When To Order Tuxedos For Wedding

It goes without saying, but planning a wedding requires a lot of organization. Even for the guys! One of the first things you will want to get in motion is ordering your tuxedos. You might think purchasing a tuxedo is an easy affair but getting one that fits seamlessly takes as much planning as wedding dress shopping. Well, at least if you want them to look spot-on! So this naturally raises the question; when do you need to put in your order? Well, this is what you will want to do.

So, when should you order tuxedos for a wedding? Ideally, you should order your tuxedos no less than two months before your wedding, but four months is preferable. This will give you plenty of time to compare options, ensure availability, have any necessary fitting appointments, and reduce any planning stress for all involved.

The best thing to remember when planning your wedding day outfits is to give yourself as much time as possible!

Sounds simple, but it’s true!

And if you are ready to start planning what tuxedos you are going to wear on your big day, you are in the right place. 

Keep reading and find out everything you need to know about when to order your tux, what may impact your ordering time, and a few tips that could make ordering your tuxedo a much more enjoyable experience.

When Should Your Start Shopping For Wedding Tuxedos?

You should start shopping for your wedding tuxedo around six months before your big day. 

It seems like a long time before your wedding. It is just a suit, right? But a lot more goes into creating the perfect tuxedo.

If you are visiting a tailor’s store, you will likely be having your tuxedo made from scratch.

You will want to give your tailor plenty of time to create your tuxedo and factor in the need for a fitting appointment or two to make sure your tuxedo fits like a glove. 

Even if you are purchasing a tuxedo from a catalog-type situation, you will probably still need a few fittings with a tailor to make adjustments to your suit’s fit. 

You may get away with ordering a pre-made tuxedo four months before your wedding day.

Yet, the more time you can give yourself to fix any fitting issues, the less stressed you will be. 

Regardless of how you order your tuxedo, there is so much more that goes into this than picking the right size.

You will have different lapels to choose from, different fabric finishes, different hemlines, and much more.

Tuxedo shopping can become really stressful if you do not know what to expect.

So, the sooner you start shopping around for your wedding day tux, the more time you have to find something that makes you feel amazing. 

How Long Does It Take To Make A Tuxedo?

It can take around 8-10 weeks for a custom tuxedo to be made. Though some tuxedos may be ready in as little as 3-5 weeks – it ultimately depends on where you go along with the time of year and supply and demand.

This timeframe should include your initial fitting, where your tailor will take all their measurements, then six or so weeks later, you will be invited back for your first fitting. 

Do not be surprised if your tuxedo is not a finished product at this stage.

Your tailor wants to make sure your tuxedo fits perfectly, and they will need you to come in during the crafting process to make sure of this.

Then two weeks or so later, you may need to go in for a final fitting. 

Your tailor is a pro at what he does, so unless you have had any extreme changes to your body over a couple of weeks, this will probably be the last time you need to try on your tux before you take it home and prepare for your big wedding day.

If you choose from a range of pre-made tuxedos, the time it takes to be made will be dramatically shortened.

You only need one fitting appointment to adjust the tuxedo to your body requirements, and this can take as little as 3-5 weeks.

Factors That May Impact Wedding Tuxedo Ordering Times

If you are in a bit of a time pinch when ordering your wedding tux, here are a few things you want to keep in mind that may affect your ordering times.

Demand/Supply

Covid has a lot to answer for when it comes to supply and demand issues across many commercial industries.

The wedding industry was just another that could not escape that.

A lot of lead times have lengthened dramatically as sourcing fabrics has become a little bit harder and more expensive.

So, keep that in mind when you order your tuxedo.

However, your tailor will be able to give you a rough guide for how long you might expect to wait for your tuxedo.

Fashion also has a big part to play in ordering times.

If the particular style or fabric you choose is popular at the time of your order, you may have to wait a little longer for your dream suit.

Again, your tailor should be well aware of how long wait times are and can advise you on different patterns, fabrics, and finishes that have shorter wait times if that is what you need.

Season

Tuxedos tend to be much more popular during the winter months.

There is something special about a winter wedding and a groom in a full tuxedo, and many wedding couples go this fashion route. 

Although the wedding season is usually during the Spring and Summer, winter weddings have a massive uptick in grooms and groomsmen ordering tuxedos instead of the more modern and relaxed suit attire you can see during warmer months. 

If you are having a winter wedding, get your tuxedo order in six months before your big day to ensure you get your suit on time.

Tuxedo Style

If you choose a simple and traditional tuxedo style, you are probably going to end up with an average wait time for your finished piece.

However, if you go for more embellishments, fiddly fabric, or more involved sewing techniques, you may have to wait that little bit longer for your tuxedo to be finished and ready for your wedding.

Suggestions When Ordering Your Wedding Tuxedos

So, you are ready to take the leap and order your wedding tuxedo. Hold your horses a second.

I have some tips that can help your tuxedo appointment run much smoother and maybe even a little faster.

Choose A Reputable Supplier

Public reviews are there for a reason.

You do not want to spend a lot of cash on your tuxedo only to find out your chosen tailor has no idea what they are doing, and you end up with something your 3-year-old could do.

Check online reviews and ask around people you know – most people will be more than happy to recommend a reliable tailor.

You could book a few appointments with some tailor shops, get a good look around their space, and check out some of their previous work.

Doing this gives you a chance to find a tailor that not only does impeccable work but also makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Something you are going to want during your tuxedo fitting appointments.

Go Local

Not everyone has a reputable tailor close by, but if you do, you are already miles ahead.

Choosing local crafters means you do not have to travel miles for fittings; you can easily pop in if your tailor asks you, and there will be more people you can ask about a particular tailor’s abilities and reputation. 

Not only are you supporting a local business, something we should all be doing more of, but you won’t have the hassle of organizing out-of-state appointments when you and your groomsmen can all attend at the same time.

You would be surprised, but getting everyone together on the same day can be the biggest hassle when it comes to suit fittings.

Consider Renting

If you are dead set on a custom tuxedo, go for it.

In fact, if you have the time and money, a custom tuxedo will always be the best option.

However, if you are really short on time, perhaps you have planned a quick wedding, and a rental may be your only option. 

Don’t worry; there are plenty of reputable rental companies that have a wide variety of designer tuxedos you can rent for your wedding day.

They may not fit as cleanly as a tuxedo customized for you, but they have a much quicker turnaround and can save you a lot of time if that is something you are in short supply of.

Your Wedding Tuxedo 

You can’t beat the classic, crisp feeling of a brand-new tuxedo. The perfect way to feel your very best on your wedding day.

Tuxedos are taking a little longer these days to order and make, so you will want to start looking for your tuxedo around six months before your wedding day and have it ordered at least four months before your big day.

This gives you plenty of time to put stress aside, focus on other wedding planning, and actually enjoy the run-up to your special day.