Wedding Suits – Hiring Vs Buying (or both)

Wedding Suits – Hiring Vs Buying (or both)

Here at Jack Bunneys we are very lucky to meet a whole bunch of couples who are in the process of planning their weddings.   We sell hundreds of wedding suits each year and hire thousands too.  One of the first questions couples will ask our consultants is “Shall I hire or Buy?”   There really isn’t a simple answer to this and each couple should do what they feel is right for their wedding.   There are lot’s of things to consider when deciding between whether to hire or buy your wedding suits, for example: budget, logistics, size of party and the look you are trying to achieve for your wedding.

I will try to give a list of pro’s and con’s for each here in this post but remember there are no rights or wrongs, it is your day, do it your way.

Buying Wedding Suits

 

 

PROS:

1. 1. The suits are available to keep after.  The party have an item of clothing to wear either for work or other weddings.
2. 2. Permanent alterations.  When purchasing suits, you have more options on alterations (than hiring).
3. 3. Unique.  If the groom decides to have a suit made-to-measure, his suit will be completely unique.  The only one like this in the world.
4. 4. Choice.  If you decide to buy on the high street or have a suit made, there is a greater choice of suit to purchase.
5. 5. The Experience.  If the groom’s party visit a tailor to have their suits made-to-measure, the experience is part of the fun.

CONS:

1. 1. Too much choice.   With choice comes decision making.  Visiting a tailor might seem like a great idea, but what if you do not know what you want?
2. 2. Same suit as guests.   Purchasing on the high-street may be great value, but chances are some guests may also have taken advantage of the bargains on offer.
3. 3. Fitting.  Buying ready-made suits can be trickier than it seems.  A suit that fits some members of the party, may not fit every member of the party as well. Even with alterations.
4. 4. Budget.  Purchasing ready-made high street suits can be great value but having suits made-to-measure will definitely cost a lot more than hiring.
5. 5. Quality.  Assessing the quality of a suit to buy can be tricky.  Most ready-made suits are not designed for weddings (unlike hire suits) and may not be of the some quality.

Hiring Wedding Suits

 

PROS:

 

1. 1. Choice.  Hire suits are designed as wedding suits.  They will look less like regular/work suits.
2. 2. Budget.   A hire suit has been produced for rental.  The retail values are very often over a thousand pounds, but you are renting them for far less.
3. 3. Fitting.  Part of the price you pay to hire a suit is to fit the suits correctly.  You take the men to a shop and the fittings are taken care of for you.
4. 4. Advice.   Included in hiring your suits is some advice from an assistant at the shop.  Advice on the correct outfit, on what fits best and how to wear the suit is invaluable.
5. 5. Unusual.   Wedding suit hire services have a vast choice in 2019.  You can select something more unusual which will help differentiate the grooms party from guests.

 

CONS:

 

1. 1. Alterations.  Only simple alterations can be made to a hire suit.  Although they are now available in slim-fit,  some grooms party requirements may be more specific than simple alterations.
2. 2. Logistics.  Hiring suits will require various visits to the hire shop in question.  A fitting, collecting the suits and returning the suits.  All within specified timelines.
3. 3. Damages/Losses.   Like any product which is hired, you do not own them and are therefor liable for damages and losses.  (include on wedding insurance if possible).
4. 4. Research.  Not all ‘Wedding Suit Hire’ companies are made equal.  Some have poor service, some have poor quality and some have little choice.  This requires some research before hand. Check reviews online before visiting a selection of shops to meet potential suppliers.
5. 5. Time required.  All hire services are time specific.  Some will hire for a week, some three days some five.  Depending on the length of time the suits are required hiring may not even be a viable option.

 

Both

 

Lots of Jack Bunneys clients will choose to do both options.  They will purchase a Made to Measure suit for the groom and hire for the remaining party.  Here are some examples of both hiring and buying.