For the Groom - How to Choose Your Tuxedos

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. Of course you and your bride will want everything to be perfect, including the tuxedo selection.

Although the tuxedos will be worn by you and your groomsmen, your bride will probably want to have some input on the style and/or colors selected. There are so many styles, colors and fabrics available now that it can be quite confusing and maybe even a little intimidating at first. Here are some suggestions that may help the process go a little smoother.

• Select a retailer who is in the same location/area as the wedding. This will be important when it comes to returning the tuxedos after the wedding, which is usually on the Monday following a Saturday wedding.
  
• Select a responsible individual (your best man, father, father-in-law, etc.) who will make sure that all tuxedos and accessories are returned to the retailer by the due date after the wedding. As I mentioned above, returns are usually due within a very short period of time following the wedding. Since you will more than likely be on your honeymoon or otherwise distracted, make sure you assign this job to someone who will ensure it gets done. This will prevent a lot of headaches and additional charges (see NOTE below).
  
• Most retailers are competitively priced, have an array of colors to select from and have very similar if not the same styles. Choose a respected retailer who will provide you and your wedding party the best service.
  
• Most tuxedo retailers can accommodate the entire wedding party within a month of the wedding unless you are getting married during high school prom season! At that time you may want to allow 2 months.
  
• Most retailers, especially those also handling the orders for the bride’s gown and/or gowns for her attendants, will offer discounts for multiple rentals. The groom will usually receive a substantial discount if not be free, with a minimum number of rentals. The minimum and the discount varies by retailer, so be sure to ask. Special discounts may also be available for the ring bearer.
  
• Each groomsman should be prepared to pay:
  
  
  
  1. A deposit (down payment) of usually 50% of the total rental amount. This is required before an order will be placed.
     
  2. An additional security deposit may be required to ensure that all tuxedos and accessories are returned after the wedding. This additional deposit can sometimes be handled by simply providing a valid credit card number (sometimes the best man or the groom provides this) and or a check that will be held. The additional security deposit requirement varies by retailer so again, be sure to ask. See NOTE below for further information.
     
  3. A nominal charge for an “Accidental Damage Waiver”. This is sort of an “insurance” policy that protects you in case the tuxedo is damaged accidentally. Ask the retailer about the specifics of this coverage. The charge is usually as low as a few dollars and is required on most rentals.
     
  
  
• Don’t worry about the groomsmen who live out of town! They can be measured for their tux where they live and call the measurements in to the retailer of your choice. Payments can be handled via phone by credit card or by mailing a check in most instances.
  
• Guys, be aware that not all accessories are included in the price of the rental! For example, if shoes are being ordered, do not necessarily assume that dress socks will be included! Select each component. You’ll have to choose the specific shirt, neck wear, vest or cummerbund, shoes, etc. You’ll also need to select the jacket style; trousers are usually pretty standard. Cuff links and button covers are pretty standard also, unless you want to pay for an upgrade. Ask the sales associate for specifics.
  
• Don’t forget tuxedos for your father, father-in-law, grandfathers, uncles, special attendees, etc!
  

NOTE: A little more information regarding the security deposit. Additional security deposits are only applied if and only if tuxedos and accessories are not returned to the retailer when due. Retailers rarely own the tuxedos that are rented, but basically rent them from companies such as Jim’s Formal Wear. Tuxedos must be returned to “Jim’s” within a very short period of time after the event in order to have the garments, cleaned, pressed, etc., and sent out for the next customer. If the garments are not returned to “Jim’s” by the due date, the retailer is charged a penalty and within a very short period of time, may be charged the entire retail replacement cost of the tux.