Buy or Sell New & Preowned Wedding Items

This tux is listed on BravoBride for only $50, reduced from $300!

The Man Registry and Mike Dee from The Wedding Guyed have teamed up to answer a few of the common questions that grooms have about their wedding day attire. Mike had just launched a new wedding blog for men and he’s got some great tips (as seen below) for the grooms out there!

Tux vs. Suit

The only major difference between a black suit and a tuxedo is the satin stripe down the pants and the shiny lapel.

Buying vs. renting

Photos are forever and video makes you immortal.  With that said you will want to look your best. Rental tuxedos are one size fit most. I recommend that the groom purchase a tuxedo and get it custom tailored. The accessories (Vest kits, shirts and shoes.) can be rented for around $20-$50. Your future wife will thank you for it.

When to book

Book early. 3-6 months is ideal.  Picking the styles and colors are your personal preference. The best time to shop for a tux is early in the week and in the afternoon.  Most retail stores are empty and you will get a better service experience.  If your wedding is during prom season, book your final fittings during school hours to avoid being in a small shop with a bunch of teenage boys.

Where to book – Mom and Pop Shop vs. Click and Mortar:

In this dot com era there are very few local tuxedo shops left.  If you are doing a local wedding where all your groomsman are in the same area, use a local shop.  A local shop will likely carry stock. In other words, they will have the tuxedos, vests and shoes on hand for you to look at and  try on (unlike the mall stores with just the picture books). Click and Mortar (aka big chain formal wear stores) retailers have some big advantages over the little guy.  The main advantage is being able to accommodate a bridal party across the state and across the nation.  These places will carry more inventory and more current styles then your local mom and pop shop.  They will have online reservation and tracking systems in place to help you set up your group’s package and some will offer you your very own group planning expert. The national average price for a rental ranges between $120-$200.

*** Always remember that if the wedding date is late April-Mid June, you are competing with prom kids. The local store will always take preference to the prom kids (Multiple tux rental from his group or school, repeat business for the next prom and a possible future wedding.) over your request as a groom.  Also keep in mind when you go for your fitting, you may have to wait in line behind 20 teenagers.
Cheers!