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It's about to be a very busy time in the menswear world with prom and wedding seasons just around the corner. If you have questions, if you're the wait (to-the-last-minute) and see type, or if you've merely forgotten this item on your social "to-do" list, we're here for ya. Let's address some common menswear questions and share a little of what's trending in menswear for 2025. How Much does it Cost to Rent Menswear?At Bridal Traditions, our rental packages range from $130 to $255, based on the style you choose and the rental package. We have two! The Complete Package gives you everything you need, head to toe,... literally. It includes socks and shoes, along with coat, pants, shirt, vest and tie. BT's Basic Package includes the necessary 5 pieces: coat, pants, standard shirt, vest and tie. For those of you who are comparison shoppers, you should know that our packages are "Out the Door" priced. All that is missing is the tax. Online and other retailers will keep adding extra charges to their base price, so that by the time you're ready to check out, you've been 10 and 25 dollared to death. We don't do that at Bridal Traditions. What sizes are Available in Menswear REntals?Bridal Traditions has had a partnership with Jim's Formal Wear (JFW) for over two decades, which means we can offer suits and tuxedos to fit every person in your wedding party from boys size 3 up to big and tall size 74 coat. We also offer big and tall sizes in popular brands like Michael Kors, Allure Men, Ike Behar, and Kenneth Cole AND, guys can choose from a wide variety of options including slim fit and modern fit styles. No matter which fit you choose, the garments are designed with each size in mind, so you'll be fashion-forward regardless of your body's shape and size. When is the Latest I can Order my Rental Garments?Remember that a rental is a reservation. When asked this, we are keen to remind guys that we only have samples to try on in our shop. We do not carry inventory at Bridal Traditions. We are elite dealers with JFW, and we order directly from them for all of our rental clients. We recommend that you order your rental as soon as you know what you want and when you will need it. Give us a minimum of 2 weeks to place your order. We can - and have - placed orders only a few days before an event, but we do not recommend it because you'll be limited to the styles you can get. We - and you - need that lead time. We'll do our best with a rush if it's critical, but do not wait until the last few days to order your rental. For weddings, we recommend you and your entire party order 6-8 weeks in advance. When Can I Expect to Get My Rentals?Guys can expect to get their rentals the week of the event. If you are picking up in store, your rental will arrive 2-3 days before your event. If it is being shipped to you, you'll receive it around 3-4 days before you'll need it. Another important note: We cannot do alterations on a rental, so if you are truly hard to fit, you may want to consider buying something you can use for multiple occasions that fits you and can be tailored. What's Trending in Menswear Rentals?Brand new to rent for 2025 is a gorgeous hunter green suit with details in the stitching that has our team swooning. We love this suit for proms and weddings, because the saturated color is breathtaking. Paisley print tuxedos are in for prom and are even being chosen for some weddings. Graphite, cobalt blue, apple red, and black on black are all popular this year. We are sometimes asked to explain the difference between a suit coat and a tuxedo jacket. Tuxedos have a jacket lapel that is made from satin and will have covered buttons. Otherwise, it will look like a suit. Look for satin details. Suits do not have these. The jackets in the gallery above show a variety of both tuxedo and suit coats
At Bridal Traditions, we carry menswear to rent and buy, so if you have more questions, check out our info on rentals and then come see us or schedule an appointment.
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Haley Bare and Adam Cleary made it official in a November wedding ceremony at the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir. The couple met when working together in emergency services (EMS) while on an ambulance of all places. Haley: "Our connection was just amazing! We have been together ever since. Truly the best decision of our lives! The "Dam" provided a gorgeous backdrop for Haley and Adam's "I Dos." It still had vestiges of autumn foliage and their florist did an amazing job creating the arbor for their vows that fit in perfectly for their rustic wedding. Adam's son teared up watching the ceremony, which really moved Haley. For her gown, Haley wanted lace and a "western" look and that is exactly what she got. It was traditional in feel, and with her veil, her vision was complete. Adam also purchased his menswear from us and the tan suit made him looked perfect by his new wife's side. Thanks to Lauren Bumgarner for sharing the photos from the Cleary's big day.
Everyone at BT wishes Haley and Adam decades of love and adventure! It's time for a gentle reminder that we can all succumb to those cultural stories we are told over and over again. Like fairytales, they are kind of charming and fun to believe, but boy can they hinder your ability to find the right wedding gown or prom dress. So let's dispel a few of these, and save you ladies some heartache. Myth #1: When you find your Dress, You Will CryThis is one brides want to be true, but it is rarely the case. In fact, in our 25 years of experience, what we have observed is that when brides find The One, they absolutely beam. It's as if they've been reunited with their best friend after years apart. Now if you are a crier, or easily moved, then let it flow gals. But if that is not your personality, don't let the absence of tears convince you that you need to try on 100 more gowns. The cultural hype, and often our friends, have led us to believe that when a bride finds her gown, she will burst into tears of joy. Sometimes brides tear up because of the weight of the event. Seeing themselves in a gown feels real for the first time. Just take care not to be swayed either way. Myth #2: YOu must stick to Your Original VisionIn a word: nope. Maybe as a girl you imagined making an entrance in a ballgown, with long lace sleeves and a cathedral veil. But now, you're actually trying on gowns for your wedding, and suddenly, you decide to give the mermaid style a go and absolutely fall in love. This is not a personality switch or a betrayal of your younger self. You've simply shifted your point of view and now love the way your look. We can tell you that 95% of the time brides in our boutique end up giddily purchasing something different from their initial idea. Give yourself permission to try on different styles. You will likely be surprised. Myth #3: Creating a Vision Board is a MustWe often think: "the answer is out there, and if I look hard enough, grab images of every type of gown, wedding, and style, I'll be able to make the best choice." More often than not, ladies, all you've done is overwhelm yourself. Vision boards, Pinterest and Tiktok algorithms have their place, but don't get locked in. You aren't bound to anyone else's template. Use those to inform you, but let your own voice, gut, and style lead the way. Give yourself permission to go off script. Myth #5: You cannot wear the same ColorThis myth is aimed at prom goers. If you love the color blue and wore navy last year, you do not, WE REPEAT DO NOT, have to choose a different color for prom this year. Maybe this time, a baby blue number caught your eye, or you realize that blue is a kind of signature of your style. Go for it! If you look great in your dress, you'll feel great too. And one more tip: don't worry about what your friends are wearing. If your bestie also chooses blue, or strapless, and so have you: no big deal. You are different women and you will look singular in your gowns. Myth #4: You have to Shop at Multiple StoresYou find THE gown at the first shop you visit, but you have to keep shopping around because finding IT in one stop seems impossible. NOT TRUE. Often brides find their gown at the first place they go. We've noticed that brides who visit multiple boutiques and try on upwards of 50 gowns don't end up with their dream gown; they end up confused. The same is true for prom dress shoppers. More is not always more. Don't think you have to keep exploring to make the right choice. Once you fall in love, stop looking. Myth #5: My Dress and Theme Must MatchCan your wear a goth gown at your garden wedding? Yes you can. Barn weddings don't require a rustic gown. We've seen ballgowns on beaches and bohemian gowns in churches. Your theme can show off your and your intended's personalities, but the gown needs to let you glow.
Again, the same is true for prom. if the theme is under the sea, you don't have to look like a sea nymph in a mermaid gown. You won't remember the theme nearly as much as the gown and the fun you had. We say, arch your backs ladies, choose what makes you happy, and the rest will speak for itself. BT bride Hailei Miller married Noah Davis in November of 2024 at The Emerald Hill in Hiddenite, NC. These two met in 2022 via social media and while Hailei was skeptical about a first date, she absolutely said "yes" when they got engaged exactly one year later. Fate or fluke, this bride found her way down the aisle to Noah for what was a lovely outdoor wedding. Hailei and Noah shared private vows first, with their backs to each other, and any nervousness they had disappeared immediately. After their I Dos in front of friends and family, photographer Wendy from Shew Ridge Photography captured some truly gorgeous images as the sun went down. Hailei chose a strapless gown with an added long sleeve topper that provided her with plenty of sparkle and lace accents. Along with her jewelry and veil, the whole look was magical. Fun fact: her sister made the topper for her! The team at Bridal Traditions sends our congratulations to Hailei and Noah as they twirl into this new chapter of their lives!
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