*Photo courtesy of Savvi Formalwear
Sure, a lot of the attention is put on the bride and her wedding dress appointment, but the groom deserves to have a successful tuxedo fitting as well! Whether you are renting or buying for your big day, it is important that you get all the important details from your chosen formalwear shop, and that you know exactly what to expect. Before scheduling your tuxedo fitting, go over these questions so that you know what to ask before and during your appointment.
Do you carry your supply in-store to try on? If not, do you have sample sizes?
Formalwear stores can operate differently. Some stores carry a full supply of different styles and sizes of suits and tuxedos for you to try on. Others may only have sample sizes to try on so that you can get a general feel of the formal piece, while some simply have mannequins and a catalog for you to order from. Before scheduling your appointment, check-in with the store you are interested in to see what they offer. If it is important to you to be able to try on in the store (and potentially take your piece home with you that day), you’ll want to make sure the store has that capability.
Are there options to customize my suit?
Some men are satisfied with picking a style off the rack, but others may want the option to make some tweaks to create a style that is truly their own. Before going into your appointment, know what type of customization options they offer (if any).
How far in advance do I need to place my order?
You might assume that the bride is the only one who needs to place her formalwear order well in advance, but think again! While it may not take as much time to receive a tuxedo as a wedding dress, you should expect to wait some time before receiving your order—potentially a few months. Ask your formalwear store how long it will take to receive an order if they don’t carry your size or style in the store. When it comes to timing, be sure to keep in mind that you may need to get alterations as well. Additionally, if you have a larger group of groomsmen, you’ll want to leave ample time for everyone to go to the store, place their order, receive their tuxedo, and get any necessary alterations.
How many people can accompany me to the appointment?
If you are planning on bringing some or all of your groomsmen along with you to the appointment, it is important to ask how many people the space and staff can accommodate at a time. You may need to have people make appointments individually if it is a smaller space.
Do you offer alterations on-site? What do these services cost?
There is a good chance you will need to get some sort of alterations done, so you will need to factor that into your timeline and budget. If they do offer alterations on-site, ask about the prices and timeline you should expect. If they don’t have an alterations team in-store, keep in mind that you will need to budget out time to find another alterations service and take in your tuxedo. A formalwear store that doesn’t offer alterations services will likely have recommendations for businesses in the area, so ask them for their opinion on where you should go.
What measurements do out-of-town groomsmen need to provide?
It is very possible some of your groomsmen won’t actually be able to come into the store for a fitting, especially if you have some friends coming in from out-of-town for the wedding. During your appointment, ask what measurements they should send in so that the ordering process can be as straightforward as possible for everyone involved. Your groomsmen can go to a local formalwear store to get the necessary measurements and can call them into your chosen shop.
Do you carry accessories?
There is more to your wedding day look than just the tuxedo. You’ll need a bowtie, cufflinks, socks, shoes, pocket square, and more. Check if your store carries these accessories—it’ll help streamline the shopping process.
Do you offer rentals?
To save a bit of money, you may choose to opt for the tuxedo rental route. If you decide to rent rather than buy, there are a few specific questions you should ask, including:
- Is there a damage fee or security deposit? Know about any hidden costs before committing to renting. In the case that you damage your rented tux, ask what the fee looks like.
- When will I receive my tux? When do I need to return it? Some formalwear shops require you to return your suit fairly quickly after the event (potentially the next day). If they require a fast turnaround and you aren’t available, be sure to appoint a family member or friend to return it for you. This is particularly important if you want to avoid any late fees!
If you are in the process of planning your wedding, come to the next Georgia Bridal Show near you. You will have the chance to meet with wedding professionals from Georgia and the Southeast who can help bring your vision to life!
Georgia wedding vendors, as well as other wedding professionals across the Southeast, can contact us about opportunities for exhibition and online marketing with Georgia Bridal Show.