What is the difference between small, owner-operated tuxedo specialists and the big chain stores?

Service, service, and more service. We keep all our inventory in our stores, so when you are shopping for your formalwear, you can try on several styles before deciding which tuxedo suits you best. Would a bride want to order her gown from a catalog and wait until 2 days before her wedding to try it on? Of course not, and it should be no different for the groom. A warehouse hundreds or even thousands of miles away is of no benefit to you on your wedding day.

One of our favorite sayings is, "We won't let you wear it unless it fits!" Our reputation depends on excellence, and our entire staff is trained to perform instant alterations to ensure you and your party look their best. At Mission Tuxedos, we do not settle for "good enough" or "sorry, that's the best we could do."

What styles are appropriate for my wedding?

While some tuxedos are designed for morning weddings (cutaways and strollers) and others for evening (white tie and tails), we encourage you to cast aside any preconceived "rules" and choose what best suits your style. After all, your pictures are what matter most.

How do I choose styles for everyone in my wedding?

Start with the groom. His tuxedo should complement the bride's dress. Then ask yourself if you want all the men dressed the same. If so, you're done. However, most couples want the groom to stand out from the rest of the party. We recommend doing this with accessories, such as vests and ties. You can color coordinate groomsmen to bridesmaids or you can have the groom wear fancy accessories and everyone else basic black. As far as the ringbearer is concerned, he typically complements the flower girl. Also, if you are dressing your fathers, they usually wear classic styles. Feel free to contact us for more help.

How soon should I begin?

There is no such thing as too early or too late. However, a good comfortable time frame is to register 2 months ahead and finish 2 weeks ahead of your wedding. This will ensure that all measurements are current (especially important for ringbearers, who tend to grow quickly).

How do we get our out-of-towners fitted?

Because of the Internet, ordering tuxes long-distance is easier than ever. Men who wear suits regularly will know their sizes, but most need to be professionally fitted. As traveling to weddings is very common, local formalwear specialists are glad to help as a courtesy. To submit, simply go to our Measurements page and fill in the blanks. Of course, we still accept the more traditional methods of mail, telephone, and fax. Just ask for our fitting form/postcards or you can print the Measurements page.

How much are rental fees and who pays for them?

Our tuxedos range from $59-$149 depending on coat style and accessories, so we have something for every budget. This includes everything you'll need except shoes, which are $15-$25 per pair. Most weddings are large enough to qualify for our Wedding Special, which entitles you to a free rental with parties of six or more (in-stock styles only; see our Styles page). As far as paying, most parties pay individually.

When do we pick up and return our tuxes?

The typical rental period is three days, which, for a Saturday wedding, means Friday through Monday. We ask you to come between noon and six pm Friday or anytime Saturday (9 am to 5 pm). We are open Sundays 10 am till 2 pm and Mondays 9:30 to 6 for returns. If you would like your tuxedos to be picked up, we service all Santa Barbara area hotels at no charge. Please ask for details.