How to Rent a Tuxedo for the Groom

Depending on the theme of your wedding, it’s a good idea to rent a tuxedo for the groom. There are many more options available through tuxedo rental stores than are available to purchase from a men’s retailer. Most rental stores offer a great selection of styles and colors to chose from.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• computer

1. Sit down and discuss with your future spouse what you would like to see in your wedding. Consider all of the options, from choosing a particular theme to deciding on what colors you’d like to have. Also be sure to establish a time for the ceremony and reception. Afternoon ceremonies and receptions are generally less formal than evening ones. This will help you decide what style the groom’s tuxedo should be in.

2. Jump online and visit your favorite tuxedo rental site. If you don’t have a favorite, use your favorite search engine and type in “tuxedo rental” in the search field. There are hundreds of sites to choose from and several sponsored links. Consider visiting these sites first, as they are generally the most user-friendly.

3. Browse through the sites taking notes on each tuxedo that you like. Most sites offer full color images of the items and mention style and color options.

4. Take a look at the items listed under the accessories subheading. Here you will find all of the shirt, shoe, tie, cufflink, stud and vest/cummerbund options available. Most sites will display their available color options on this page, along with available sizes. Take notes on these options as well.

5. Head to your favorite formalwear outlet with the information that you’ve gathered online. For such an important day its best to select the tuxedo and accessories that you want in person. There are well trained personnel at a formalwear shop that can help you pick out what you need, and they have much broader access to style options and colors than you will find online.

Tips & Warnings

• Seriously consider the formality of your wedding and the rules of etiquette that dictate what is proper for the occasion. Tails are considered more appropriate for an evening ceremony, while a dinner jacket or cutaway more appropriate for afternoon. Vests are best for more formal ceremonies while a cummerbund is considered proper for less formal weddings.
• Remember to bring your notes with you to the rental shop. Not only will this help save time because you’ve narrowed down your options, but it will also help the salesperson to offer different ideas that you may not have thought of.
• As always, if renting online, make sure that the rental company is reputable. Stick with well-known names and strongly consider using sponsoring sites.
• Always buy the damage insurance that is offered by any reputable rental company. The insurance protects you from liability in case the tuxedo is damaged or destroyed. It sounds odd, but the garment can be easily spilled on or torn, and replacement fees can get into the thousands of dollars.