First Rent is the way to wear a brand-new Kandyan bridal saree, designed and stitched to your measurements, without paying the full price of buying one. You are the first bride to wear it, and you return it after your wedding. First Rent packages at Lassana Saree in Maharagama start from Rs. 65,000.
First Rent at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | From Rs. 65,000, depending on design and materials |
| Saree | Brand new, designed for you; you are the first to wear it |
| Fit | Stitched to your exact measurements, with a poplin fit-on before the final fabric is cut |
| Handover | The day before your wedding (two days before if you live far away), fresh and pressed |
| After the wedding | Return the saree the day after the wedding (within two days if you live far away) |
| Deposit | Refundable deposit; a dry-cleaning charge applies |
| Prefer to keep it? | Choose made-to-order, from Rs. 120,000, or supply your own fabric and materials and we stitch the saree for you to keep, from Rs. 35,000 |
| Time needed | Start at least 3 to 4 months before your wedding |
| Overseas brides | Online measurements and video calls are possible |
What is First Rent (first fit-on)?
Traditionally a Sri Lankan bride had two choices. She could buy a custom designer saree, which is expensive and usually worn once, or rent a ready-made saree from a rack that other brides have worn and that may not fit her perfectly.
First Rent is the middle ground. Instead of choosing from a rack, we design a new saree around your ideas, stitch it to your measurements and finish it with the fabrics, laces and stones that match your design. You wear it first, on your wedding day, and then return it. You get the experience of a custom bridal saree at a fraction of the cost of owning one.
First Rent, rental or buying: the difference
| Standard rental | First Rent | Made-to-order (buy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand new | No | Yes | Yes |
| Designed around your ideas | Choose from collection | Yes | Yes |
| Fit | Adjusted to you | Stitched to your measurements | Stitched to your measurements |
| You keep it | No | No | Yes |
| Starting price | Rs. 25,000 | Rs. 65,000 | Rs. 120,000 (Rs. 35,000 with your own fabric) |
If you would rather keep your saree, see our custom bridal saree service. If your budget is tighter, browse our Kandyan bridal saree rentals.
Our First Rent process, step by step
Creating your bridal saree should be collaborative and calm. This is exactly how a First Rent saree comes together at Lassana Saree:
1. Understanding your vision
It starts with a friendly consultation at our studio. We do not just show you catalogues. We ask what design you have in mind, then listen to your ideas about colours, beadwork and the overall feel you want on your wedding day.
2. Reference photos and concept
Bring reference photos: a Pinterest screenshot, a saved Instagram post or even a sketch. Together with what you tell us, they help our designers turn your idea into a concrete first concept.
3. Finalising a design that suits you
A design has to work on your body and your personality, not only on paper. We advise on cuts, necklines and embellishments that flatter you, and adjust the concept until you love it.
4. Precise measurements and sourcing
A Kandyan saree is a structured garment, so accuracy matters. Once the design is final, we take detailed measurements, then personally choose and buy the fabrics, laces and stones that match your design.
5. The poplin fit-on
Before cutting the final bridal fabric, we make a draft of your jacket in plain poplin. At this fit-on we check the exact measurements and make small adjustments, so the final jacket fits like a second skin and stays comfortable all day.
6. Final fit-on and handover
When the beading, stonework and tailoring are complete, you come back for the final fit-on. It is often an emotional moment. If no more adjustments are needed, the saree is finalised. We then pack it carefully and hand it over to you the day before your wedding, fresh and pressed.
Is First Rent right for you?
First Rent works best when you want a saree that is truly yours in design and fit, but you do not need to keep it after the wedding. It is a good choice if:
- You have a specific design, colour or sleeve style in mind that you cannot find on a rental rack.
- You want a perfect, made-to-measure jacket rather than an adjusted one.
- You like the idea of being the first bride to wear your saree.
- You have at least 3 to 4 months before your wedding.
- You want a custom look but prefer to spend less than buying.
It is probably not the best choice if your wedding is only a few weeks away, or if you want to keep your saree as a keepsake. In those cases a standard rental or a made-to-order saree will suit you better, and we will help you compare them at your consultation.
How to prepare a good design brief
The clearer your ideas, the faster we can reach a design you love. Before your first consultation, think about:
- Colour: classic off-white or ivory, champagne, silver, or a pastel shade.
- Embellishment: beading, stones, pearls, sequins, lace or a mix, and how heavy you want it.
- Jacket: neckline, sleeve style (puff, sheer, organza, beeralu lace) and whether you like a peplum.
- Venue and time: a ballroom evening wedding and a daytime outdoor ceremony call for different weights and finishes.
- Photos you love: three to five reference images are usually enough to start.
Quality and pricing
Because a First Rent saree is made new for you, the materials are chosen for your design rather than reused. We use quality fabrics, stones that catch the light, and durable materials so the saree looks right both in person and in your photographs.
First Rent packages start from Rs. 65,000. The final price can change slightly with the complexity of your design and the materials it needs. We confirm the price with you before any fabric is bought, so there are no surprises later.
First Rent for bridesmaids and bridal robes
First Rent is not only for the bride. We can design brand-new bridesmaid sarees and blouses in your wedding colours, tailored to each bridesmaid, and rent them for their first wear at a lower cost than buying. Matching bridal robes for the bride and bridesmaids are also available as First Rent sets. Lehengas (from Rs. 45,000) and bridal frocks (from Rs. 55,000) can be made as First Rent pieces too. See our bridesmaid saree page for details.
Brides who chose First Rent
These reviews are from our Google Business Profile.
Thank you so much for designing such a beautiful Kandyan for my cousin. Even though she was in the UK, the communication was smooth and they were very supportive throughout the process. Even though the measurements were taken online, the Kandyan fit her perfectly on the first fit-on.
Ruwini Liyanage
So flexible and stress free from day one! As promised, all material selections and fit-on dates were perfectly scheduled. My Kandyan was a first fit-on, and everything from the material to the jacket and Kandyan design was exactly as I wished.
Sashinka Kumarage
I got 1st fiton madeup saree from them. They made it perfectly the way I want and the colour I want. You can get your dream saree from them for an affordable price with any customization.
Yasodha Wijesinghe
Planning your First Rent timeline
- 3 to 4 months before: first consultation, reference photos and design.
- After the design is final: measurements, then fabric and material sourcing.
- During making: the poplin fit-on to perfect the jacket.
- Close to the wedding: the final fit-on with the finished saree.
- The day before the wedding: handover, packed and pressed.
- The day after the wedding: return the saree to our studio (within two days if you live far away).
Starting early leaves time for the poplin fit-on and any changes without stress. If your wedding is sooner, message us. We will tell you honestly whether a First Rent saree is possible in your timeframe, or suggest a rental from our collection instead.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a good first-rent Kandyan saree near Colombo?
Lassana Saree in Maharagama makes brand-new First Rent Kandyan bridal sarees to your exact measurements, starting from Rs. 65,000, with free personalised fittings. Our showroom is easy to reach from Colombo, Nugegoda, Kottawa and Piliyandala.
How much does a First Rent Kandyan saree cost?
First Rent packages start from Rs. 65,000. The final price depends on the complexity of the design and the materials, and we confirm it with you before materials are bought.
Is a First Rent saree really brand new?
Yes. It is designed and stitched for you, and you are the first bride to wear it.
When do I receive the saree and when do I return it?
We hand over the finished saree the day before your wedding, packed and pressed. You return it to us the day after the wedding. If you live far from Maharagama, we can hand it over two days before the wedding, and you return it within two days after.
Can I do First Rent if I live abroad?
Yes. Brides in the UK have worked with us using online measurements and video calls, and their sarees fitted on the first fit-on.
How early should I start?
We recommend starting at least 3 to 4 months before your wedding.
Can I keep the saree instead?
Yes. If you want to keep it, choose our made-to-order service. The process is the same, and the saree is handed over to you to keep. Made-to-order sarees start from Rs. 120,000.
What is the difference between First Rent and stitching with my own fabric?
With First Rent, we supply all the fabric and materials, make the saree new for you, and you return it after the wedding. Packages start from Rs. 65,000. If you supply all the fabric and materials yourself, we design and stitch the saree for you to keep, and tailoring starts from Rs. 35,000.
Is there a deposit for a First Rent saree?
Yes. As with our other rentals, a refundable deposit is taken when you collect the saree, and a dry-cleaning charge applies. If the saree is damaged, a deduction is made from the deposit depending on the extent of the damage.
Start designing your First Rent saree
Book a free consultation at our studio at No. 147/1/1, Piliyandala Road, Maharagama, or send us your wedding date and a few reference photos on WhatsApp. We are open Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday, 9.30 am to 5.00 pm (closed Thursdays and Poya days).