I just went to one rental site, and their rentals -start- at $100. I agree that it makes more sense to buy a dress.
If you don't feel like you have to wear An Official Wedding Gown, then you'll have tons of less expensive and more immediately available options. Think "formal gown" or "fancy dress" rather than "wedding gown." I love thrift shops, of course, but if I were you I'd stick to higher end consignment stores for a better chance of finding something non-hideous, especially since you're time-crunched. If you want to wear white or a variation thereof, you can also get a dress that can be dyed afterwards so you can wear it again. Or if you want a traditional dress, you can always use it in a zombie bride costume.
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If you don't feel like you have to wear An Official Wedding Gown, then you'll have tons of less expensive and more immediately available options. Think "formal gown" or "fancy dress" rather than "wedding gown." I love thrift shops, of course, but if I were you I'd stick to higher end consignment stores for a better chance of finding something non-hideous, especially since you're time-crunched. If you want to wear white or a variation thereof, you can also get a dress that can be dyed afterwards so you can wear it again. Or if you want a traditional dress, you can always use it in a zombie bride costume.