Planning a wedding is a monumental task, but coordinating a bridal party that spans across the country, or even the globe, adds a specific layer of logistical complexity. You want your best man, your brother, and your college roommates to look sharp and cohesive, but when they live hundreds of miles away from the 700 Shop, the fear of "ill-fitting suits" can start to creep in.
At 700 Shop, we’ve been the cornerstone of formal wear for over 65 years. We’ve seen every possible measurement mishap and last-minute wardrobe emergency imaginable. Over those six decades, we’ve perfected a system that takes the guesswork out of the process for out-of-town groomsmen. Our goal is to make sure that whether your groomsman is in New York, California, or right here in our backyard, he arrives at the altar looking like he walked straight out of a GQ editorial.
If you’re a groom wondering how to handle your long-distance wedding party, or a groomsman trying to figure out how to get your gear from a shop you can’t physically visit yet, this guide is for you. Here are the five easy steps to ensuring a perfect fit, every time.
Step 1: Getting Measured Locally (The Professional Way)
The foundation of a great-looking suit or tuxedo is an accurate set of measurements. While it might be tempting for a groomsman to grab a sewing tape measure and try to do it himself in front of a bathroom mirror, we strongly advise against it. DIY measurements are the leading cause of "high-water" pants and "sleeves-past-the-knuckles" jackets.
Instead, we ask every out-of-town groomsman to visit a local formal wear shop or a professional tailor in their home city. Most men’s clothing stores will provide a "guest measurement" service for a nominal fee or even for free.
When you go in, tell them you are standing in a wedding and need a full set of measurements for a rental or custom suit. They will know exactly what to do. Ensure they record:
- Neck and sleeve length
- Chest size (and over-arm measurement)
- Waist and seat
- Outseam
- Height and weight
- Jacket size
Getting these numbers from a professional ensures that we are working with "real-world" data. Since 700 Shop has been in business for half a century, our expert consultants can often look at a set of measurements and identify if something seems "off" based on the person's height and weight. That human touch is what separates us from automated online rental platforms.
Step 2: Submitting Your Measurements to 700 Shop
Once the groomsman has his numbers, the next step is getting that information to us. We’ve made this as flexible as possible to fit into everyone's busy schedule. You don't need to mail in a physical form or wait for a carrier pigeon.
Groomsmen can submit their measurements in two ways:
- Online: Visit our website and just email it in. It’s mobile-friendly and takes less than two minutes to complete.
- By Phone: Some people prefer to talk to a human being, and we love that. Give us a call at the shop. Our consultants will walk you through the numbers, double-check the details, and make sure we have everything we need to start the process.
This is also a great time for the groomsman to mention any specific fit preferences. Does he prefer a more modern, slim-fit silhouette, or does he need a little extra room in the shoulders for comfort? Our consultants use this information to select the best size from our extensive inventory. If you're curious about the general timeline for these steps, check out our wedding tuxedo rental timeline to stay on track.
Step 3: Confirming the Style and Package with the Groom
Before we pull the gear and set it aside, we do a final "check and balance" with the groom’s registered style. Every wedding at 700 Shop has a master file that outlines exactly what the party should be wearing.
Whether the groom has opted for a classic tuxedo or a more casual suit and tie combination, we ensure the out-of-towner’s order matches the rest of the group perfectly. We check the shirt style, the tie color, the pocket square, and even the shoes.
This step is crucial because it prevents the "wrong shade of navy" disaster. By having all the groomsmen go through 700 Shop, regardless of where they live, the groom can rest easy knowing that the entire line-up will be uniform in color, fabric, and quality.
Step 4: The Final Fitting and On-Site Tailoring
This is where the magic happens and why 700 Shop is different from "mail-order" suit companies. For out-of-towners, the first time they usually try on their actual wedding attire is when they arrive in town, typically a day or two before the wedding.
We ask all out-of-town groomsmen to make the 700 Shop their first stop when they get into town. When they walk through our doors, their suit or tuxedo will be waiting for them. They’ll head to the fitting room, try everything on, and our expert consultants will evaluate the fit in person.
Even with professional measurements, sometimes a sleeve needs to be shortened by a quarter-inch, or a waist needs a slight adjustment. This is our specialty. Unlike online-only retailers who leave you stuck with what arrived in the box, we provide on-site tailoring.
If something isn't 100% perfect, our tailors can often handle the adjustments while the groomsman waits or have it ready for pickup later that same day. This "final touch" ensures that everyone looks their absolute best when the cameras start clicking. We don't just hand over a bag; we ensure a professional fit.
Step 5: Returning the Rental
After the "I dos" have been said and the reception has wound down, the final step is the return. We know that out-of-towners are often rushing to get to the airport or hit the road the day after the wedding.
Our return process is designed to be as low-stress as possible. Typically, rentals are due back the following business day. The groom can collect the suits and drop them off in a batch, or individual groomsmen can swing by on their way out of town.
By following these five steps, we turn what could be a logistical nightmare into a smooth, professional experience. With over 50 years of experience, we’ve refined this process to accommodate the modern, mobile wedding party while maintaining the high standards of a traditional brick-and-mortar clothier.
Why 700 Shop?
You might wonder why you shouldn't just use a national chain or a purely digital rental site. The answer lies in the expertise of our consultants and our commitment to quality. When you work with 700 Shop, you aren't just a number in a database; you're a client of a business that has served generations of families.
We understand the nuances of 2026 wedding style trends and can help grooms navigate everything from selecting the right shoes to finding the perfect dress shirt.
Our long-standing relationships with premium brands and our deep roots in the community mean we care about your wedding photos as much as you do. We know those photos will be on your mantle for decades, and we want to make sure that 20 years from now, you still look back and think, "Man, we looked good."
If you have groomsmen coming from out of town, don't sweat the small stuff. Send them this guide, have them get their measurements, and let us handle the rest. We’ve been doing this for a long time, and we’d be honored to help you get ready for your big day.
Ready to get started? Check out our complete guide to suit rentals or browse our featured products to find the look that fits your vision.