Hire a Backup Dress & Save 70%
Ever found the perfect dress, then started second-guessing it? Maybe you’re between two sizes, can’t decide between the pink and the blue, or the forecast keeps changing. That’s what a backup dress is for.
Hire a second dress for the same dates and you’ll get 70% off the cheaper dress with code BACKUPDRESS. Try both on at home, wear the one you love, and send the other one back unworn. One booking, one postage fee, and a lot less stress.
The one rule to remember: only one dress can be worn. Your backup needs to come back unworn, with any tags still on. Trying both on at home is absolutely fine, but if both dresses are worn, the 70% discount is removed and you’ll be charged the full hire price for the backup dress.
Why a backup dress is so handy
- Fit: not sure which size will be right? Book two sizes, or two different styles.
- Colour: torn between two? You don’t have to choose until the day.
- Weather: have a breezy option and a warmer one ready, especially for the races and outdoor weddings.
- Peace of mind: if something doesn’t feel right on the day, you’ve already got a plan B.
Backup pairs we love
A few real pairs from the collection that work beautifully together. Tap a dress to see its sizes and dates.
Can’t pick a colour?
Aje Pandorea Layered Maxi Dress Butter Yellowfrom $159
Aje Pandorea Layered Maxi Dress Lilacfrom $159
Both for $206.70 with BACKUPDRESS (shortest hire, plus postage)
Watching the forecast?
Both for $184.70 with BACKUPDRESS (shortest hire, plus postage)
Not sure on size?
Elliatt Armani Tiered Maxi Dress Pink FloralSize Mfrom $99
Elliatt Armani Tiered Maxi Dress Pink FloralSize Lfrom $99
Both for $128.70 with BACKUPDRESS (shortest hire, plus postage)
How it works
- Choose two dresses for the same hire dates. Same start date, same hire length (4 or 8 days).
- Add both to your cart.
- Enter BACKUPDRESS at checkout. 70% comes off the cheaper of the two dresses automatically.
- Pay one $25 postage fee. It covers both dresses, because they travel together. (Local pick-up from Mount Gravatt East works too. Just collect both together.)
- Try both on when they arrive. Please check them as soon as they arrive (keep any tags on), and message me with photos on the same day they’re delivered, before wearing, if anything’s not right.
- Wear ONE, and return both together. Your backup must come back unworn, with any tags still on. For postage orders, pop both dresses back in the satchel they came in, with the prepaid return label I’ve included, and hand it over the counter at a post office by 2pm on your return date (or the next business day if that’s a weekend or public holiday). Please don’t use a street post box. Local returns are due back by 7pm.
Example: hire a $119 dress and a $99 dress for the same dates. With BACKUPDRESS, the $99 dress is just $29.70, so your hire is $148.70 plus one $25 postage fee.
The fine print
- Only one dress can be worn. The backup must come back unworn, with any tags still on. If both dresses have been worn, the 70% discount is removed and the backup is charged at its full hire price.
- Same dates only. Both dresses need to be on the same hire dates, sent to the same address (or picked up together), and returned together.
- One backup per order. The 70% comes off one dress, the cheaper one. If you add a third dress, it’s full price.
- Hire dresses only. The code doesn’t apply to ex-hire sale dresses or to Damage Protection.
- Can’t be combined with any other discount code.
- Late fees apply to each dress ($25 per dress, per day).
- Damage Protection ($10, optional) covers accidental damage or staining up to $150. You can add it when you book.
- Cancellations: the usual cancellation policy applies. Any store credit is for the amount you actually paid, after the discount.
- Full details are in our Terms & Conditions of Hire (section 15).
Backup Dress FAQs
Can I wear both?
Sorry, no. Only one of the two dresses can be worn. Your backup needs to come back unworn, with any tags still on. If both dresses have been worn, the 70% discount is removed and you’ll be charged the full hire price for the backup dress. Trying both on at home to decide is absolutely fine!
Can my backup be the same dress in a different size?
Yes! That’s one of the most popular ways to use it. As long as both sizes are available for your dates, add both to your cart and use BACKUPDRESS.
Which dress gets the 70% off?
The cheaper one. If both dresses are the same price, it comes off one of them.
Can I hire my backup dress for different dates?
The offer is for the same dates only, so both dresses travel and come back together. If you need dresses for different events, please check out separately for each date (each has its own postage), or message me first and I’ll help.
Can I use BACKUPDRESS with another code?
Sorry, no. It can’t be combined with other discount codes.
What if I need to cancel?
The usual cancellation policy applies: store credit (which never expires) if you cancel 7 or more days before your hire starts, and no refund or store credit if you cancel within 7 days of your hire or once your dresses have been sent. Any credit is for the amount you actually paid, after the discount.
Still not sure?
Message me on Instagram @onceuponadresshire or email hello@onceuponadresshire.com.au. I’m always happy to help you pick a pair.