Groom Style: How to Rent a Tuxedo

Unless you're exchanging vows on a beach in Kauai, your groom's best Bermuda shorts won't work as wedding day attire. Most likely, you'll want your groom to wear formal attire to your wedding. If your groom is a regular on the black-tie benefit scene, he may already be a tuxedo owner. But otherwise, the question is whether to rent or buy a tuxedo.

To Rent or to Buy?

Money is the main factor in your decision. Renting will cost about 10% to 30% of the price of a new tuxedo, and tuxedo prices begin in the $300 to $500 range. If you attend three or four formal events per year, buying a tux may be worthwhile. Look at it as an investment -- you can wear it for years and it will never go out of style. But if you'd rather slather your body in hot tar than hit a black-tie benefit, go for the rental. It's definitely the easiest, cheapest option for you.

Rental Tips

Rental-minded types should keep the following tidbits in mind when choosing a wedding ensemble:

• Choose a formalwear store that updates its inventory regularly. (If you see powder blue and ruffles, run.)
• A good formalwear dealer will know how to measure you properly (inseam, waist, jacket size) and give you a fitting in advance of the wedding.
• The dealer should listen to you. If you're of the fashionable persuasion and want a dark blue, five-button mandarin collar tux, but the dealer's praising a silver tux with tails, you'll know you've come to the wrong shop. Politely say thanks but no thanks and look elsewhere.
• The store should be able to supply you with all the accessories you'll need: bow tie, cummerbund, cufflinks, suspenders, even shoes.
• Finally, have all your groomsmen get their monkey suits at the same shop, so you'll match perfectly. (The store may even extend you a discount as a result). If they live in various parts of the country, ask them to get measured by a local tailor and send their measurements to your shop. Reserve their tuxedos at least three months in advance.