Should You Buy, Rent, or Customize Your Wedding Suit?

Should you opt for a customized wedding suit? Or should you buy (or rent) one that’s ready-to-wear? With your wedding just around the corner, the pressure of selecting from a variety of wedding suits only gets worse. You begin to assess what option favors your budget the most.

But the cheapest option won’t necessarily offer the best value. Neither would the most expensive option guarantee a charming, well-fitted look. If you think an off-the-rack suit with quick adjustments works for you, wait till you see the absolute best fit that a customized wedding suit delivers. 

So, how’d you know what fit’s the best? The right choice depends on the wedding dress code, your budget, fit requirements, personal style, the fit’s re-wearability, and the wedding timeline. Though an expensive route, personalization makes the choice so much better. 

Buying vs Renting vs Customizing a Wedding Suit at a Glance

Spending countless hours on the internet wouldn’t clear up the confusion that comes with an array of wedding suits. But assessing a few major categories can help narrow down your options. Here’s a side-by-side comparison between off-the-rack, rented, and customized wedding suits:

The comparison has given you a glimpse of differences between off-the-rack, rented, and customized wedding suits. That’s the first step to looking your best on your special day. Next up, the details. 

What Does It Mean to Buy a Ready-to-Wear Wedding Suit?

Buying a ready-to-wear suit means you’re choosing from pre-made, available-for-purchase options for wedding suits. A huge variety of sizes and styles can be found in online or traditional menswear stores, which is why they’re considered accessible, convenient, and affordable. 

So, what else do off-the-rack wedding suits have in store for you? Let’s have a look at the upsides and downsides of buying ready-to-wear suits!

1. Advantages of Buying:

A well-tailored, finely stitched ready-to-wear wedding suit can be the showstopper on your big day. Retailers are driven to feature extensive, fresh collections as the seasons change. 

With just a good try-on room, consumers explore different brands/styles, essentially skipping the hassle of a custom process. 5 key advantages include:

1. Immediate availability

2. Broad selection

3. Lower cost than many custom options

4. Can be worn after the wedding

5. Easy to purchase

2. Limitations of Ready-to-Wear:

Ready-to-wear wedding suits are good as long as your body perfectly fits standard measurements. If not, the purchase isn’t worth it. 

Every groom’s body is unique. It’s highly likely that the chest, waist, and length measurements are insufficient to ensure a snug fit. Here is an extended list of limitations for pre-made suits:

• Standard proportions

• Limited customization

• May require alterations

• Fabric choices are predetermined

• Fit depends on how closely your body matches the manufacturer's sizing

What Does It Mean to Rent a Wedding Suit?

Sometimes, renting a wedding suit makes more sense than buying one. The reason? Affordability and practicality. Grooms rarely ever make use of their wedding suit or tux after their celebratory events have finished. 

Renting a suit offers more convenience than any other option. The ‘suit-hunt’ starts with finding the right formal ensemble for the ceremony. As the wedding day comes to an end, the suit's properly stored and returned to the rental menswear company. 

1. Advantages of Renting:

The burden of prolonged storage or the cost of owning wedding suits is considerably reduced for budget-conscious grooms. For them, spending on things that offer long-term practicality and usefulness matters more than holding on to a suit for the sake of memory. 

Costing just a fraction of the price of a store-bought, ready-to-wear suit, a rental suit means you have a new outfit for special occasions, like your best man's upcoming wedding! A rundown of key advantages includes: 

• Lower upfront cost 

• Convenient for one-time events 

• No long-term storage 

• Useful when the groom rarely wears formalwear 

2. Limitations of Renting:

Choosing to rent your wedding suit can also mean that you’re about to wear something that has already been worn by previous customers. The rental suit is bound to show subtle signs of wear, fading, or minor fabric fatigue (despite professional cleaning between uses). 

Considering there’s only a limited stock available at menswear rental providers, you can expect predefined styles, seasonal colors, and specific cuts that do not adhere to your own aesthetic vision or the wedding theme. Some other limitations are:

• Limited customization

• Less control over fabric and construction

• Fit depends on available inventory

• Garment is not yours to keep

• Potential limitations when coordinating with a highly specific wedding aesthetic

What Does It Mean to Customize a Wedding Suit?

When grooms-to-be customize their wedding suits, it means they are designing a unique garment from scratch; something that matches their exact body proportions, personal tastes, and the wedding themes.  

A higher upfront cost doesn’t always put you at a disadvantage. More often than not, it’s the absolute opposite. While it’s typical for made-to-measure studios to put an expensive price tag over quality, well-tailored custom pieces, several bespoke tailors focus on accessibility. 

Priced the same or less than competing ready-to-wear pieces,  high-quality wedding suits tailored by high-value, budget-friendly menswear studios (like Avanti Milano) are meant to last for years to come. Among store-bought or rental ready-to-wear pieces, the option of customizing a wedding suit benefits grooms the most. Here’s why:

Personal Measurements

The tailor notes precise body measurements to build a master pattern that’s unique to the groom’s (your) frame. Exact fittings ensure the shoulders, chest, and torso fit your shape snugly, with zero pulling or sagging. Final tweaks elevate comfort and clean lines for standing and sitting. 

Fabric Selection

You’re given the liberty to select the exact cloth type, weight, weave, pattern, and color from thousands of textile books. The season (during the wedding) and climate conditions (of the wedding venue) are taken into consideration to provide a cool or warm fit during the ceremony.

Jacket Style

You may choose between a single-breasted front with one or two buttons, or simply opt for a bolder, double-breasted look. Select wisely from a slim, modern cut or a classic, relaxed silhouette. Then assess the number of rear vents based on your mobility and personal aesthetic needs. 

Lapel Style

Notch, peak, or shawl - any idea what’s better? Well, pick a notch lapel if a timeless, versatile look is your goal. Peak lapel adds height, sharpness, and formal drama. But the curves of a shawl lapel are well-loved for their smooth, evening-wear finish. 

Buttons

You can either match or contrast buttons to your wedding suit’s fabric. Select horn, corozo, metal, or fabric-covered varieties, then choose the number of sleeve buttons for functional or decorative needs. You may also add pick-stitching around the buttonholes for an artisanal finish.  

Pocket Configuration

Make your pick from classic jetted, flapped, or patch pockets. Proceed to custom-add a small ticket pocket above the right hip for vintage flair. But most importantly, adjust interior pocket sizes to securely hold your vows, phone, or wallet during the ceremony. 

Trouser Details

Decide whether you’re aiming for a sleek modern look or something traditional. Once clear, choose flat-fronted waist trousers or pleated trousers. Next up, decide on a high rise with side adjusters or belt loops. Finish the deal by setting the break at your ankle (none, slight, medium, or full). 

Lining

The lining does more than help the jacket slide smoothly over the shirt. It’s a medium that reflects your personality. So, select a bold, colorful, or patterned silk for it. But be sure to match its tone with your wedding theme. (If the venue is warm, choose breathable fabrics.) 

Monogramming

A simple wedding suit can often become a memorable keepsake with monogramming. Bespoke tailors offer you the option to have initials or the wedding date stitched inside the jacket lining or under the collar. Similar to other factors, you also get the creative control to select the thread color for it. 

Styling Preferences

Unique styling preferences can create a perfectly balanced look for your special day. You may coordinate contrast stitching on the lapel or the sleeve buttonholes. Or you may pair your custom details with matching vests or contrasting waistcoats for a clean, three-piece look. 

And if anything looks out of place, just communicate it with your trusted tailor. Their expertise will bring the balance to the overall look that your vision might be lacking. 

How Much Does Each Wedding Suit Option Cost?

The cost of wedding suits remains a core concern for most grooms. They're fully aware that it’ll take a lot more than a wedding suit to complete the look. Considering the upfront payment won’t be the only cost to cover, here are rough estimates for creating the perfect ensemble:

1. Ready-to-Wear Suit Cost:

A ready-to-wear wedding suit may offer an economical solution for your wedding attire with long-term ownership; it has its fair share of costs. 

• Garment: $200 to $800 for quality wool blends; $1000 to $2000 for premium brands

• Alterations: $50 to $150 to hem trousers, adjust sleeve length and jacket waist. 

• Shirt: $50 to $150 (or more for non-iron options)

• Shoes: $100 to $300 for quality Oxfords or Derbies

• Accessories: $50 to $120 for a silk tie, pocket square, leather belt, and socks

2. Rental Cost:

The only thing better than owning a pre-made, off-the-rack wedding suit is to rent it. But the rent you’re supposed to pay isn’t the only cost to cover. The cost also entails being held accountable for the suit itself.  

• Rental package: $150 to $250 for standard wedding suits or tuxedos (which covers the jacket, trousers, and the vest)

• Accessories: $30 to $50 for bundle packages (which includes the shirt, shoes, tie, cufflinks, and suspenders)

• Additional alterations or fees where applicable: $10 to $20 for damage waiver fees; $20 to $50 (per day) for late return fines 

3. Custom Wedding Suit Cost:

A custom wedding suit is an expensive feat. Everything from the neck to the ankles is personalized to your body’s distinct measurements, personal preferences, and the wedding theme, which is precisely what makes it a worthy investment.   

• Fabric: $800 to $3000+, with Merino wool, silk, and cashmere blends costing significantly more than standard fabrics

• Construction: The cost surges due to a brand-new pattern drawn from scratch 

• Personalization: An additional cost for personalized features such as custom linings, monogramming, functional buttonholes, unique lapel designs, and button preferences

• Measurements: Not the cost you’d expect, but precise measurements take up to an hour’s worth of the bespoke tailor’s time

• Fittings: Up to 3 visits to the menswear store are required over a 4 to 8 week period

• Alterations/Refinements: Final tweaks are usually free of charge

When considering all costs for each wedding suit option, it’s important to understand that a low upfront cost doesn’t necessarily equate to a low long-term cost. 

Rental suits look appealing due to their ‘budget-friendly’ pricing. However, spending hundreds of dollars on a single weekend without owning anything ultimately results in a financial loss. Add the average cost of a rental package for three or more formal events (after the wedding), and you’re looking at a rough estimate of $450 to $600.

In addition to the original rental cost and number of wears, you’re required to pay for temporary alterations. If you think that buying a ‘good-quality’ off-the-rack would be the wiser choice, then be prepared for disappointment. A $300 suit with $100 tailoring wouldn’t be worth the purchase as it falls apart after two wears. 

The cost-per-wear for such suits doesn’t seem very budget-friendly now, does it? 

A custom wedding suit outperforms the other two. It guarantees a lower cost-per-wear through quality fabrics, bespoke stitching, and long-term value. 

Which Option Provides the Best Fit?

The option providing the best fit is clear from what’s pre-made and what’s made-to-wear. Read below to check out the differences yourself!

• Ready-to-Wear: A local tailor can tweak the standard measurements of an off-the-rack suit, but it doesn’t quite match the body’s unique measurements for a seamless fit. Though the option costs less and doesn't require multiple appointments. 

• Rental: Rentals typically use generic sizing blocks for temporary adjustments to the suit, which often makes it appear boxy or loose. While the low cost and zero cleaning hassle are great, you still cannot achieve the best fit with this option. 

• Custom: Bespoke tailors create a flawless silhouette that accentuates your natural frame and matches your posture. Yes, the upfront cost is high, but it’s justified by the unmatched comfort and peak aesthetic quality it delivers. 

Which Option Gives You the Most Personalization?

The wedding suit option giving you the most personalization is the same one that puts you in creative control. Let’s see what option(s) is the gold standard for personalization:

• Ready-to-Wear: A finished piece with minimal room for major alterations; offers zero personalization for core fabric, style, and pattern.

• Rental: Yet another finished piece, rentals offer the least personalization (primarily due to extremely loose, standard fits - meant to fit many different people)

• Custom: Fabric, color, lining, lapel style, pocket design, jacket style, trouser details, buttons, and monograms - everything is tailor-made for you. The precise measurements make the wedding suit appear 10x better when the groom finally wears it.  

Which Is Best for Different Types of Grooms?

Different types of grooms need different types of wedding suits. Essentially, what works well for one groom may not suit the other. And that’s perfectly okay. Pairing the right factors can always help you don a dapper look on your big day. 

Here’s a breakdown of all major groom categories and wedding suit types tailored to their needs:

• Budget-Conscious Groom: Rent the suit; it costs less and gives you a full look without making you keep a garment you’re less likely to wear again. 

• Groom Who Rarely Wears Suits: Rent the suit; it spares you the need to spend heavily on a suit meant only for the wedding day. 

• Groom Who Wants to Reuse His Suit: Buy an off-the-rack suit or customize one in standard, dark navy or charcoal color; it offers high re-wearability for other events.  

• Groom Who Cares About Personalized Fit: Order a customized suit; it matches your exact body shape, your personal preferences, and the wedding theme. 

• Groom Who Wears Suits Regularly: Get a high-quality custom, made-to-wear suit; its durable fabric and fine craftsmanship last through years of regular office use.  

• Groom Who Wants a Unique Wedding-Day Look: Place an order for a custom fit; it gives you total control over the fabric, lapel style, lining, monogram, and much more. 

Buy vs Rent vs Customize: Which Is More Versatile After the Wedding?

Donning the perfect fit on your wedding is a major goal, but not the only one. The real difference  is made when the wedding suit remains versatile after you’ve made your vows and the ceremony has ended. 

Each setting demands a particular appearance. Let’s see what fits go well with it:

• Business Meetings: A custom, made-to-wear suit or a ready-to-wear suit in classic charcoal or navy blue blends seamlessly into corporate boardrooms; pair the jacket alone with dress pants or wear the full suit (without the tie) for a sharp, modern office look. 

• Professional Events: A bespoke suit in a hand-picked fabric pattern or color transitions effortlessly into daily professional wear; the subtlety of a well-made custom fit gives a polished appearance for networking mixers, industry award dinners, and work conferences. 

• Future Weddings: A made-to-wear, high-wool-count suit can work beautifully for your best man’s wedding in the future; pair a fresh shirt with the outfit and it’ll be as good as new for the latest wedding party among your loved ones. 

• Formal Dinners: A custom fit can be fairly versatile for upscale charity galas, anniversaries, and elite restaurants; pair the suit with a crisp white dress shirt and polished leather shoes for a classy look.

• Special Occasions: A bespoke tailor’s craftsmanship creates the perfect balance that graduation parties, milestone birthdays, and holiday galas need; get the inner lining or lapel width customized according to your preferences for a timeless personal flair.

Can't Decide If You Should Buy, Rent, or Get a Custom Wedding Suit? Let Avanti Milano Help You Out!

Let’s be real about it: selecting a wedding suit is never easy. Yes, online guides and comparisons are helpful. But knowing all the differences doesn’t always guarantee clarity about a particular fit. Sometimes, a professional’s guidance is needed.

Experts at Avanti Milano are ready to nudge you in the right direction for a bespoke fit that’s tailor-made for your unique body shape. Starting at just $999, our wide collection of premium fabrics, custom linings, buttons are worth checking out.   

Create a memorable look and own it for years to come. Book a consultation today! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1. Should I buy, rent, or customize a suit for my wedding?

You should customize a suit for your wedding as it offers maximum benefits to the groom. You have full control to personalize the fit according to your preferences. A bespoke tailor also works on the suit to fit your body’s natural frame. 

Q2. What is the average price for a custom suit?

The average price for a custom suit ranges from $800 to $2000 (or more). The costs vary depending on your requirements, the fabric, and the tailoring house's prestige. You can also get high-quality work from famous menswear brands that offer more affordable options. 

Q3. Are custom made suits worth it?

Yes, custom made suits are worth it if you have unique body proportions, prefer customized fittings over standard off-the-rack options, or need to project a sharp professional image. 

Q4. How important is precise measurement for the groom’s suit?

Precise measurement matters a lot for the groom. A well-measured suit flatters the body shape and allows easy movement throughout the day. It also ensures clean lines in photos.