Formal Flair

A tuxedo can turn any occasion into a romantic, old Hollywood affair. And upgrading the groom and groomsmen to tuxedos can bring a special romantic vibe to a wedding. Perhaps due to the robust yearly calendar of balls and galas, including the many held during Carnival, New Orleans has plenty of tuxedo and suit shops available to the Crescent City groom. But first, to buy or to rent? That is the question.

First, determine if you’ll wear this tuxedo more than once a year. For the gent looking to rock a tux more than a couple times a year, Mel and Sarah Grodsky with Tuxedos To Geaux say buying a tuxedo instead of renting is more cost effective and saves time from having to return the tux after your event. When you buy your tuxedo, it is a one-time purchase that does not have to be repeated every time there is an occasion to dress up. The Grodsky’s suggest buying a basic black tuxedo in a contemporary model, which allows for the proper attire for whatever the function, with the ability to mix and match accessories to complete the look.

If you’re a man about town, or just like to dress to impress, buying your own tuxedo in a town filled with Mardi Gras balls, charity events and weddings galore may be the smart thing to do.

However, renting a tux works better for some gentlemen in the long run. Companies such as John’s Tuxedos in Metairie make renting a tux, even from out of town, a piece of cake. This option is usually the cheaper option for fellas not expecting to wear a tux on a semi-regular basis. When renting, it’s important to remember that most stores expect their clothing back the next day.

Whether you are buying or renting your tuxedo, both stores suggest ordering somewhere between four to eight months prior to the wedding and having it fully fitted to your liking two to three months before the wedding. And no matter which option you choose between buying or renting, your gentlemen are sure to look red carpet ready.

 

Now that you’ve decided whether to buy or rent, here’s a list of shops to get you looking fitted and fab:

 

John’s Tuxedo
3200 Houma Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70006
(504) 455-5353
johnstuxedos.com

 

Tuxedos to Geaux
3400 16th St
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 455-5393
tuxedostogeaux.com

 

Perlis Clothing
6070 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 895-8661
perlis.com

 

New Orleans Tuxedos, Inc.
4959 W Napoleon Ave
Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 486-5309
neworleanstuxedosinc.com

 

Rome’s Tuxedo
3213 17th St.
Metairie, LA 70002
(504)324-7227
romestuxedos.com

 

Al’s Formal Wear
3544 Veterans Memorial Blvd #200
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 885-3545
alsformalwear.com

 

J & L Formal Wear
931 Westwood Dr. 
Marrero, LA 70072
(504) 340-4544
jlformalwear.com

 

 

*P.S. Save the date for the June 2016 New Orleans Magazine Bridal Show, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Meet with the city’s premiere wedding industry professionals and plan every aspect of your Big Day from the engagement to the honeymoon and everything between! Click here for advance tickets and additional information. 

 

 

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