The Tuxedo Racket

Friends of ours were married over the weekend and asked if Gardner would be their ring bearer. We of course were honored that they would ask. They also asked us if he would wear a tux. Gardner is a pretty easy going child, so we agreed. The couple told us where he had to go and get measured, so off we went.

I took Gardner to get measured and the gentleman at the rental place said we were all set. A few weeks later, Jerry went to get measured for his tux and was asked to put down a deposit. He obliged. Then he asked about the deposit for Gardner's tux. It was the same price as his tux: $185. He called me immediately. 

"Did you know about this?" he said disconcertingly. I told him I didn't. 

We had a decision to make. Put down the deposit, kindly ask the couple that we find an alternative, or asked to be excused from ring bearer duties. Lucky for us, the couple completely understood. It helped that they also have kids. 

My issue was not at all with getting a tux for Gardner, but I found it incredibly appalling to pay $185 to rent a tux. First, we wouldn't even own the tux. Second, why is it so much to rent something that is one-third of the size of the adult version? And third, he will wear this one time! I could not believe the racket of renting a tux for my pint-sized guy. 

We found our solution on Amazon for $27.99. I really don't know what parents did before Amazon. Not only can you find just about anything there, but it's also usually a bargain compared to other places. We also went ahead and "splurged" ($17.99) on a purple tuxedo vest in an effort to try and match the wedding colors. 

Joey Couture Little Boys' Little Tuxedo No Tail Suit,Black,2

$27.99

Boys 4 PC Tuxedo Vest, Bowtie, Tie, Pocket Square Set, Purple, 2-3

$17.99

I couldn't be happier. We paid 25% of what we would have paid to rent a tux, we own it, and if anyone is in need of a tux for a wedding I have a 3T available for you to borrow. Also, he looked adorable in it! (Even if he was not about wearing it.)