Renting vs. Buying: Which Tuxedo is Right for You?

Whether you’re renting or buying, you can expect to spend money if you’re looking for a tux. Depending on the style, renting a tux can easily rack up a bill of a few hundred dollars, while buying can lead to thousands. Most prefer to rent, even though it’s money spent on an outfit that will only be worn once, to avoid the hefty amount of money spent on an outfit that they can only hope to fit in for years to come. However, there are some cons to renting too. We’ve put together a list of pros and cons to help you decide which route is right for you.

Pro: Cheaper

Again, renting is obviously more affordable for a one-time use. Surveys show that the average cost of renting a tux is $196. Purchasing suits and tuxedos can cost anywhere from $300 to $800, but for quality designer fits, you’ll be looking at spending between $800 and $1,500.

Con: No Custom Fitting

Renting doesn’t provide a custom, tailored fit. When buying a tuxedo, you have the option of having it made to fit the specific measurements of your body.

Pro: More Practical If Your Size Changes

You won’t have to worry about whether you’re going to fit in a rental tux next year. Especially for young men who are still growing or men with weight loss or other fitness goals, renting a tux is usually the better option. Many tux rental companies now offer updated fits and styles including classic, modern, and slim, which helps to find the best fit for you.

Con: Must Be Returned

Rentals are temporary. If you think you will be wearing a tux four, five, or more times in a year, you might find that buying is more practical. It’s also a much more convenient option for flash events. You’re prepared, and time spent searching for a tux is not necessary.

Pro: Accessories Included

Formal accessories are included such as your shirt, tie, shoes, cufflinks, studs, vest, and suspenders. All of these items tend to be costly when bought outright.

Mismatched Suits: A Stylish, Budget Friendly Way to Dress Your Groomsmen

Traditionally, groomsmen are dressed identically from their shoes to their cuff links, but mixing and matching suits has recently become a popular trend. And for good reason. It looks great! The trick is to find a common factor in all of the groomsmen’s outfits. For example, choose a specific color and let them pick the style. Or let your groomsmen have even more freedom by letting them choose a shade of a color such as grey, and then match their ties, etc. Allowing a little more freedom as to what your groomsmen will wear on your wedding day can help to make them feel more comfortable and potentially save them some money if they already have a suit that works. Not to mention, mismatched suits and mismatched bridesmaid dresses can give a wedding a more eclectic, fun feel.