A Prom Tuxedo is how much to rent?

Prom, one of the rights of passage from high school. CK has a date! This weekend CK and I went looking to price a tuxedo.

We are lucky, his school is new and this is only the second class of seniors, so the was no junior prom last year (saved a few $$). This was our first foray into formal wear. Our first stop, the total cost was about $220. We were just looking, they didn’t give us a complete price. We were at the second store when I sent a text to my bestie asking where she rented a tux for her son last year.

Her response – bought one for $150, maybe $180. I showed that to CK. Got the nod and wink and we were out the door!

We headed to Suit Mart, a local store, where Bestie got her son’s tux. CK said “these shoulder pads are too big. I don’t like them.” Who knew? My 18 year old not only pays attention to, but also has an opinion on the size of shoulder pads in suit coats. Does that mean he pays attention to more than I think he does? Or, must it specifically relate to him and possibly his personal comfort? We left, but noted that their package was about $149.

Once in the car we decided to head to K&G Superstore. We have purchased suits there previously, so the odds were in our favor. We might find a tuxedo that didn’t have shoulder pads that were too big. 🙂

Right off the bat, walking in the door is a sign “Prom Tux bundle $99.99”. This price included the “selected” tux, shirt, tie/pocket square. The other places also included shoes, but K&G sells shoes. Let’s check it out! After trying on the various colors and styles (“I like the slim not the modern style, Mom”) we decide on the black tux, plain shirt (Mom, likes the tuxedo shirt) and the bow tie with pocket scarf, which matches the dress (win one for Mom!).

Including alterations, shoes and throwing in an extra dress shirt, we walk out the door for $174.97 plus tax. I, of course, look up the website for $20 off a purchase of $100 or more. Not a bad deal. We own it. There is no having to return it by a certain time/date, worrying about damages, stains, etc.

We get home, tell Dad “we bought a tux!”, get the required eye roll, “Well, at least now he can wear the tux with the Easter bunny head and have a Halloween costume.” That’s another story!

Moral of the story…before you decide to rent (and have nothing to show for it, afterwards) consider buying and having a second wear. Might be a costume, but who will care at that point, you don’t have to buy a costume now!