aisle be!
personalized products
beauty
the engagement
fitness
honeymoon
jewelry
music
planning tools
pre-wedding activities
registry
rentals
wedding party
site map
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tuxedos

For most weddings, all male members of the wedding party wear formal wear. Men's formal wear should fit the formality of the wedding and the time of year, and should be similar in style to the bridesmaid's dresses.

The bride's father should be dressed in accordance with the wedding party, and it is always a nice touch if the groom's father dresses in the same style attire as the wedding party. This will bring symmetry and balance to your wedding pictures, receiving line, etc.

Rental shops normally break tuxedo styles into three groups: modern styles, classic looks and ultra formal wear. The salesperson can help you select the level of formality required based on the time of day you have chosen for the wedding. From there, the choice is yours. Keep in mind that you will want something comfortable, since you'll be wearing the ensemble for several hours on your wedding day.

Tips for Tuxedo Rental

  • Plan ahead. It will take a while to get all of the measurements for your guys, so make your style selections and send all the necessary information to your attendants at least two or three months before the wedding.
  • Get input from the bride to make sure that what you select works with the overall tone and style of the wedding.
  • Select a flattering style for your body type.
    • Tall and thin - you'll look great in just about anything. Just make sure the jacket arms and trousers legs are long enough for your height.
    • Tall and muscular - Avoid wearing double-breasted jackets or pleated shirts, which add bulk. If you have a large waist, wear a vest instead of a cummerbund to draw focus away from your middle. Because you're muscular, make a special effort to get clothes that fit, so you are sure to be comfortable on the big day.
    • Short and thin - Two or three-button jackets (with a low button stance) will elongate your frame, and look great with classic or pleated pants. Watch the sizing to make sure the tux doesn't appear as if it's to big for you.
    • Short and muscular - Two or three-button jackets (with a low button stance) will elongate your frame. If you have broad shoulders, stick with jackets that have a natural shoulder line. If you have a large waist, wear a vest instead of a cummerbund to draw focus away from your middle.

  • Make sure the clothes fit.
    • When the jacket is buttoned, material near the buttons should not pull and the back of the jacket should fit cleanly over your hips. It should not gather or pull at the back. Take someone with you who can check the fit in the back of the jacket, since you won't be able to see it.
    • Trousers should fit comfortably and be the right length. Make sure they are not too tight.
  • Have everyone rent from the same shop.
    • If several of your attendants are from out-of-state, try to select a rental shop that is part of a national chain. If there is not a location near some of the attendants, most stores can provide measurement cards or instructions to allow attendants to record their measurements and supply them by mail.
  • Don't forget to rent all the required accessories: a shirt, shoes, the tie, cuff links, etc.
  • Ask about special offers, or special pricing. Some stores discount wedding rentals or provide the groom's tuxedo at no charge.
  • Try on the tuxedo when you go to pick it up or schedule a preliminary visit to check the fit. If something doesn't fit you need to allow time to reorder and receive it in another size, well before you walk down the aisle.
  • Make arrangements to have all of the tuxedos returned to the shop. Normally, the best man returns his and the groom's tuxedos, but he may return them for the entire group.

There are also several less formal options for wedding attire. If you have an outdoor wedding, you may opt for khaki pants with matching blue blazers and matching ties. For less formal options, large department stores or local boutiques provide great options.


Other Rental Items

You can rent a lot of wedding or reception materials at a basic rental outlet, or you can look for a rental company that specializes in events. Rental companies that specialize in events may have a greater variety of hard-to-find items, while regular outlets can cover your basic wedding needs. Think about your wedding and reception locations and how you want them to look on the big day. Talk to the site planner to see what materials they will provide so you can determine what other items you may need to achieve the overall look. Think about all of the elements you will need to bring together, including flowers, centerpieces and other decorations.

You'll be amazed at the variety of items you can rent for an event. We've prepared a list of things commonly rented for weddings and receptions to give you an idea of your options.

  • Tents - normally offered in a variety of shapes, sizes and price ranges to accommodate the number of guests.
  • Tent accessories
    • Sides - white, clear or cathedral windows are options
    • Walkways
    • Pole covers
    • Rain gutters
    • Tent fans
    • Tent heaters
    • Patio heaters
    • Turf carpet
    • Carpet runners
  • Dance floors - often available in a variety of colors or styles. Priced based on size
  • Staging
    • Stage sections
    • Steps
    • Stairs
    • Skirting
  • Lighting and Sound
    • Spot lights
    • Chandeliers
    • Landscape lights
    • Speaker systems
    • Karaoke machine with music
    • Generators
    • Power cords
  • Tables - available in a variety of sizes
    • Banquet
    • Round
    • ½ Round
    • Square
    • Serpentine
    • Cocktail
    • Table number stands
    • Table numbers

  • Chairs - usually available in a variety of colors and styles
    • Folding
    • Folding with padded seat
    • Ballroom
    • Chair covers
  • Linens
    • Tablecloths - available in a variety of shapes, sizes & colors
    • Tablecloth overlays
    • Table skirting for banquet & cocktail tables
    • Napkins
  • China
    • Dinner plates
    • Salad/dessert plates
    • Bread & butter plates
    • Soup bowls
    • Coffee cups & saucers
  • Flatware
    • Dinner knives
    • Dinner forks
    • Salad/dessert forks
    • Teaspoons
    • Soup spoons
    • Cocktail/oyster forks
    • Serving Utensils
  • Glassware
    • Water goblets
    • Red wine glasses
    • White wine glasses
    • Champagne flutes
    • Hi-ball glasses
    • Rocks glasses
    • Pilsner glasses
    • Cordial glasses
    • Martini glasses
    • Margarita glasses
    • Punch cups

  • Serving Pieces
    • Chafing dishes - available in a variety of sizes and shapes
    • Sterno
    • Waiter trays & stands
    • Punch bowls
    • Pitchers
    • Wine carafes
    • Coffee makers
    • Insulated pitchers
    • Punch fountains
    • Champagne buckets
    • Charger plates
    • Cream & sugar sets
    • Carving board with heat lamp
  • Other food & beverage service items
    • Portable bar
    • Insulate food carriers
    • Warming cabinets
    • Grills
    • Bread baskets
  • Wedding Items & Props
    • Archway
    • Picket fence
    • Market umbrella
    • Fog machine
    • Bubble machine
    • Easel
    • Cake stand
    • Candles
    • Guest book register
    • Chupah
    • Centerpiece mirrors
    • Votives
    • Trash cans

Things to Remember

Contact your local rental company for availability and pricing on these items and many others. Get a written quote and confirmation of availability. See a deposit is required and get a copy of the store's cancellation policy - in writing. Check to see how long you can keep the materials between delivery and pick-up. This will be important when scheduling pre-event set-up, as well as the take-down after the event.

Check to see if there are any delivery charges and inquire as to whether or not set-ups and take-downs are included in the rental cost. If your event is on the third or fourth floor of a building, make sure the company delivers to the ballroom, etc. If certain aspects of delivery and set-up are not included, check to see if the service is offered for an additional charge, or make arrangements to have friends or family members help you take care of everything. Make it a point to confirm how any food service items will be delivered. They should be sanitized and wrapped.

You will most likely be responsible for securing any necessary permits, marking utilities & signing for the correct quantities of material at delivery. Get instructions as to how you need to provide materials for pick-up after the event. Rental companies normally have regulations regarding how tables, chairs, linens, etc. need to be organized for pick-up. Check to see if you are responsible for cleaning all china, glassware and flatware prior to pick-up. Check to see what your liabilities are for lost, damaged or stained items.


bridal shops & dresses | caterers & cakes | flowers | honeymoons
invitations | jewelry | music | personalized products | photographers | receptions
advertise with us | contact us | terms & conditions | about our company

Copyright © 2001-2002 Aisle Be, Incorporated