Wedding season is a marathon of celebrations, photos, and high-stakes moments. For many men, it’s also the one time of year they find themselves standing in front of a mirror, grappling with a tuxedo rental.
While a tuxedo is the gold standard of men’s formalwear, it’s surprisingly easy to get wrong. We’ve seen it all during our 60 years at the 700 Shop: from sleeves that are three inches too long to "black tie" events where the groom accidentally shows up in charcoal gray.
Renting shouldn't feel like a gamble. When done right, a rental provides the high-fashion look of a custom suit without the investment price tag. When done wrong, it looks like you’re wearing your older, much larger brother's clothes.
To help you navigate the upcoming wedding season with style and confidence, we’ve rounded up the seven most common tuxedo rental mistakes and exactly how to fix them.
1. The "Last Minute" Scramble
The biggest mistake happens before you even step into a shop: waiting too long to book. Many guys assume that because it’s a rental, there’s an infinite supply of jackets and pants waiting in a back room.
The Reality: During peak wedding season (May through October), popular styles and sizes move fast. If you wait until three weeks before the big day, you might be stuck with whatever is left in the warehouse: which usually means the least popular cuts and the most worn-out fabrics.
The Fix: Start your selection process 3 to 4 months before the wedding. This gives you time to choose the exact style you want and ensures your size is reserved. At the 700 Shop, we recommend finalizing all rentals at least 2 months out to account for logistics and to give your groomsmen plenty of time to get measured.
2. Relying on "Guess-timates" and Self-Measurements
We live in a world of online convenience, but your tuxedo measurements are not something you should "DIY." We’ve seen groomsmen send in numbers they took themselves with a hardware store tape measure, or worse, "vanity sizes" from their favorite pair of relaxed-fit jeans.
The Reality: Suit sizing is vastly different from casual wear. A "size 34" pant in a tuxedo fits much closer to the body than a "size 34" pant from a big-box retailer. Relying on self-reported numbers is a recipe for a baggy crotch or a jacket that won’t button.
The Fix: Insist on professional measurements. Every member of the wedding party should visit an expert consultant for a fitting. If you have out-of-town groomsmen, have them visit a reputable local tailor to get measured and then send those professional numbers to us.
3. Treating the Pick-up Like a "Grab and Go"
You’re busy. The wedding is in two days, and you have a rehearsal dinner to attend. It’s tempting to run into the shop, grab the garment bag, and head home.
The Reality: This is where 90% of wedding-day disasters happen. You get home, put the tuxedo on, and realize the shirt sleeve is too short or the previous renter’s dry cleaner missed a spot. By then, it’s often too late for the shop to get a replacement piece.
The Fix: Try it on in the store. No exceptions. When you come to the 700 Shop for pick-up, we insist you try on the full ensemble. This allows our on-site tailors to make those final, minute adjustments that turn a "rental" into a "fit." If something feels off, we can fix it right then and there.
4. Ignoring the Venue and Climate
A classic black wool tuxedo is a masterpiece of design, but it’s a nightmare in a 90-degree outdoor garden wedding in July.
The Reality: Men often pick a look based on a photo they saw online without considering where they’ll actually be wearing it. Wearing heavy, non-breathable fabrics in the heat leads to sweating, discomfort, and a "shiny" look in photos that you’ll regret for years.
The Fix: Match your fabric to your environment. For summer weddings, look for lighter-weight wools or performance fabrics that offer breathability. For more casual or outdoor venues, consider a high-quality sportswear or casual-wear alternative if the dress code allows. If you must go formal in the heat, ensure you have a high-quality dress shirt that can handle the moisture.
5. The Mismatched Accessory Trap
A tuxedo isn’t just a jacket and pants; it’s an ecosystem. A common mistake is assuming the rental includes everything, or trying to "save money" by using a belt and shoes you already own.
The Reality: You cannot wear a standard leather belt with a tuxedo. You cannot wear your "work shoes" with a tuxedo. These small details break the sleek line of formalwear and make the whole outfit look disjointed.
The Fix: Opt for the full package. A proper tuxedo rental should include the shoes, studs, cufflinks, and the correct waist treatment (either a vest or a cummerbund: never a belt!). When everything comes from one source, the blacks match, the leathers shine together, and the look is cohesive.
6. Letting the Groom "Get Lost" in the Crowd
We often see wedding parties where the groom and all eight groomsmen are wearing the exact same tuxedo, tie, and pocket square.
The Reality: In photos, the groom can easily get lost in a sea of identical black suits. While uniformity looks clean, the groom deserves a moment to stand out as the guest of honor.
The Fix: Use subtle "differentiators." The groom might wear a different colored vest, a bow tie while the guys wear long ties, or a tuxedo with a different lapel style (like a peak lapel vs. the groomsmen’s notch lapels). Even a different pocket square or a unique boutonniere can do the trick.
7. Forgetting the "Exit Strategy"
The wedding was a success, the party was legendary, and now you’re headed on your honeymoon. But where is your tuxedo?
The Reality: Late fees are the hidden cost of tuxedo rentals. Many guys leave their tux in a hotel room or the back of a car, forgetting that most rentals are due back the very next business day.
The Fix: Assign a "Return Captain." Usually, this is the Best Man or a trusted family member who isn’t leaving for a honeymoon the next morning. Make sure they have all the garment bags and a clear deadline. At the 700 Shop, we make the return process as simple as the pick-up, but it requires a plan!
Why "Fit" Matters Most
At the end of the day, the difference between a good tuxedo and a great one is the fit. You can spend thousands of dollars on a designer suit, but if it doesn't fit your frame, it will look cheap. Conversely, a well-fitted rental can look like a million bucks.
That’s why we focus so heavily on our on-site tailoring. We don't just hand you a bag; we ensure the sleeve hits exactly at the wrist bone to show a quarter-inch of shirt cuff. We ensure the trousers have the perfect "break" over your shoes.
Ready to look your best for the upcoming wedding season? Whether you’re the groom, a groomsman, or a guest who wants to turn heads, we’re here to help you avoid the pitfalls and find the perfect fit.
Stop by our shop at 7th & Philadelphia St. for a consultation, and let's get you ready for the big day.
Josh Rosenberger
Owner/President, 700 Shop
7th & Philadelphia St: Where Fashion Meets Fit