Let’s be honest: walking into a formal wear shop can feel a bit like stepping onto a movie set where you don’t know your lines. You know you need to look sharp for the big day, whether it’s your own wedding, a gala, or a high-stakes prom, but the terminology, the fitting process, and the logistics can feel a little overwhelming.
At 700 Shop, we’ve heard it all. From "Do I really need those shiny shoes?" to "What if I rip my pants on the dance floor?" we are here to tell you that there are no dumb questions. Tuxedo rental should be a smooth, stress-free experience that ends with you looking like the best version of yourself.
In this guide, we’re pulling back the curtain and answering all the FAQs you might be too afraid to ask.
1. What exactly comes in a rental package?
One of the most common points of confusion is what "complete" actually means. When you rent a tuxedo from 700 Shop, we aren't just handing you a jacket and wishing you luck. A full rental package is designed to be a "turnkey" solution for your formal needs.
Typically, your package includes:
- The Tuxedo Jacket and Matching Pants: The core components of your look.
- The Formal Shirt: Usually a crisp, white shirt designed specifically for tuxedo studs and cufflinks. (Check out our guide to dress shirts for more on the details).
- A Vest or Cummerbund: This is the piece that bridges the gap between your shirt and trousers.
- The Tie: Whether you’re a traditional bow-tie guy or prefer a modern long tie.
- The Shoes: High-shine formal shoes that complement the tuxedo perfectly.
- Cufflinks and Studs: The "jewelry" of the tuxedo that holds your shirt together.
Having everything bundled together ensures that your blacks match (yes, there are different shades of black!) and that your style is cohesive from head to toe.
2. How early should I book my rental?
If you are a groom planning a wedding, the ideal window is 3 to 6 months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to browse styles, coordinate with your wedding colors, and get your wedding party organized. You can even check out the 2026 wedding style trends to see what's currently hitting the runways.
But here is the 700 Shop secret: We know life happens. Maybe you got a last-minute invite to a gala, or you’ve been a bit of a procrastinator (no judgment!). Because we maintain a large in-stock inventory right here in the shop, we can often handle much shorter timelines than the big-box national chains or online-only rental sites. While 3-6 months is great for a big wedding party, if you need a tuxedo for next week, come see us. We’ve saved many a "formal emergency."
3. How do my out-of-town groomsmen get fitted?
This is a huge concern for modern weddings. Your best man is in New York, your brother is in Chicago, and you’re here in Indiana. How does everyone end up in a matching tuxedo that actually fits?
It’s actually very simple. We advise your out-of-town guys to go to a local tailor or formal wear shop in their own city and ask for "courtesy measurements." Most shops will do this for a small fee or even for free. Once they have their numbers (neck, sleeve, chest, waist, outseam, etc.), they can simply contact us.
We take those measurements, pull the gear, and have it ready for them when they arrive in town for the wedding. It’s a tried-and-true process that keeps the wedding party looking uniform without requiring everyone to fly in months early for a fitting.
4. What if it doesn’t fit perfectly when I pick it up?
This is the biggest fear people have with tuxedo rentals: and it's the biggest reason why you should avoid "tuxedo in a box" online services. If an online rental shows up two days before your wedding and the sleeves are two inches too long, you’re stuck.
At 700 Shop, we provide on-site tailoring. When you come in for your final fitting (usually a few days before the event), you’ll try on the actual tuxedo you’ll be wearing. If the pants need a slight adjustment or the jacket sleeve needs a tweak, we handle it right there. We don't send it back to a warehouse across the country; we fix it in-house so you walk out the door with a perfect fit.
5. Do you have Big and Tall sizes?
Absolutely. We believe every man deserves to look his best, regardless of his build. Unlike some rental departments that only carry a limited range of "average" sizes, we pride ourselves on our wide range of Big and Tall options. From broader shoulders to longer inseams, we have the inventory and the expertise to fit you properly. You shouldn't feel like you're wearing a tent, and you shouldn't feel like you're bursting at the seams. Our goal is comfort and confidence.
6. When do I have to bring the tuxedo back?
The standard rule for weekend events is that the rental is due back the following Monday. This gives you Sunday to recover from the festivities and get everything back in the bag. If you are traveling for a destination wedding or have unique circumstances, just talk to us ahead of time. We’re local, we’re flexible, and we’re happy to work with your schedule to avoid those pesky late fees.
7. Tuxedo vs. Suit: Which one do I actually need?
If the invitation says "Black Tie," you need a tuxedo. If it says "Black Tie Optional" or "Formal," you have a choice. Tuxedos are distinguished by the presence of satin: satin lapels, satin buttons, and a satin stripe down the leg of the trousers. Suits, on the other hand, are made of a consistent fabric throughout.
If you’re debating which way to go, we have a great breakdown of Tuxedo vs. Suit for your wedding that can help you decide based on the vibe of your event.
8. Why local expertise beats online-only rentals
In the age of convenience, it’s tempting to just click a few buttons and have a tuxedo mailed to your house. But formal wear is about precision. An algorithm can guess your size, but it can’t see how a specific brand’s "slim fit" interacts with your specific shoulder shape.
When you shop at 700 Shop, you’re getting:
- The Touch Test: You can feel the quality of the wool and see the colors in person.
- Professional Measuring: We know exactly where to pull the tape to ensure comfort when you're sitting, standing, and dancing.
- Peace of Mind: If something goes wrong, you have a physical place to go and a real person to talk to. We’ve been a staple in the community because we care about the results.
Whether you’re looking for a modern navy look or a classic black tuxedo, the local advantage means you won't be stressing over shipping delays or "close enough" fits.
9. What if I spill something on it?
Don't panic. We expect people to eat, drink, and celebrate in our rentals. While you should obviously treat the garment with respect, our rental process includes a small accidental damage waiver that covers minor issues like a popped button or a small, treatable stain. If something major happens, just be honest with us when you drop it off. Whatever you do, don't try to wash or dry-clean the rental yourself: you might accidentally set a stain or damage the fabric. Let our professionals handle it.
Ready to get started?
Renting a tuxedo doesn't have to be a chore. It’s the one time you get to step up and look your absolute best, and we want you to enjoy that process. If you have more questions, or if you’re ready to start picking out looks for your 2026 wedding, stop by 700 Shop or give us a call. We’ll get you measured, styled, and out the door looking like a million bucks.
For more tips on navigating formal wear, check out our complete guide to when to rent vs. buy in 2026. We look forward to helping you suit up!
Josh Rosenberger
Owner/President, 700 Shop
7th & Philadelphia St: Where Fashion Meets Fit