If you have a best man who is totally on top of all his duties and is the most organised person you have ever come across, as groom you may not have to worry about the practicalities. If not, read on...
When is the best time to order your suit?
Although couples marry all year round, high season is May to September, which means there are periods of high demand at suit hire companies. Groups such as Burton, for instance, find that September through to January is their busy enquiry stage, when grooms and their best men are doing their initial research. January through to April/May tends to be when they actually book their outfits. The received wisdom is not to leave hiring arrangements too late, particularly if you are marrying on a Saturday in high season, or around the time of other periods of high demand such as race meetings and especially if you are hoping to hire a number of identical suits for a big grooms party.
Are there any potential pitfalls?
Another consideration to remember is the variety of sizes needed. If there are ushers or relatives needing exceptionally large sizes (ie up to a 60in chest) or very small, junior versions of the same suits, these may need to be sourced from other branches.
When should you collect your suit?
Most hire specialists will have your outfits ready for collection a week to ten days before the big occasion so that you can have a final fitting and make sure that no sizing errors have been made and no-one has lost/gained too much weight. Never leave it until the day before.
When does it need to be returned?
Outfits are usually returned the first working day after the wedding. Obviously this is no job for a newly-married groom, so ask your best man to return it on your behalf.
What happens if any of the outfits are damaged?
Most rental agreements will include an accidental damage waiver payable with the hire fee so standard rips, tears and marks will be covered, although top hats are often not included under this policy because so many over-excited groomsmen throw them into the air and lose them! Never attempt to wash or sponge wine or grease stains because you will invariably make it worse. Leave the cleaning to the experts.
Photo Pal Zileri Cerimonia
