Do You Have Questions?
We Have Answers.

At Charming Inspirations, we know that finding the perfect dress and planning for an event can raise a lot of questions. To make things easier, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions we receive. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, feel free to contact us directly, we’re always happy to help.

Why Choose Dress Hire Instead of Buying?

Our process is designed to keep things simple.

  • Browse our collection online — you’ll find a gallery of dresses with photos, sizes, and descriptions.
  • Add the dresses you like to your Fitting List.
  • Submit your Fitting List by filling in the short form with your name, email, and phone number.
  • Once your Fitting List is submitted, you’ll be directed to book a fitting appointment.
  • At your fitting, you’ll get to try on the dresses you selected, as well as others that might suit you.
  • After choosing your dress, you’ll secure it with a deposit, and it will be reserved for your event date.

This ensures you find a dress that not only looks good online but also fits perfectly in real life.

We require fittings before confirming a rental. Dresses look different on each person, and we want you to feel confident and comfortable. By booking a fitting, you can:

  • Try multiple styles and sizes.
  • See the fabric, colours, and details in person.
  • Ask for styling suggestions from us.

Renting online without a fitting often leads to disappointments — and our goal is to avoid that.

Our collection covers a wide range of sizes, from petite to plus-size. While availability may differ from season to season, we make sure to have options for all body shapes and preferences.

We also carry a few bodysuits and jumpsuits, which give an elegant alternative to dresses.

If you’re unsure whether we have something in your size, add the styles you love to your Fitting List and mention your size when submitting. We’ll prepare matching options for your fitting.

We aim to cater to as many occasions as possible. Our stock includes:

  • Mini dresses — ideal for cocktail parties, birthdays, and casual elegant evenings.
  • Knee-length and midi dresses — perfect for semi-formal events.
  • Floor-length gowns — suitable for matric balls, galas, weddings, and black-tie evenings.
  • Wedding-style gowns — not all are white, but many are perfect for brides who want something elegant and affordable.
  • Sparkly, plain, flowy, or fitted dresses — we cover all tastes and styles.

Accessories like shoes, handbags, shawls, scarves, and gloves are also available to complete your look.

Yes. Many of our dresses work beautifully for wedding guests, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride or groom, and even brides themselves (if they’re open to non-traditional colours). During your fitting, we can guide you to the best choices for your role at the wedding.

Our dresses are versatile and can be worn for:

  • Matric farewell balls
  • Grade 7 farewell dances
  • University residence or house dances
  • Weddings (as guest, bridesmaid, or bride)
  • Galas and charity evenings
  • Black-tie events
  • Year-end functions
  • Fancy evenings out where elegance is required

We don’t offer “costume” rentals like superheroes or themed characters — we specialise in elegant, formalwear-only.

Our rental prices range between R200 and R800, depending on the style and type of dress. Accessories are available at affordable rates too.

We believe elegance should be accessible, so our pricing is designed to suit a wide range of budgets without compromising on style.

Yes. A refundable deposit is required for all rentals. This helps cover potential repair or replacement costs in case of damage.

  • The deposit amount depends on the dress you select.
  • If the dress is returned in the same condition, your deposit will be refunded in full.

We’ll explain the deposit clearly during your fitting so there are no surprises.

The standard rental period is 3 days:

  • Collect the dress the day before your event.
  • Wear it for your occasion.
  • Return it the following day.

If you need the dress for a longer period (for example, a destination wedding), please let us know when booking your fitting. Extended rentals may be arranged at an additional fee.

Minor wear and tear (like a loose thread or missing bead) is expected and covered by your rental fee. However, significant damage such as stains, rips, or burns may result in repair costs being deducted from your deposit.

If the dress is beyond repair, the deposit will go toward replacement. We always recommend treating your rented dress with care to avoid unnecessary charges.

We don’t allow permanent alterations, as the dresses need to be available for other clients. However, temporary adjustments like tucking or pinning during your fitting can help create the right look.

We’ll assist you during the fitting to ensure the dress sits well, and we’ll provide guidance on undergarments and accessories that may help.

After submitting your Fitting List online, you’ll be directed to our online booking calendar. Here you can choose a date and time that suits you.

Our booking system is connected to our calendar to prevent double bookings, so you can be confident your slot is secure.

We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during busy seasons like matric farewell or December functions. That said, if you have an urgent event, we’ll do our best to accommodate you — even on short notice.

Our primary client base is in Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Strand, Gordon’s Bay, and the Helderberg area, but anyone is welcome to book a fitting.

If you’re traveling in from outside the area, just make sure you allow enough time for fittings and collection

Yes. In addition to dresses, we can assist with:

  • Floral arrangements
  • Event décor
  • Catering
  • Custom dressmaking (including wedding dresses)

These services are optional but can be combined with your dress hire if you’d like to simplify your event planning.

We encourage clients to join our email list and follow us on social media.

  • We’ll share updates when new dresses arrive.
  • We’ll highlight seasonal events (e.g., matric farewell season, year-end functions).
  • You’ll be the first to know about promotions or special offers.

If a specific dress is reserved for the same date as your event, we’ll let you know immediately and help you find alternatives. We carry a large enough range that you’ll always have multiple beautiful options to choose from.

We accept EFT (bank transfer) and cash payments at fittings. For deposits and rentals, full payment is required before collection of the dress.

Dresses must be returned on the agreed date, usually the day after your event. Returns can be made directly to our Somerset West location. Please return the dress in the same condition it was received, without attempting home cleaning (professional cleaning is handled by us).

You can always reach us by:

We’ll respond as quickly as possible to assist you.

Ready to find your perfect dress?

Let us help you look your best for your next special occasion.

Create Your Fitting List