Rent it or Buy it? - A Wedding Suit Dilemma
Updated: Oct 18
Getting the groom and his guys dressed for the wedding can lead to that one conflicting question. 🤔 Let's give you the breakdown:
The PROS and the CONS
Renting:
PRO: Bundle pricing. Each garment is part of a whole package: jacket, pant, shirt, vest, and tie is all for one price.
PRO: Easy schedule to follow. Usually rentals are used over the weekend, everyone picks up their rentals on Thursday or Friday before a wedding and they must be returned in the next two days.
PRO: Rentals can be done fairly quickly and really only needs a few weeks' notice.
PRO: There are a lot of styles to choose from.
CON: If they are returned late, they incur a fee.
CON: Only minor tailoring can be made, like lengthening a coat sleeve for fixing a hem.
Buying:
PRO: It's for keeps! The major benefit is that everyone can get their suit on their own time before the wedding, pay for tailoring, and it’s theirs to keep.
PRO: Tailoring can be done to your liking, be mindful though, as costs can add up.
PRO: Some menswear stores, like us, offer packages that include the coat, pant, a dress shirt, and tie for one price. You may have to have at least 3-4 people to qualify for the deal.
CON: Make sure everyone understands what they need to do and wear. It can be like herding cats if you have more than a few groomsmen.
CON: You are in charge of your own dry cleaning.
TIMING: Not a pro, not a con, just knowledge. Buying takes PLANNING (especially if you have 4 or more groomsmen). A few months of notice is best to get all the correct suit sizes & colors for all groomsmen.
The Cost Per-Wear Formula
Ask yourself how often you may need your suit or tuxedo for weddings or other formal occasions. If you’re likely to get more than two wears in a year, buying would be a better option.
Is it sentimental?
What kind of personal significance does your wedding suit hold for you? We all know the various traditions attached to the wedding gown and the significance this holds for the bride, but does a groom feel the same about his outfit?
RECAP
We hope by laying some of the pros and cons of renting versus buying can help you come closer to a decision. Buying your wedding suit or going with a wedding suit package or renting, here at Suits Unlimited in Albuquerque, NM, we are prepared to help you get what you want out of your wedding day attire.