Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, with a million little details to take care of. One of the most important things for the groom to consider is their wedding attire. The general rule is to rent or buy a tuxedo about two months in advance, but there are a few things to keep in mind, such as the season, the desired style and colour, and the time needed for adjustments. It's also important to get the right measurements to ensure the tuxedo fits perfectly and is comfortable for the big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to get measured | 2-4 months in advance |
| Time to order | 2 months in advance |
| Time to receive the tuxedo | 4 days before the event |
| Time to return the tuxedo | The day after the event |
| Time to pick out colours and styles | 6 weeks before the event |
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What You'll Learn
Renting vs. buying a tuxedo
Renting a tuxedo is a cost-efficient solution, especially for one-off events. It is convenient, as you don't have to worry about maintenance and storage, and you can experiment with different styles without committing to one look. Tuxedo rental companies offer a variety of styles, patterns, and colours to choose from, and you can personalise your look with ties and vests. However, the selection of rental tuxedos may be limited, and the fit may not be as good as a purchased tuxedo that has been tailored to your body.
On the other hand, buying a tuxedo can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you plan to attend multiple formal events. While the upfront cost of purchasing a tuxedo can be substantial, it can pay for itself after just two or three events. When you buy a tuxedo, you have the advantage of choosing from a wider variety of styles, colours, and accessories, and you can have it tailored to your exact measurements, ensuring a flawless look. Additionally, owning a tuxedo eliminates the stress of finding a rental and worrying about late fees.
The decision to rent or buy a tuxedo ultimately depends on your personal style, budget, and event calendar. If you rarely attend formal events and are on a tight budget, renting may be the best option. However, if you have the financial means and anticipate attending multiple black-tie events, investing in a tuxedo of your own could be more economical in the long run.
Regardless of whether you rent or buy, it is important to plan ahead. For rentals, it is recommended to secure your tuxedo at least two months in advance, although some companies may allow you to rent as early as three weeks before your event. For purchases, it is advisable to buy your tuxedo with enough time for any necessary alterations, as a well-fitted tuxedo will ensure you look your best.
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Tuxedo measurements
When it comes to tuxedo measurements, it's important to ensure accuracy. While some sources offer online fitting technology, others recommend visiting a men's formal wear store to get courtesy measurements. Here is a comprehensive guide to taking tuxedo measurements:
Chest
Place the measuring tape under the arms and measure around the broadest part of the chest, just under the underarm. The arms should be relaxed at the sides.
Neck
Measure around the neck at the height where a shirt's collar would button. Place two fingers between the tape measure and the neck to determine the neck size for the tuxedo shirt. Alternatively, measure without the fingers and add 1" to the size.
Sleeve
Place the tape measure at the base of the neck, centred on the spine. The tape measure should go from the centre back, over the top of the shoulder, down to the point of the elbow, and then down the arm to 1.5 inches past the wrist bone. If you're between sizes, it's best to measure a little longer rather than shorter.
Waist
Wrap the tape measure over a shirt around your waist at the height you usually wear dress slacks. Keep one finger between the tape and the body. Tuxedo pants are typically worn at the natural waist (navel), and a slight break on the top of the shoe is preferred. It's important to note that tuxedo pants should not be baggy in the waist or length.
Inseam
Measure the outseam from the top of the waistband on a pair of dress pants that fit you well to the floor. The pants should ideally stop just above the heel at the back.
Final Considerations
When taking measurements, it's recommended to have someone else measure you for accuracy. All measurements should be taken in inches. Additionally, tuxedo fit may vary slightly between designers, and classic fit, modern fit, and slim fit styles will also differ. Keep in mind that alterations may be necessary to achieve a more tailored look.
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Tuxedo styles and colours
Tuxedos are available in a variety of styles and colours, so you can choose one that aligns with your wedding's formality and your personal preferences.
Tuxedo Styles
The most classic tuxedo style consists of a jacket, trousers, a shirt, a bow tie, shoes, and cufflinks. The tuxedo shirt, in particular, can be a blank canvas, allowing you to connect your style with the vibe of the event. You can opt for a shirt with French cuffs and pair it with silk knot cufflinks and button studs. If you want to add a bit of personality to your look, you can choose a necktie over a bow tie. However, stylists recommend going with a silk necktie or one with a complementary texture that feels elegant and suits the tuxedo.
The number of buttons on your jacket can also vary. Tuxedos typically have one or two buttons, with three-button jackets being less common as they are considered too casual. The exception is the double-breasted jacket, which has four or more buttons and is generally considered more formal.
Tuxedo Colours
While black and white tuxedos are the most traditional, they are not the only options available. Tuxedos come in a wide range of colours, including:
- Midnight blue
- Grey
- Charcoal
- Red
- White
- Burgundy
- Mustard yellow
- Blue
- Off-white
When choosing a coloured tuxedo, it is important to consider the rest of the wedding party's attire and the couple's preferences to ensure that your choice complements the overall wedding setting.
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Tuxedo fittings
Timing and Scheduling:
It is recommended to start the tuxedo rental or purchase process two to three months before the wedding. This allows enough time for measurements, selection, and any necessary adjustments. Some sources suggest that even four to six months in advance is a good time to start, especially if you want to ensure availability for specific colours and styles. However, it is possible to secure rentals as late as three weeks before the wedding, but this may limit your options.
Measurements:
When you go for your fitting, the shop employees will take various measurements to ensure a proper fit. These include chest, overarm, neck, hip, waist, inseam, outseam, and sometimes height and weight. It is recommended to wear the same undershirt and shoes you plan to wear on the wedding day, as this can impact the fit of the tuxedo.
Trying on the Tuxedo:
The fitting process may vary depending on the shop. Some shops use stock suits to determine the initial fitting, and then provide the actual suit closer to the wedding day. Try on different suits until you find one that feels comfortable and looks good. During this process, pay attention to the following:
- Collar: The collar of the jacket should hug your neck perfectly, with no gaps or rolling in the back.
- Shoulders: The shoulders of the jacket should follow the natural slope of your body and end where your arm begins. Ensure there is no bunching or pulling, which can throw off the entire look.
- Sleeves: The sleeve head should fall smoothly over your arm, with no crashing, wrinkling, or excessive tightness.
- Midsection and Button Placement: The button should sit at the narrowest part of your torso, creating a natural taper. The sides of the jacket should taper nicely, following the contours of your body, without being too slim.
- Jacket Length: For a single-breasted tuxedo, the jacket should typically fall around crotch level. A double-breasted tuxedo can be slightly longer to avoid looking too boxy.
- Pants: The perfect length pant leg breaks slightly on top of the shoe and angles slightly downward. Wear your formal shoes during the fitting to ensure an accurate assessment.
Final Adjustments:
After trying on the tuxedo, you may need to make some final adjustments. Check for any issues, such as tightness or looseness in different areas, and communicate these to the tailor. They will work with you to ensure that your tuxedo fits perfectly and makes you look and feel confident on your wedding day.
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Tuxedo return
The tuxedo rental process typically involves creating an account, getting measured, placing an order, and receiving and returning the rental. It is recommended to book weddings at least four months in advance to allow enough time for measurements and adjustments. The rental is usually shipped to the customer a few days before the event, and it should be returned the day after the event.
Receiving the Tuxedo Rental
The tuxedo rental is typically shipped to the customer's address or provided in-store a few days before the event. For example, Men's Wearhouse ships the rental approximately four days before the event, while Generation Tux provides a free Home Try-On program that allows customers to try on the tuxedo for three days before the wedding.
Returning the Tuxedo Rental
It is essential to return the tuxedo rental promptly to avoid late fees. The rental should typically be returned the day after the event. For rentals shipped to the customer, the package includes a pre-paid return shipping label with a designated mailing location. The customer is responsible for repackaging the tuxedo and accessories and dropping them off at the specified location or scheduling a home pickup. In-store rentals can be returned to any Men's Wearhouse location.
Managing the Rental Process
To facilitate the rental process, it is recommended to create an account and manage the rental details online. This allows customers to track the progress of their group members, send reminders, and view information about measurements, orders, and returns. The online platform also enables customers to save their favourite looks, assign individual styles to each member, and select colours and sizes.
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Frequently asked questions
The process of renting a wedding tuxedo typically takes around two weeks. This includes time to select your desired style and colour, receive your free colour swatches, and try on the outfit.
Sources suggest that renting your wedding tuxedo two months in advance is advisable. This gives you ample time to select your desired style and colour.
If you are planning on dieting or exercising up until your wedding day, it’s best to get measured one month before. If your weight is consistent, then 2-4 months is a good time to get measured.
Don't worry! Some companies have thousands of tuxedos in stock and can accommodate you. Just make sure to get in touch as soon as possible.
If you are buying a tuxedo, you can do so at any time up to your wedding.
