Image by Milton Gan Photography
I really do believe that suit hire is a bad idea. But it’s not like I think it should be outlawed. In fact, way back in my early advertising days the gaggle of Christmas black tie events I attended each year meant I was a regular at the hire department of Moss Bros in London. However, at some point I realised that even though I only needed to don a tux three to four times a year, my hard earned wage would be better invested in a dinner suit that fitted better and that I could call my own. And therein lie the first three of several reasons why you should avoid suit hire for your wedding day.
Reason #1 Investment
There’s no denying that weddings cost money and every couple has a budget to stick to. But within that budget are things that last for a day and things that last much longer. Your wedding outfit falls in the latter group. So whether you’re wearing a tuxedo or a suit, there will undoubtedly be opportunities for you to slip it on again. The same, however, cannot be said for your beautiful bride who will be spending considerably more on her single-use gown. With that in mind, your investment in a decent suit is logical. Plus, it’s your wedding day and you will never have a better reason to splash out. So treat yourself.
Reason #2 The Fit
This is without a doubt the main reason not to hire a suit. Anything that needs to be hired out as many times as possible needs to fit as many people as possible, and that means the fit is going to be average in every way. Of course it’s possible that you actually have average height, chest, waist and leg measurements, but even if you do I’m guessing you’re probably not a fan of average style. On the other hand you may well be planning to party like it’s 1999 in which case go for your life.
However, it’s more likely that you don’t have average measurements in which case why, as the man of the moment, would you wear a suit that fits worse than the ones your guests are wearing? If there’s one time to be the alpha male, this is it, so the fit of your suit should complement the physique you’ve obviously been working tirelessly to perfect. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive exercise either; ASOS has a ton of on-trend styles for less than the cost of a hire suit. Plus delivery is free and the postage for returns is less than $10.
Reason #3 Ownership
It goes without saying that every man should own at least one well-fitting suit. Just like a reliable friend it will be there for you at a moment’s notice, and slipping it on will make you feel comfortable and confident; two things you’ll definitely want on your big day. It’s also likely that you’ll have a favourite shirt, tie and pair of shoes that complement your suit and complete a look that’s entirely you.
Compare this to the hire suit experience. First you need to hope they have your size in stock, and then despite being dry cleaned (which drastically shortens the life of a suit) it’s hard not to imagine the liquids, substances, smoke and lord knows what else the suit was covered in the previous week.
Reason #4 The Bride
Now we’re getting serious. You might not have the slightest interest in fashion, and you might think that even a hire suit is way overpriced, but you know how your significant other will be a vision of absolute perfection as she makes her way down the aisle? Well she’ll be expecting exactly the same of you. Just sayin’.
Reason #5 The Groomsmen
So here’s a common scenario. Perhaps you’re treating yourself to a suit but would prefer to hire them for your groomsmen. It makes sense right? After all, they just need to wear them for a day. On the other hand these are guys that you’ve chosen for a reason. They’re your wolf pack and they’ll be feeling just as excited as you on the day. So whilst they probably won’t say a word against what you select for them to wear, don’t they, like the bridesmaids, deserve to wear something special? You don’t necessarily need to pay for their suits outright (although remember what I said about ASOS), but you could certainly have a discussion about splitting the costs. And if you angle for a bucks trip to Hong Kong you can all get fitted for super affordable made-to-measure suits that will be ready by the time you’ve got over your first hangover.
Reason #6 The Photos
It’s true that photographers have an arsenal of retouching tools available to them, but as far as I’m aware there isn’t one that makes suits better fitting. So if you don’t do it for yourself, invest in a good suit so your future litter will gaze in wonder at your wedding photos and marvel at how dapper you looked back in the day.
Do you feel the same way about suit hire? Let me know your thoughts.
About Milton Gan Photography: Milton Gan combines his artistic flair, eye for detail, and passions for love, style and elegance to create a finely crafted photographic experience for each and every one of his clients.
Milton writes regularly for Polka Dot Groom as well as being a ridiculously talented wedding photographer. You can read his previous posts here. Find Milton on Google+
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