affair, 2370 Westwood Blvd., Westwood; (310) 453-7782. Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday.

*

Weekend Super Sale

The elegant collection at Robert Ellis is on sale for two more weeks with reductions running from 30% to 70% off already reasonably priced garments. The lovely silk Starrington blouses, usually costing $198 can be bought for $99, and the popular Tadashi suits that usually are priced at $299 to $398 are now $149 to $199.

Emile Rutenberg silk jackets are $144, from $298. Some pure cashmere blazers are reduced from $598 to $299. Sizes 4 to 14. Robert Ellis, 12439 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday.