Your wedding day is one of the biggest moments of your life, and the last thing you want is tuxedo stress throwing off your vibe. Whether you're searching for "wedding tuxedo rental" options or trying to find the best "tuxedo rental near me," the key to looking sharp on your big day is starting early and following a clear timeline.
At 700 Shop, we've been helping grooms nail the perfect look for over 50 years. We've seen it all, from guys who plan six months ahead to those who walk in two weeks before the wedding in a panic. Trust us, the first group always has a better experience. Here's your step-by-step timeline to make wedding tuxedo rental stress-free and get you fitted like a pro.
Step 1: Book Your Tuxedo 2-3 Months Before the Wedding
Timeline: 2-3 months out
This is your starting line. Aim to book your wedding tuxedo rental about 2-3 months before your wedding date. If you're getting married during peak wedding season (May through September) or have a larger wedding party, push that timeline to a full three months.
Why so early? A few reasons:
- Selection matters: Popular styles and sizes book up fast, especially during wedding season. Starting early means you get first dibs on the best inventory.
- Coordination time: If you have groomsmen scattered across different cities or states, they'll need time to get their measurements done locally or through online tools.
- Less stress: Nobody wants to be scrambling at the last minute. Starting early gives you breathing room to make decisions without pressure.
For destination weddings, give yourself even more time, up to 8 months ahead, to account for international shipping and any customs delays.
Pro tip from 700 Shop: When you come in for your initial consultation, bring photos of your venue, color swatches from bridesmaids' dresses, and any inspiration pics you've saved. Our expert fitters will help you choose a style that matches your wedding's vibe perfectly.
Step 2: Schedule Your Initial Fitting 4-6 Weeks Before
Timeline: 4-6 weeks out
Once you've picked your tuxedo style, it's time to get measured. Schedule your first fitting about 4-6 weeks before the wedding. This is where our 50+ years of expertise at 700 Shop really shines, our professional fitters know exactly how a tuxedo should sit on your shoulders, where the jacket sleeve should end, and how to get that crisp, tailored look you see in magazines.
Here's what happens during your initial fitting:
- Precise measurements: We'll measure your chest, waist, inseam, sleeve length, neck, and more. These aren't your regular clothing sizes, formal wear fits differently.
- Style refinements: Try on your selected tuxedo and see how it looks in person. Sometimes what looks great online needs adjustments when you actually wear it.
- Accessory selection: Choose your shirt style, tie or bowtie, cufflinks, pocket square, and shoes. All these details matter.
If you're coordinating groomsmen fittings, try to schedule everyone around the same time. This keeps everyone on the same page and ensures consistency across your wedding party.
For out-of-town groomsmen: Most rental companies (including 700 Shop) work with national networks or offer measurement guides for remote fittings. We'll make sure everyone gets fitted properly, no matter where they live.
Step 3: Finalize Everything One Month Before
Timeline: 1 month out
One month before your wedding, everything needs to be locked in. This is your hard deadline for finalizing styles, measurements, and quantities. No more "I'm thinking about switching to a navy tuxedo" or "Can I add two more groomsmen?"
At this point, confirm:
- Final headcount: How many tuxedos you're renting (yours plus all groomsmen)
- All measurements: Double-check that everyone's measurements are submitted and accurate
- Style details: Confirm jacket style, pant style, shirt type, tie/bowtie color, and all accessories
- Special requests: Suspenders instead of a belt? Specific cufflink style? Handle it now.
This one-month window gives the rental company adequate time to prepare or order everything you need. At 700 Shop, we use this time to ensure every piece is cleaned, pressed, and quality-checked before it goes out.
Important: Ask about what's included in your rental package. Does it come with shoes? Cufflinks? Pocket square? Knowing exactly what you're getting (and what you might need to source separately) prevents day-of surprises.
Step 4: Confirm All Details Two Weeks Before
Timeline: 2 weeks out
You're in the home stretch. Two weeks before your wedding, reach out to your tuxedo rental shop to confirm every last detail:
- Pickup date and time: When and where will you collect the tuxedos?
- Return deadline: Most rentals are due back the Monday following your weekend wedding, typically by 5:00 PM.
- Delivery method: Are you picking up in-store, or is everything being shipped to you?
- Emergency contact: Get a direct phone number in case any last-minute issues pop up.
This is also a smart time to review the return policy. What happens if something gets stained or damaged? What are the late fees? Understanding these details now saves headaches later.
700 Shop tip: We guarantee tuxedos are ready by Thursday at 1:00 PM for weekend weddings. This gives you plenty of time to try everything on and handle any last-minute tweaks.
Step 5: Pick Up Your Tuxedos 1-2 Days Before the Wedding
Timeline: 1-2 days out
Your tuxedos will be ready for pickup 1-2 days before your wedding. When you pick them up, don't just grab the garment bags and run, take a few minutes to try everything on right there in the shop.
Check for:
- Fit: Does the jacket sit properly on your shoulders? Are the pants the right length?
- Completeness: Are all accessories included (shirt, tie, cufflinks, shoes, etc.)?
- Condition: Any loose buttons, stains, or issues that need immediate attention?
Most rental shops (including 700 Shop) can handle minor last-minute adjustments while you wait. Better to catch a small issue now than discover it while you're getting dressed on your wedding day.
Delegate if needed: If you're swamped with other wedding prep, designate your best man or a reliable family member to handle the pickup. Just make sure they know to try everything on and report back.
After your wedding, return all items by the specified deadline. Pack everything back in the garment bags, include all accessories, and drop them off on time to avoid late fees.
Why Expert Fitting Makes All the Difference
Here's something we've learned in our 50+ years at 700 Shop: a tuxedo rental isn't just about finding something black and formal. It's about the fit.
A properly fitted tuxedo makes you look taller, more confident, and way more polished. Our expert fitters know:
- How to adjust for different body types (athletic builds, broader shoulders, etc.)
- Where jacket sleeves should end (right at your wrist bone, showing about half an inch of shirt cuff)
- How pant break should look (a slight break at the shoe, not puddling on the floor)
- Which lapel styles work best for different wedding settings
This expertise is what separates a "meh, it fits" rental from a "wow, you look amazing" rental.
Final Thoughts: Start Early, Stay Organized
Wedding tuxedo rental doesn't have to be complicated. Follow this five-step timeline, work with a shop that has real expertise (like 700 Shop), and you'll walk down the aisle looking sharp and feeling confident.
Quick recap:
- 2-3 months out: Book your tuxedo and start the process
- 4-6 weeks out: Get your initial fitting and measurements
- 1 month out: Finalize all details and lock in your order
- 2 weeks out: Confirm pickup, return, and all logistics
- 1-2 days out: Pick up, try on, and handle any final tweaks
Looking for expert tuxedo rental services? Visit 700 Shop or stop by our store to work with our experienced fitting team. We'll make sure you look your absolute best on the biggest day of your life.