Everything you need to know about hiring a costume from Costume Wonderland — Melbourne’s biggest costume hire store. Click any question to expand the answer.
How do I hire a costume from Costume Wonderland?
The easiest way is to come into our Bentleigh store and try costumes on with the help of our staff — they’ll guide you to the right look for your event, body shape and theme. Browse our hire range online first for ideas, then visit us to reserve and collect your costume. Or simply look at our costumes online and send through an inquiry.
Can I try a costume on before I hire it?
Yes. We warmly encourage you to come in and try costumes on so you get the perfect fit before your event. Our friendly staff are on hand to help with sizing, styling and accessories. We offer a free alteration service.
Can you help me put a whole look together?
Absolutely. As Melbourne’s largest costume hire store, we carry costumes plus a huge range of accessories — wigs, hats, masks, shoes, gloves and more — so you can complete your outfit from head to toe.
How far in advance should I book, especially for peak seasons?
We recommend booking 2-3 weeks in advance for our busiest periods. Halloween (October) is our biggest peak, along with Book Week (August), Oktoberfest (September-October) and Easter. Popular costumes get snapped up quickly, so the earlier you come in, the better your choice.
How long can I hire a costume for?
For a weekday hire, the standard period is 3 days — you pick the costume up the day before you wear it and return it the day after. Weekend hires run Friday to Monday. Additional days are charged at $10 per item, per day.
When do I need to return my costume?
By the agreed return date on your hire. Returning late incurs a fee of $10 per item, per day. If an item is not returned within 5 days of the specified return date, the full security bond is forfeited.
What are your store hours for pick-up and return?
We’re open Monday 10am-6pm, Wednesday to Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday 10am-4pm. Closed Tuesdays and Sundays. Located at 911 Nepean Hwy, Bentleigh VIC 3204. We also have a Drop Box for after-hours returns — instructions are in your hire invoice.
How much does it cost to hire a costume?
Hire prices typically range from $95 to $165 depending on the costume. Some specialty garments — such as leather or suede — may cost a little more due to higher cleaning costs. Call us on (03) 9557 0333 for a specific price.
Do I have to pay a security bond?
Yes. A refundable security bond is taken at the time of hire. Bonds typically range from $150 to $350 per costume. If you have a credit card, we simply copy the card details and do not charge a bond upfront.
How and when do I get my bond back?
Your bond is refunded once the costume is returned on time and in good order. Cash bonds are returned on the spot. Debit card refunds can take up to 5 working days. Credit card details are simply deleted. If you used the Drop Box, we refund remotely — no need to come back in store.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, and EFT for sales, hires and bonds.
What happens to my bond if the costume is late, lost or damaged?
You may lose some or all of your bond if the costume is returned more than 5 days late (full bond forfeited), if any part of it is lost, or if it is returned soiled or damaged. Late returns within 5 days are charged at $10 per item per day, deducted from your bond.
Do I need to clean the costume before I return it?
No — please do not wash or dry-clean your hired costume. We take care of all cleaning and the cost is included in your hire. Every costume is professionally cleaned after each use.
What if the costume is damaged during the hire period?
Let us know when you return it. We’ll assess the damage and charge the appropriate amount for the repair or replacement of the item.
Do you offer group, corporate, school or theatre bookings?
Yes. We cater to group, corporate, school and theatre bookings. Groups of 10 or more costumes receive a 15% discount on hire. Contact us to arrange your booking.
Can you deliver a hire costume to me?
Yes — all customers can have a costume delivered and returned using Australia Post Express Post or courier. Call us on (03) 9557 0333 to arrange it.
How much does delivery cost?
Postage or courier fees are typically $26-$55 each way. For customers outside Victoria, a $50 surcharge applies to the hire cost. We provide the postage satchel or box and the return shipping label.
How does returning a posted costume work?
Express Post it back the next business day, lodged over the counter at a post office. Or a courier will collect the next working day — repack the costume into the same packaging and leave it on your doorstep between 8am-5pm.
Are there any costumes you can’t post?
Yes. If a costume doesn’t fit into Australia Post packaging, it can’t be sent by post — but you’re welcome to arrange your own courier. Mascots are excluded from postal delivery.
Do you deliver interstate?
Yes — hire delivery is available Australia-wide. We do not ship hire costumes internationally. Express Post times outside metro areas are usually 2-3 business days, so factor that in when booking.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel a booked costume, a $20 cancellation fee applies. If you fail to pick up a costume you’ve booked, the full hire charge applies.
Still Have a Question?
We’d love to help. Call us on (03) 9557 0333, contact us online, or pop into the store at 911 Nepean Hwy, Bentleigh (open 5 days a week, closed Tuesdays & Sundays).