It's a new year and a new blog series; Men Talk Mondays. In the first Monday of 2016, I wanted to talk about tuxedos. As a wedding planner, I'm often asked should you, the groom (and some groomsmen) rent or purchase their tuxedos. Most times, the groom is thinking about the moment that he's the groom and may get a free rental, from a major chain, if he has a certain number of groomsmen to rent a tuxedo. Well, what about all the other times?
Image Courtesy of Romance Weddings
Image Courtesy of Munaluchi Bridal Magazine via Elizabeth Messina
Well, for the most part, buying a tuxedo depends on you and your lifestyle. It depends on how often you wear suits or formal attire. If it's just every once in a while or on occasion, the rental option may be the way to go. However, if you're a social butterfly, happening to be on everyone's invite list and attend a lot of events or have a career that requires you to dress to the nines a little more often, then custom option is for you. It'll cost a bit more upfront, but save you a lot more in the long run. With the average cost of a tuxedo rental being $150 and a custom tuxedo averaging approximately $1,500, it's an investment that you're sure to get your money's worth out of. Renting a tuxedo adds up over time when you have to rent one over and over again.
Image Courtesy of Just The Design
Image Courtesy of The Knot
Another thing! We all know the saying "When you look good, you feel good" and personally, I feel that a custom, well tailored tuxedo gives a man a different kind of "feel-good" attitude; a kind of swagger, if you will. A custom tuxedo will be tailored to fit your body and fit much better than a rented one would. Whereas a rented tuxedo is just meant to really fit your measurements with a little bit of wiggle room for minor adjustments. With a custom tailored tuxedo, it fits to a T! With commonly known brands like Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, and Giorgio Armani, you really can't go wrong.
Image Courtesy of Brides.com
So, the question of should you rent a tuxedo or purchase a custom one? In my personal opinion, if you have a very active social calendar, when you consider what you have going of from January through December, the investment in a custom tuxedo is absolutely worth it. Treat yourself to that feel-good moment you deserve!
Sometimes you just need one awesome detail to make a gown. Gwyneth Paltrow looked good in the Ralph and Russo blush colored gown. It's very simple, but oh so elegant!
Blue is my favorite color and this blue and gold ensemble looked so great on Rita Ora.
Common was extra dapper in Prada. What's not to love about this ensemble? 
I haven't seen Eddie Murphy in a very long time, but he was quite smashing in his black and white tuxedo, while his date Paige Butcher looked amazing in purple!
Oprah is known for wearing bold colors but she was stunning in a gold evening gown by Vera Wang! The color worked had a regal look to it and the gown was so perfect for her bodacious curves!
I've never seen Chrissy Teigen in anything that wasn't stunning! This Zuhair Murad showed a little skin while still being so very elegant.
J Lo always gives us a sultry, yet sexy look on the red carpet. This Elie Saab ball gown was not the body hugging dress that we're used to seeing her in, but she still managed to give us a little bit of sultry.
Kerry Washington was channeling Olivia Pope in this Miu Miu gown. Whites and ivories really work for her! 
Lupita Nyong'o in a custom Calvin Klein pearl gown?! Yes. Yes. Yes! The 6000 pearls that made up this gown was beyond exquisite.
This beaded and sparkly Versace gown, worn by Jennifer Anniston was one that I really wanted to see up close and personal. I love the color, the fit, and of corse the sparkles of this gown!