🤵 Hire or Buy? Deciding the Best Wedding Suit Option for Your Budget
- colinsbridal
- Oct 26
- 3 min read
(A Colin’s Bridal & Menswear Guide for Grooms Across Cornwall & Devon)

The big day is approaching, and among the countless wedding decisions to make, one crucial choice for every groom (and his party) is what to wear.
Should you hire your wedding suit, or should you buy it?
At Colin’s Bridal & Menswear in Callington, we’ve been helping couples across Cornwall and Devon make that decision for over 50 years — and the truth is, it all comes down to your budget, lifestyle, and wedding style.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of both options so you can find the best fit for your big day — and your wallet.
💼 The Case for Hiring: Flexibility and Savings
Hiring a wedding suit remains a popular, practical choice — especially when you want to look sharp without a large upfront investment.
Pros of Hiring:
Cost-Effective: Hiring is usually far cheaper than buying, especially if you’re unlikely to wear the suit again.
Convenient: Hire packages often include everything — jacket, trousers, shirt, waistcoat, tie, cufflinks, and even shoes. Simply collect, wear, and return — no dry cleaning required.
Variety: Hiring allows you to experiment with formal, unique, or themed looks like tails, dinner jackets, or tartan suits, without long-term commitment.
No Storage or Maintenance: Once the day is over, just return it — no cleaning, pressing, or wardrobe space needed.
Cons of Hiring:
Limited personalisation — you can’t fully customise every detail.
Availability issues during peak seasons (so book early).
Suits have been worn before, so inspect carefully at the collection.
✅ Hiring is best when:
You’re working with a set budget.
You want a formal or themed style for one occasion.
You’re coordinating multiple groomsmen and want matching suits.
🕴️ The Case for Buying: Investment and Personal Style
Buying your suit offers timeless value, especially if you love dressing sharply or want to create a look that’s completely yours.
Pros of Buying:
Perfect Fit: A purchased suit can be tailored precisely for your body shape, offering a flawless silhouette.
Personalisation: Choose your fabric, cut, colour, and details — your suit becomes a personal expression of your style.
Long-Term Value: A classic suit can serve you for future weddings, events, or formal occasions.
Sentimental Value: Many grooms love owning the suit they wore when they said “I do.”
Cons of Buying:
Higher upfront cost.
Requires maintenance (dry cleaning, pressing, storage).
Trend-based suits may date over time.
✅ Buying is best when:
You’ll wear it again for work or future occasions.
You value a perfectly tailored, custom look.
You have flexibility in your wedding budget.
You want something timeless and personal.
👞 The Hybrid Approach: Buy the Suit, Hire the Extras
There’s no rule that says you can’t have both! Many grooms opt for a hybrid solution — investing in a beautiful, well-tailored suit and hiring accessories like waistcoats, cravats, or shoes to complete the look.
This approach helps you stay on budget while enjoying the benefits of both ownership and variety.
💡 Making Your Decision
When choosing whether to hire or buy, think about:
Your Budget: What can you comfortably afford?
Your Lifestyle: Will you wear a suit again after the wedding?
Your Wedding Style: Black-tie formality or relaxed rustic elegance?
Your Timeline: The sooner you decide, the more options you’ll have.
Your Confidence: The right choice is the one that makes you feel incredible.
At Colin’s Bridal & Menswear, we’ll help you weigh every option — from modern slim-fit suits to traditional three-piece styles — ensuring you look your absolute best.
✨ Why Grooms Choose Colin’s Bridal & Menswear
Over 50 years of experience fitting grooms across Cornwall and Devon
A wide selection of hire and purchase options
Expert advice to help you choose the best style for your day
Free parking right outside our Callington boutique
Coordinating options for groomsmen, best men, and pageboys
Whether you’re hiring or buying, you’ll leave with a suit that fits your body, your budget, and your moment perfectly.
💍 Visit Us in Callington
Ready to find the right wedding suit for your big day?
Come and experience why grooms from across Plymouth, Liskeard, Tavistock, Launceston, and beyond choose Colin’s Bridal & Menswear for their wedding attire.
📍 Colin’s Bridal & Menswear
Church Street, Callington, Cornwall
👔 Book your suit consultation today and let our experienced team help you look your absolute best — whether you hire or buy.


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