How Much Should You Budget for a Wedding Tuxedo? A Detailed Cost Breakdown

ByRhys

How much should you expect to spend on a wedding tuxedo? What are the costs that come along with looking sharp on your special day? These are common questions for anyone planning a wedding. The tuxedo is a groom’s appearance, and its cost can be a big piece of a wedding budget.

The price of a wedding tuxedo can differ a lot. Some things that change the price are if you rent or buy, and the quality of the suit. Renting a tuxedo can save money. You wear it for the wedding day and then give it back. The price to rent can be from $100 to $250. The rental typically includes the jacket, pants, shirt, a vest or belt, a tie, and sometimes shoes and special cufflinks for your wrists.

If someone decides to buy a tuxedo instead, the price can jump higher. A tuxedo that you buy and keep might cost from $300 to much more, like $800 or more for a fancy brand. The cost depends on where you get it from and what type it is.

Photo by Drew Rae:

Some people want a tuxedo that fits just right, made just for them. These kinds, called made-to-measure or bespoke, can start at a price like $800 and grow to over $3,000.

Tuxedo Rental Costs

Renting a tuxedo is a choice many make for their wedding day. It often costs less than buying one. The price to rent a full set may range between $100 and $250. This price can go up or down based on how fancy the tuxedo is and where you rent from.

In a normal rental package, you get a jacket, pants, a shirt, and sometimes a vest or belt and a tie. Some places might also include shoes and small items for your wrists called cufflinks. Renting can be good if you do not plan to wear a tuxedo often. It means spending less for just one day.

On the other hand, if you buy a tuxedo, it might cost more up front. Prices start at about $300 and can go much higher for name brands or special styles. However, you own it and can wear it many times.

Purchasing a Tuxedo

Buying a tuxedo off the rack means you take a suit that is ready-made from the store. Prices for these suits can start at about $300 and go up to more than $800. More famous brands and high-quality materials can make the cost higher.

One good reason to buy rather than rent is that the suit is yours to keep. You can wear it for other special times after the wedding. Owning your tuxedo lets you get exactly what you want. You can choose the style and fit that looks best on you. Over time, if you wear it a lot, the price for each use goes down.

When you buy a tuxedo, there can be more costs that add up. Sometimes, you need to make the suit fit better, and that means paying for changes, called alterations. You will also want to look at extra things like shoes, a belt or vest, and a tie. These do not usually come with the suit and will cost extra.

The price you pay for a tuxedo can vary a lot. Some stores have sales or special deals. Suits that are not from a hot brand or are less fancy might cost less. A good fabric and a suit that lasts long can mean paying more. Every store has different styles and prices. Look around to find the best one that fits your style and wallet.

Made-to-Measure and Bespoke Tuxedos

Made-to-measure and bespoke tuxedos offer a personalized fit and design. With made-to-measure, tailors adjust existing patterns to fit your measurements. Bespoke tuxedos are entirely custom-made, starting from a unique pattern created for your body shape.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Fabric Quality: The choice of fabric can significantly affect cost. Standard materials might range from $50 to $100 per yard. High-end fabrics like pure wool, silk, or designer materials can exceed $300 per yard.
  • Tailor Reputation: Established and well-known tailors or designers usually charge more, reflecting their skill and market position.
  • Complexity of Design: More complex designs with intricate details like special buttons, linings, and hand-stitched elements can add hundreds of dollars to the base cost.
  • Number of Fittings: Bespoke suits require multiple fittings to refine the fit. Each fitting may increase the overall price.

For a made-to-measure tuxedo, you could end up spending from $800 to $2,000. Bespoke options typically start at $2,500 and can reach $10,000 or more for top-end tailors and luxury fabrics.

Additional Costs to Consider

When planning for a wedding tuxedo, it’s not just about the suit itself. Other things add to the total cost. Accessories and after-care are parts of the bigger picture.

Accessories:

  • Tie: A special tie or bow tie for weddings could be $15 to $100.
  • Pocket Square: A fabric square for the jacket pocket ranges from $10 to $50.
  • Shoes: Dress shoes vary widely from $50 for simple ones to $500+ for designer brands.
  • Belt/Cummerbund: Typically cost between $30 and $100.
  • Cufflinks: May range from $20 for basic options to over $150 for high-quality or designer choices.
    All these add up. Choosing good but less costly accessories can save a bit of money.

Alterations and Tailoring:

Even with a new suit, you may need changes. Alterations make sure the tuxedo fits just right. These changes can include adjusting jacket sleeves, the waist of the pants, or the jacket’s fit. Small changes typically cost $10 to $70 per adjustment. More complex work can be over $100.

Cleaning and Preservation:

After the wedding, cleaning and keeping the tuxedo in good condition are important. Dry cleaning a tuxedo can cost about $10 to $30. If you want to preserve the suit, costs for professional preservation services may start around $100 and go up, depending on the service you choose.