Home-Based wedding dress hire studio

Brides on a budget, brides planning smaller or destination weddings, and people who want a dress for a second ceremony, elopement or photo shoot.

A hire fee per dress, usually a fraction of the retail price, plus a refundable damage deposit and paid extras such as veils, jewellery and cleaning or alteration fees.

• Eye for style and fit
• Basic sewing and alterations
• Careful record keeping and scheduling
• Warm, patient customer service

• Commercial general liability and contents insurance that covers stock held at home, check what your home insurer excludes
• Home-based business rules and zoning, which vary by municipality
• Damage, stains or late returns, so use a clear hire contract and deposit
• Dry cleaning costs and turnaround time between hires
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, check with the CRA
• Wedding bookings are seasonal, with a busy spring to early fall in most provinces

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many gowns and accessories you buy, plus fitting-room setup, cleaning supplies and basic sewing equipment.

Check that your insurance covers stock held at home, and what your home insurer excludes. Check home-based business and zoning rules with your municipality. Use a clear hire contract and deposit, and check GST/HST registration with the CRA once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on your collection and bookings. You would need at least about 8 hours a week, with a busy spring to early fall in most provinces.