Tuxedo Rental 101

It's a reality you'll be faced with sooner or later in your life: "I need a tuxedo."

Whether it's for a prom, fundraiser, awards ceremony, tribute dinner, the opera, or that special day, the first question you should ask yourself is: rent or buy?

As a rule of thumb, purchasing a classic tuxedo is a wise investment if you foresee yourself wearing it on four or more occasions in the next couple of years. On the flip side, if you're a trend-conscious guy (but can't afford to buy a new tuxedo for every affair), or simply don't plan on wearing a tux more than four times over the next couple of years, then you're better off renting -- and here's how you should go about it.

Know the occasion....The first step is finding out what type of occasion you'll be attending. Is it a black-tie or white-tie affair? Is it at night or during the day? Should you opt for a classic, more conservative tuxedo or go all out and choose something more stylish? Inform yourself; find out the dress code and ask around to see what others will be wearing to the occasion. The last thing you want is to be dressed inappropriately. Also, if you're accompanied by a date, you might want to ask what she plans on wearing, to complement her outfit while defining your own style.

Know your time line.....Better safe than sorry; always reserve your tuxedo as early as possible. In most cases, reserving it a few weeks in advance will do, but in the case of a prom or a more traditional wedding, you should reserve a tux three to six months in advance. Prom season is hectic and the popular styles and sizes will likely be flying off the shelves. Traditional weddings, on the other hand, require a lot planning: whether you're the groom, best man, or an usher, measurements for all those in the wedding party (even those who are out of town) will need to be taken, so plan ahead, especially during wedding season.

Know your budget....In terms of budget, you should expect to pay anywhere between $90 for a conventional tuxedo to $200 for designer formalwear such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Joseph Abboud, Jean Yves and more. Keep in mind that rental prices vary depending on how long you expect to rent the tux for.

Know the basics....

Jacket: A regular tuxedo jacket features satin lapels and a boutonniere hole. Keep in mind that a tuxedo jacket comes in various styles; some are classic while other models are more stylish and therefore come and go according to the current trends.

Trousers: Formal trousers often feature a black satin stripe or braid along the outside seams. Because they don't feature belt loops, your pants should be worn with a vest or cummerbund. Also remember that formal pants should never be cuffed.

Shirts: You can choose from two basic types of shirts with a tuxedo: wing collar, turndown collar. A wing collar is found in the traditional shirt and is typically coupled with a bow tie and cummerbund. My Fabulous Day retailers also offer shirts in a variety of colors including: black, white, diamond white, ivory etc.

Shoes: Formal shoes are made to fit your style. From slip ons to lace ups, you can choose the shoe that best describes your personality.

Vest, Cummerbund, Bow Tie, and Accessories: A traditional tuxedo is worn with a bow tie and a vest or cummerbund. A cummerbund is a pleated sash worn around the waist. Its pleats should always be facing up and should match the bow tie. My Fabulous Day retailers offer every color of accessories on the market. No matter what bridesmaids or prom dress you are hoping to match, we have your color covered! Depending on the occasion, you may also want to purchase a set of studs & cuff links to make your experience more personal.

Jacket Colors: In terms of colors, a traditional tuxedo comes in black or white, but you can also find a variety of grays, tan and navy tuxedos.

See An Expert: Remember that a My Fabulous Day retailer is there to help you. Shop our website for styles you may be interested in or allow a specialist to suggest one for you. Bottom Line: It's up to you to pick out the tuxedo that suits you!!

      Visit www.myfabulousday.com for a retailer near you!