Planning your outfit for the wedding day, whether it’s your own wedding or not, is something best done as early as possible. You don’t want to be deciding on what you’re wearing just a few weeks before the big day.
A question we often get asked is whether it is best to hire or buy a wedding suit. We wanted to answer this question relating to tuxedos for black tie events, as they’re becoming more and more popular for weddings.
If you would like to enquire about wedding tuxedo hire or designing your bespoke tuxedo, please book an online appointment today.
Are tuxedos for weddings?
If you’re planning to wear a tuxedo to a wedding, it’s good to know if guests or groomsmen typically wear them.
The answer is yes, tuxedos are commonly worn as formal attire to a semi-formal or black tie wedding celebration.
Choosing a tuxedo can be difficult though, especially knowing how to style it appropriately. Check out our Guide To Wedding Tuxedos to find out the difference between wearing a suit and a tuxedo, and which style tuxedos you can choose from.
5 Benefits of Owning a Bespoke Tuxedo
It’s helpful to know why buying a suit is a good decision. Our tailors have made a list of the 5 key benefits:
- It’s an investment
Buying a tuxedo can feel like a big expense compared to renting. The truth is, it’s an investment in your confidence, in a high-quality garment, and in a suit that will last you in the long term because of the price you paid. You are not spending hundreds of pounds on an item that you won’t get to wear again.
- Your suit will fit perfectly
You won’t ever doubt that your suit fits you because it will have been tailored to your measurements and preferred style. Tailors know how to flatter your body shape, and they can make adjustments if necessary.
- Long-term wear
Investing in a bespoke, tailored tuxedo means you have invested in a timeless piece that will last for years to come. Your garment will have been crafted from scratch, hand-sewn by professional tailors, and adjusted to fit you perfectly. With more than 60 hours spent on most bespoke suits, you can rest knowing your tuxedo will have received incredible attention to detail to ensure its longevity.
- Add personal touches
With your own suit, you have the freedom to make any changes you wish. You can choose the lapel style and make sure the sleeve and trouser lengths are perfect. With bespoke tailors, you can even decide on the specific fabric for the suit and mix and match colours if you desire. Rentals don’t offer as much choice, limiting your options for achieving your ideal look.
- Ready for any event
You will always have your suit on hand for any occasion, not just the first wear. There will be no need to worry about hiring a garment in time for your work or Christmas party, because you already own one that flatters you! Stay ahead of the curve and keep your suit steamed and ready to go.
The cost of renting vs buying a tuxedo
How much to rent a tuxedo?
Hiring a tuxedo is generally less expensive than buying a whole ensemble. If you’re looking for an average price guide, between £80-£200 is typical when renting a tuxedo from a high street store in the UK.
A ready-to-wear hiring process typically involves choosing a tuxedo style, confirming your measurements, and then deciding the duration of your rental. If you would like to rent the suit for a longer period, the cost will likely increase.
You can also rent from bespoke tailors if high-quality and professional craftsmanship is what you’re looking for. The hiring process from a tailor like Phillip Alexander is a whole experience, where you choose your suit and style, but then it is tailored to fit you. They take their time in helping you look sophisticated in a tuxedo that isn’t yours – which is why rentals from bespoke tailors typically cost upwards of £200.
How much does a tuxedo cost to buy?
There is no one set cost of a wedding tuxedo. The main difference depends on where you purchase it.
A tuxedo from a high street store – often called a ready-to-wear suit – will start from £100. With this expense, you can expect to only receive assistance in choosing the tuxedo style; it is unlikely that you will have a bespoke, tailored fitting. The quality of the material will also reflect the price you paid.
On the other hand, investing in a tailor-made, premium-quality tuxedo will cost more. This is a result of fine craftsmanship, hand sewing the garment, and experiencing several fittings until your ensemble fits you like a glove. You pay for the quality of the tuxedo and the tailoring experience.
If you are buying a suit for your special day, surely you want to look and feel your best? You shouldn’t settle for anything less than a perfectly-fitted tuxedo, crafted by a professional tailor.
Wedding Tuxedos by Phillip Alexander
If you’re wondering where to rent or buy a tuxedo, Phillip Alexander is a world-class bespoke tailor based in Cheshire and Savile Row. We have been tailoring gentlemen’s suits for weddings since 1876. Our bespoke, hand-crafted tuxedos with personalised tailoring are what set us apart. Are you ready to stand out on your wedding day?
Book an online appointment with our tailor today.
If you’re not ready to buy your own suit just yet, why not rent a high-quality ensemble from us instead? Whichever option you choose, our tailors will be on hand to guide you through the entire process, assisting you to look your best.
