Tux Rental Checklist

Print this out and stick it in your guy's pocket at least five weeks before the prom. He'll thank you later!

Five weeks before:

Talk to your date. Find out what color her dress is so you can match her hue.
Take a look. Search for tux styles online to get an idea of what you like and don't like. You don't have to figure it all out yet — just get a gut feeling for what's definitely not an option.
Ask around. See if your girl has any strong feelings about what you wear — in her opinion, a top hat and cane just might not be an option. But remember, the big night isn't just for her — it's your chance to shine, too!

One month before: Rent your tux!

The early bird gets the tux. Head to your local rental store at least a month early, or you'll risk it being out of the styles and sizes that look best on you.
Don't rush it. You'll need an hour at the rental store.
Choices, choices. A good sales associate will guide you through selecting all the pieces needed for your tux. Make sure he/she takes your measurements and helps you select the following:

Vest and tie or cummerbund and bowtie? Keep it casual with the vest look or go formal with the classic getup.
Vest/cummerbund color: Match this to your date's dress, and don't be afraid of bold colors like hot pink and royal purple.
Tux color: Traditional black, white, ivory, blue — or something crazier?
Tux fabric: Pinstripes (thin or wide stripes running vertically down the jacket and pants) are in, and some fabrics feel different than others to the touch.
Tux style: There are different collar styles (sometimes called "lapels"), collar lengths (called "stances"), jacket lengths, number of buttons, and pant lengths (called "breaks").
Undershirt: Choose from different colors, styles, and fabrics that compliment your tux.
Shoes: Match them to your tux.
Other accessories: Will you go all-out with hats, gloves, canes, and other fun extras?

Check the cost. Depending on what you choose, your tux should cost from $75 to $200-$150 is around average. That's much less than your date will probably pay for her dress!

The day before prom:

Pick up your tux and try it on. Make sure everything fits while you're at the store. Just in case something's wrong, there will still be time to fix it!

The day of prom:

Keep track of everything. If you leave your tux jacket on the back of a chair while you hit up the dance floor, remember where you left it — you don't want to wear the wrong coat home!
Have fun!

The day after prom:

Return it on time. Most rental stores charge a late fee of around $25 a day, so return your tux on time!
Pick up the pieces. Make sure you return everything — don't forget little pieces like pocket squares or cufflinks that came with the package.
If you lose it, you buy it. Expect to be charged a fee for anything you don't bring back. The fee will depend on how many times the item you lost has been worn before.
Relax! You survived your prom!