Planning a wedding is complicated enough. When your groomsmen live in different cities or states, coordinating fittings and rentals adds another layer of logistics. With the right timeline, clear communication, and a trusted formalwear partner, you can keep the process simple and stress free. Below are practical steps and best practices to manage out-of-town groomsmen, plus how Tuxedo by Sarno supports remote parties every step of the way.
Why this matters
Out-of-town groomsmen increase the risk of sizing errors, late pickups, and last minute rushes. Those problems translate to extra expense and wasted time. Planning ahead prevents mistakes and keeps your wedding day running smoothly.
Step 1. Start early and register your wedding
Register your wedding as soon as the date is set. The earlier you register, the more time you give your party for fittings and adjustments. Use a wedding portal or the Tuxedo by Sarno Wedding Manager tool to centralize guest lists, measurements, and color choices. That single point of truth reduces confusion and keeps everyone on the same page.
Step 2. Pick a single reference store and standardize measurements
Choose one nearby Tuxedo by Sarno or network store as the reference location for the entire party. Ask every groomsman to visit that store if possible. If travel is not feasible, accept measurements from a trusted local formalwear shop or use the Wedding Manager tool to submit measurements online. Standardizing where measurements come from greatly reduces sizing inconsistencies.
Step 3. Use a measurement window and hard deadlines
Set a clear measurement window and cutoffs. Recommended timeline:
- Register wedding: 6 to 9 months before event
- First measurements: 3 to 4 months before event
- Final measurements and confirmations: 6 to 8 weeks before event
- Out-of-town pickups and try-ons: 5 to 7 days before event
These windows give time for production, shipping, and on-site last minute adjustments.
Step 4. Offer a Free Groom Try-On and encourage it
Encourage the groom to use the Free Groom Try-On at a nearby Tuxedo by Sarno store. When the groom confirms fit and style locally, it becomes the baseline for every groomsman’s order. If the groom can do the try-on earlier, any styling changes can be made well before the rest of the party gets measured.
Step 5. Provide clear measurement instructions for remote members
If a groomsman must submit measurements remotely, give step-by-step instructions and measurement charts. Ask them to:
- Wear dress shoes and a shirt similar to what they plan to wear
- Measure chest, waist, hips, sleeve, outseam, and neck to the nearest half inch
- Photograph measurements or have a local tailor verify them
When possible, request that remote measurements be taken at a collaborating partner store to ensure consistency.
Step 6. Ship to store for centralized try-on and pickup
Instead of shipping outfits to individual homes, ship them to the reference store for quality control and final try-ons. That lets your team catch mismatches and make quick alterations. Tuxedo by Sarno offers cross-store pickup options so a groomsman can pick up at the most convenient location if needed.
Step 7. Communicate clearly and often
Create a short communications plan. Example cadence:
- T minus 12 weeks: Measurement request and instructions
- T minus 8 weeks: Measurement confirmation reminder
- T minus 3 weeks: Final sizing check and pickup plan
- T minus 7 days: Text a reminder for pickup or try-on
Step 8. Manage returns and late fees proactively
Explain return windows and late fees at the time of booking. If a groomsman is traveling, offer to return his tux for him at your closest Tuxedo by Sarno location to prevent a late return.
How Tuxedo by Sarno helps
- 46 showrooms across the North East make local fittings easier and reduce travel time.
- Wedding Manager Tool centralizes orders, measurements, and communication.
- Free Groom Try-On sets a consistent style and fit reference for your whole party.
- Cross-store pickup and returns allow flexibility for traveling groomsmen.
- Experienced fitters guide remote measurement submission and verify questionable sizes to avoid costly mistakes.
Quick checklist for couples
- Register your wedding and pick a reference store.
- Book the groom’s free try-on first.
- Collect or verify measurements within your agreed window.
- Ship orders to the reference store for final try-ons.
- Schedule pickups at least 7 days before the event.
- Confirm return plan and extended rental options if needed.
Final tips
Prioritize communication and give yourself buffer time. Small investments in planning and a reliable partner will save stress and money. If a groomsman is unsure about measurements, have them visit any Tuxedo by Sarno showroom for verification. We can accept trusted partner measurements and coordinate across locations to make everything fit.
Ready to simplify out-of-town fittings for your wedding party? Register your wedding with Tuxedo by Sarno and book a Free Groom Try-On at your nearest showroom today.
