Black tie wedding

Pinstripes are like the anti-black tie. Do you have a good tailor for alterations? That'll be important if you buy something used and/or off eBay. Another option is to get a nice dark navy suit. This is something versatile that you can use later, yet is much better suited to sub in for a tux at a black tie event than a pinstripe suit.

It would help to specify your total budget, including accessories (shoes, formal shirt, bow tie, etc).

 

I would go with option 4. I would strongly discourage option 1. You can try to rent, but the main issue with renting is that you can't get the tuxedo altered to fit you. Almost every OTR suit needs something done, like sleeve length and pant hem. I suppose, if you have enough lead time, you could get the rented garment altered, though this is probably a violation of the rental agreement.

 

You should be able to get something passable on ebay. I have heard of people getting the entire rig for under $500 off ebay (not polyester either).

Here is an example of something cheap you can get off ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mens-Black-One-Button-Peak-Lapel-Tuxedo-Package-with-CHAPS-Vest-Wedding-Prom-50R-/140798617134?pt=US_CSA_MC_Suits&hash=item20c840662e

You can tuck the pocket flaps in. Just don't wear that vest that comes with it. It looks like this seller has rental stock that he/she is selling off. It is rare to find a rental tuxedo jacket with peak lapels, which is one reason not to rent.

 

Also, don't wear a regular tie. Get a self-tie bow tie.

Also consult here for more information: http://blacktieguide.com/

I would definitely agree with option 4. I'm in the same boat and got lucky going second-hand.

I found a custom made,1 button shawl collar in midnight blue that fits almost perfectly off the rack. If you're in Manhattan, I saw quite a few tuxes at second-hand stores (BB, YSL)..

Not to hijack the thread, but didn't get a response in the Q&A thread..

I've decided to go with cummerbund/bowtie/braces, rather than a vest. What are some acceptable colors/combinations without looking like I'm headed to prom?

Should the tie and cummerbund match? If so, should the braces match as well?
What sort of combinations would work? Black/Navy/White?

Braces should be white. Cummerbund and tie should match jacket lapel facings.

...problem solved. Acceptable colors for a cummerbund and bow tie include the following:

Black.

Braces can be either white or black, but the jacket doesn't come off until you're getting undressed anyway so it shouldn't matter (unless you're that guy dancing on the table with a drink in each hand, in which case the "headed to prom" look is suitable).