Finding a date, buying a present (or series of presents), and then booking your flights, hotels, and rental car…so much to plan and do (and spend on) for every wedding (and there are so many, around this time of year). And all of that doesn't even take into account the whole what-to-wear decision.
Between making sure your dress doesn't get wrecked en route (seriously, who owns a fancy travel garment bag?), having to steam it in your hotel room, and dry cleaning it after you return… sometimes you feel like the only thing you have the energy to wear to an out-of-state wedding is pajamas.
Not so fast — our friends at Rent the Runway made us feel like total boneheads when they pointed out that their dress rental service is basically made for situations like this. Pick out the dress you want from their web site, schedule a delivery to your hotel, all pressed and ready, and then stuff your worn dress in a pre-stamped return envelope, and drop it back off at the front desk when you're done — and they'll take care of the rest! The service works at all locations in the continental U.S. (sorry, Hawaii-bound guests still need to shlep their things themselves).
Proenza Schouler Dakota Dress, $400 rental, retails for $3,450, available at Rent the Runway ; BCBG Max Azria Salsa Verde Gown, $100 rental, retails for $298, available at Rent The Runway; Lela Rose Feather Painted Sheath, $100 rental, retails for $1,095, available at Rent the Runway.