Renting Formal Wear

Shop Smart and Look Sharp

Do you need a tuxedo for a wedding, a prom, or a black-tie dinner? How about an elegant gown for a red-carpet event or a formal party?

From Paris to Peoria, and from Boston to Bermuda, partygoers may choose to rent tuxedos, top hats, gowns, and other elegant items for special occasions.

How can you avoid being taken to the cleaners when you rent luxury apparel?

Here are the top ten tips:

Do some comparison shopping.

In most areas, you may find several establishments offering rental items. Look in the local phone book. Go online, and check out your options. Prices and quality may vary considerably.

Look for quality.

As you visit each store, check clothing labels and fabric contents. Is the dress really satin? Is the tie truly silk? Are you getting what you are paying for?

Be finicky about fit.

Try all garments on before selecting and reserving them. Be sure all items fit you properly. (If you are reserving multiple items, as for a wedding party, all members should make appointments for personal fittings.)

Don't forget the shoes! Often, rental shops offer accessories as well (cufflinks, tie tacks, brooches, scarves, handkerchiefs, and more).

Ask for alterations.

Use on-site tailoring services, if they provide them. The rental store may accept responsibility for any damages done to the garments, if their own employees work on them. They will certainly not do so, if you employ an outside tailoring service.

Re-fit after tailoring.

Try garments on again before leaving the rental store. My own dad, as father of the bride, had to wear flood pants to my sister's wedding. He was in a hurry when he picked up his tux and did not try on his trousers after alterations. We still chuckle at her wedding photos. He only recently began to see the humor in this.

Read before you sign.

Examine the rental contract carefully. Look for small print and special clauses. What will your total charges be? What conditions might result in additional fees?

Check all items before departing.