Your wedding day is one of those rare moments when everything — from photography to flowers — gets captured forever. And you, the groom (and your groomsmen), deserve to look and feel impeccable. The question many guys wrestle with is: should they rent vs buy vs tailor their wedding outfit? What’s truly the best option?
Maybe you've got a decent suit hanging in your closet. Maybe you want something new. Or maybe renting seems easiest. We’ll walk through the pros and cons of each, especially how tailoring often gives you the most value, fit, and style that lasts beyond “just one day.” Let’s get into the details so you can make a decision that feels great, looks great, and doesn’t leave you with regrets (or a badly fitting jacket in your wedding photos).
Rent vs Buy vs Tailor: What Each Option Means for You
Let’s break down what each path really looks like in practice:
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Renting a Suit or Tuxedo
This is the quickest and usually the cheapest option upfront. You walk into a rental shop, pick a style from the limited selection, wear it for the day, and return it. The downside? The fit is often just “close enough.” You can’t tailor a rented suit, so you’re stuck with whatever comes off the rack. Rentals are great if you know you’ll never need formalwear again, but the look and comfort usually leave something to be desired. -
Buying Off-the-Rack
Purchasing a suit gives you more control over the style, fabric, and quality compared to renting. Prices can range widely depending on the brand, but once you own it, you can make it your own through tailoring. Even small alterations—adjusting the sleeves, slimming the waist, or hemming the pants—can transform an ordinary suit into something that looks custom. The added benefit is that you keep it after the wedding and can wear it to other events. -
Tailoring or Going Custom
This is where you get the best results. Whether you buy a new suit and have it tailored, or invest in a fully custom piece, tailoring ensures the suit is made for your body and your style. The upfront cost is higher, but the long-term value is unmatched. Not only will you look incredible on your wedding day, but you’ll also have a high-quality suit you can reuse for years to come. It’s an investment in both confidence and longevity.
Why Tailoring Often Comes Out on Top
If you ask most groom fashion experts, tailoring (whether of a suit you already own or a new one you buy) hits the sweet spot in the trade-offs. Here’s how:
Fit & Comfort
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A tailored suit (or a suit you customize via tailoring) will hug your frame in the right places — shoulders, chest, waist, sleeves, pant length all made to your shape. This avoids the awkward bagginess or tight spots common in rentals.
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Rental suits are often “one-size-fits-most” or close to standard sizes. They may look okay from a distance, but up close (or in photos), ill-fitting details show.
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Tailoring gives you flexibility; if your weight changes a bit before the wedding, a tailor can adjust. Rentals generally can’t.
Cost-Per-Wear & Long-Term Value
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It seems more expensive to buy and tailor, but when you consider wearing that suit again — for work, anniversaries, other weddings — the cost per wear often becomes lower than renting repeatedly. (The Modern Groom)
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A well-tailored suit is an investment: quality materials, solid construction, fine details last longer than many rental pieces which endure heavy use.
Style, Personalization & Uniqueness
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Tailoring or bespoke options let you pick fabric, lapel style, stitching, lining, buttons, pocket styles, custom monograms, etc. This helps your outfit reflect you.
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A rented suit typically comes from limited stock; same colors, same styles. Your look may end up like many others. Tailoring allows you to stand out.
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Even buying off-the-rack, any purchased suit benefits hugely when custom-altered to fit you perfectly.
Reuse & Sentiment
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After the wedding, you still own the tailored or bought-and-altered suit. It doesn’t disappear after that day. Use it. It becomes part of your wardrobe.
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Memories: a suit someone made (or fitted) for you on that day tends to carry more sentimental value than something you borrowed or rented.
Less Stress (if you plan right)
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Yes, tailoring takes time. But starting early means you avoid last-minute panic. You get measured, try it on, adjust, and ensure fit by the wedding.
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Rentals come with deadlines: pick-ups, drop-offs, limited sizes, possibly poor fit. If something goes wrong (size, damage), you’re stuck with what you’ve got.
When Buying or Renting Might Make Sense
To be fair, there are situations where renting or buying straight off-the-rack makes sense. It helps to know when those apply so you can make an informed choice.
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Renting is better when:
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You need something very quickly (wedding date is soon).
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Budget is tight and this is a one-off formal event (you won’t reuse the suit).
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Your size or shape is unpredictable between now and the wedding (significant weight loss/gain).
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You want something very specific for one theme/fancy photoshoot, not something that fits your usual style.
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Buying off-the-rack + tailoring works well when:
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You see a suit that’s almost perfect in style, color, etc. so you just need adjustments.
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You have time and budget for quality tailoring.
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You expect to wear it again.
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You want more control over personal style than rental allows.
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You want to ensure you look immaculate in your wedding photos (those high-end wedding photographers capture every detail so an ill-fitting suit will stand out!)
Practical Tips: Making the Most of the Tailoring Route
If you're leaning towards tailoring, here are tips to maximize the benefit and avoid pitfalls:
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Start early
Allow 2–3 fittings (or at least one fitting and then a final adjustment) and leave enough lead time (3-4 months if bespoke; several weeks if altering an existing suit). -
Choose fabric wisely
Durable wool blends often work best: wrinkle resistant, more forgiving, good drape. If you go with trendy materials, ensure they hold up also for reuse. -
Make sure tailoring solves your problem spots
Tailors can adjust sleeve length, pant break, take in sides, adjust waist—these are the kinds of fixes that make a standard suit look custom. -
Fit matters most in visible zones
The shoulder is a tough one to fix — better to buy something shoulder-friendly and the let tailor handle rest. It’s much easier to adjust the sleeve or waist than the shoulder structure. -
Coordinate the party
If your groomsmen are buying or tailoring, try to agree on fabric, style, color undertones. Even small mismatches stand out in photos. -
Keep future use in mind
Choose a timeless look instead of something super trendy. Dark navy, classic black, charcoal – these go a long way. Then tailor them so they look sharp on you now and later.
Rent vs Buy vs Tailoring Wedding Outfits: Quick Comparison (For the Groom & Groomsmen)
Here’s how the three options usually play out for both the groom and his groomsmen:
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For the Groom
Renting is the least expensive upfront, but it often means settling for a suit that doesn’t quite fit and feels more like a placeholder than a keepsake. Buying off-the-rack and having it tailored strikes a great balance—you get something that’s yours, styled to your taste, and adjusted to fit well. Going full tailoring or bespoke is the ultimate choice: you’ll look sharp, feel comfortable, and have a lasting piece you can wear again and again. -
For the Groomsmen
Rentals are popular because they’re quick, inexpensive, and ensure everyone looks somewhat coordinated, but the fit often suffers. Buying a suit and having each one tailored is a stronger choice, especially if you want your groomsmen to own a useful suit they can wear beyond your wedding. If budgets allow, having all the groomsmen tailor or order custom suits creates a polished, consistent look that photographs beautifully and makes everyone feel confident.
Location Matters—Here in Rockford, IL & Nationwide
If you’re getting tailored in the Rockford area, you have a big advantage: local tailor shops (like us at Tad More Tailoring) let you try on, adjust in person, visualize fabrics, etc. No shipping delays or surprises.
But even if you’re not local, most experienced tailors/restaurants or bespoke firms offer virtual appointments, mail-in measurements, and fitting sessions. Just make sure you read reviews carefully, check for alteration policies, and allow extra lead time when ordering from out of town.
Internal Resources & More Reading
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For tips on how groom alterations can help you look your best on the big day, check out our post: Groom Alterations: Looking Your Best on the Big Day.
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Want ideas for what to wear if you’re a wedding guest? Our guide What to Wear as a Wedding Guest: Men’s Guide has some great inspiration and tips.
FAQ
Q1: Can I tailor a suit I already own so that it looks wedding-ready?
Yes — often that’s the smartest move. If your suit is close in style and color, tailoring can adjust the fit (sleeves, waist, pant length), clean up lapels, maybe change buttons or lining. It’s cheaper than buying brand new, and you get the benefit of something tried, tested, and comfortable.
Q2: How far in advance should I get a suit tailored or made?
If you’re buying new and tailoring, aim for at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding to allow for fittings. If you’re going bespoke (custom made), plan for 3-4 months ahead. Local tailoring may be quicker, but don’t leave fit to the last minute.
Q3: What if groomsmen have wildly different body types — is tailoring still feasible or cost-effective?
Yes — tailoring is actually especially useful in that case. Buying off-the-rack for everyone often means some look surprisingly baggy or tight. With tailoring, each person gets measured, altered appropriately. It adds cost, but the visual result in photos and in person is worth it.
The Final Word: Why Tailoring Wins
When the dust settles, tailoring (whether by customizing a suit you buy or altering one you already have) hits most of the sweet spots: fit, reuse, style, and value. Renting has its place, especially in tight-budget or tight-time situations — but you often pay a cost in style and comfort. Buying off-the-rack helps, but without tailoring, even expensive suits may look average.
If you want to step into your wedding day feeling confident, sharp, and getting pictures you’ll love forever, make tailoring part of your plan.
Ready to see what tailoring can do for you? Book your wedding alterations appointment at Tad More Tailoring today. We’ll help you find (or customize) a suit that fits like a glove, looks timeless, and stays with you long after the aisle. Let’s make your suit one of your best investment pieces.
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