Although I'm a huge Hawaii wedding fan, there are a lot of couples who reside in Hawaii, but have their weddings in their mainland hometowns. Take for instance, one of my employees Margaret. She and her fiancé live in Pearl City, but will be getting married in her hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They'll only be going home a week before their wedding day, so how in the world is her groom supposed to have enough time to get fit for his tux?
Most couples don't have the luxury to take off for a few weeks or a month to plan the final details in their destination location, which is why the Internet has become the wedding planning tool of choice. But there are a few wedding chores that cannot be done via internet. One of those huge tasks is fitting your groom. Yup, he too, must look sharp and dapper for the wedding day. And sometimes, arriving a couple of days before the wedding doesn't leave enough time to get a proper tuxedo fitting.
So what are your options for tux fittings when you're miles and miles away?
We asked two of Hawaii's tuxedo pros, Phil's Tux and Black Tie Affair, for their insight on how grooms can get a tuxedo fitting - DW style! (Come on, DW = Destination Wedding!) Both of them are happy to help grooms out, no matter where they plan to say "I Do."
Phil's Tux will do a complimentary fitting and will give the groom the measurements to call into the mainland tuxedo vendor. And vice versa, grooms living on the mainland getting married in Hawaii can either call in their measurements or fill out a simple step by step online form on his website.
Black Tie Affair charges $5 for a very detailed fitting that the groom can also take with him to call into the mainland tuxedo vendor. Appointments are a must!
Before you send your groom to any tuxedo fitting, make sure he gets a list of required measurements and information needed to place the order from the exact tuxedo vendor you will be using for your wedding. Most vendors will provide you with an emailed form of requirements. Print it, and take it with you!
And of course, timing is everything for weddings so be sure to send your groom and his bridal party to get their measurements no later than 6 weeks prior to the big day. You AND your tuxedo vendor will appreciate checking that task off of your check list.
So mainland brides? You have nothing to fear. Tuxedo fittings in Hawaii are a snap.
