Should you buy a tuxedo or rent one? Here are a few good tips to help you decide whether to buy or rent a tuxedo for the next wedding you take part in as a groomsmen.
If you only attend a few functions each year, buying a tuxedo could be a waste of money. If you know you will be attending a lot of functions regularly every year, buying a tuxedo could save you tons of money.
If you decide to buy it used be sure to check the jacket stitching from head to toe. A rented tuxedo has obviously seen a lot of parties by previous renters so the tux could be pretty banged up. A good tuxedo rental shop will take care of these details before it's sold on the market but check it anyway.
Once the stitching has been approved of and you have purchased the tuxedo, take it and have it dry cleaned to make double sure it's clean. A good dry cleaner can make your tuxedo look as good as new.
Since five to six groomsmen will be getting their tux from the same shop, you might be able to broker a deal and get your tuxedo free of charge. It really depends on the shop you choose. You should always ask since the goal is to keep the cost of your wedding down. The tuxedo shop owner won't be offended if you try to get a good deal.
Getting your tuxedo for free could shave one to two hundred dollars off your wedding budget. Put the extra cash in a retirement fund or a save it for a rainy day. A rainy day can also mean taking your wife to dinner.
I remember it being fairly easy to get my tuxedo. I made an appointment to get measured, went back a couple of days later and picked it up. It was a perfect fit. The groomsmen were measured a couple of weeks before. They picked up their tuxedos the day before the wedding and were good to go.
Once you have tackled the issue of getting a tux you might want to be sure to get ready early the day of the wedding so you're not rushing and perspiring. You do not want to be sweating during the ceremony.
You also have a choice to wear the traditional black jacket or you can go with white. I had to be different so I chose white. You'll stand out amongst the groomsmen and your wife will think you're clever for being different. If she insist that you wear the black jacket, avoid the fight and wear the black jacket.
Double check your pant seams for possible tears from previous renters. You definitely don't want to have your pants split on you during the big dance or sitting down in a chair.
That's what comes to mind whenever I rent a tuxedo; the pants will explode and all my glory will be shown to the world. Spare the public from this possibility. Thankfully, I survived with no embarrassing moments.
Obviously, getting ready is a lot easier for men. No makeup or hair to worry about. Once the tux is rented you'll need a bath/shower whichever you prefer; a good shave; a good old fashion haircut and you're good to go. Get the haircut a week before so it won't look obvious you had a hair cut.
In conclusion, whether you buy a tux or rent a tux, here are 7 Ways To Help You Decide
1. Buy a tuxedo if you will be attending a lot of functions throughout the year.
2. Check the Jacket stitching from head to toe before buying.
3. Have the tuxedo dry cleaned to make sure it's really clean.
4. Broker a deal to get your tuxedo free since you are the groom.
5. Put the extra savings in a retirement fund or save it for a rainy day.
6. Get ready early the day of the wedding to avoid perspiring.
7. Choose between the traditional black jacket or the white.