For the latest big checkmark on the to-do list, I went with DF and his BM to look at tuxedos. This was my first time going with them, but they had already been out to see another store previously. The first store sounded kind of like a nightmare, but for some reason DF had actually still been planning to get their suits there, but only didn't because of small a technicality. So, I think we (I) may have dodged a bullet.
The reason they didn't order right of the bat was because the only white jacket they offered had a satin ribbon along the edge of the lapel. As soon as I saw it I hated it, so phew! On top of that, the consultant was described by both DF and the BM with the following descriptors: rude, pushy, condescending and basically encouraging them to leave. She didn't tell them what they would get with a rental, so when I asked DF if it included pants, bowtie or cummerbund/vest, he had no idea and they hadn't thought to ask. Again, phew!
This new place we went to was a marked improvement, by their estimation. The store was about 15 times larger (I can't even imagine how tiny this first place was), because this place was by no means a warehouse. And there quite a few other bridal parties there, so they obviously do good business. Good signs!
A consultant helped us and while DF made the appointment and started the conversation, they were quickly all looking to me for the answers. I had answers for the consultant that DF didn't even realize were questions (pleated or not pleated shirt? tuxedo collar or dress collar? shawl, notch or peak?). No one can say I don't have a crystal clear image of how I want this to look!
And again, I ask what DF was thinking going to that first appointment without me!
The reason we chose the first place was by a recommendation from our DJ. He had told us the owner was a great and very accommodating and could probably help us out with the multiple rentals we need (one long one for Disney and then another for our at-home reception in September). When they got to the store the owner wasn't even there, even though DF specifically asked to discuss these matters when he made the appointment over the phone.
The second place we chose because when we went back to the drawing board, i.e. Google, it was the only local place we found that had a double breasted white jacket! Exactly like Casablanca! Yes, yes, yes!
Unfortunately, we got the bad news pretty quickly into the appointment. The double-breasted comes in white but only stark white and my dress is ivory. She held up a white jacket beside the ivory jacket and it was pretty obvious that it would just not look good with us side by side in ivory and white. That, and the stark white was already a non-starter for me, she just beat me to it when she asked what colour my dress was.
While she was taking DF's measurements she asked if there was a reason why I wanted the white so adamantly. I said, "well it's a Casablanca theme," and she went "Ohhh, okay. Well don't you think Humphrey Bogart was wearing ivory anyway? I know it's black and white, but..." And I said "Yes, I definitely think so." Nevertheless she spent the entire appointment apologizing about the white-only double-breasted and convincing me that no one would know that the jacket wasn't exactly the same as the one from the movie. Or that I could still do the white double-breasted but it may be a risk with the ivory dress. Yadda, yadda, yadda and so on and so forth and on and on and on and on! I felt like she was trying to in earnest to keep me from having a bridezilla moment or something? I kept agreeing, "Yep, no one will notice." And she kept reassuring me "Don't worry no one will notice. No one will know but you." And I wanted to be like, "I KNOOOOOOW! I LIKE THE IVORY! THE SINGLE-BREASTED IS FINE AND AWESOME!" Or something like that..
(I asked DF if the suit from the first place was white or ivory. He didn't know.)
Well, you know, DF tried on the double-breasted in black anyway and it looked extremely sharp. It was a perfectly shaped double-breasted jacket for him, much slimmer than the usual cut or something, it looked really good! So I wish they hadn't tried that on, because I'd already ruled it out on account of the white/ivory situation. Maybe the consultant is used to be people being more indecisive or something. Then DF did the ivory jacket with the black bowtie and the dress shirt [dickie] and it was like, Yes, wrap it up, I'm done! (But, to really illustrate my point, there were still at least four or five more reassurances from the consultant - and then also the BM, who I think misinterpreted the consultant's excessive earnestness as me appearing to be inconsolable - that no one would in fact notice it wasn't a double-breasted like the movie).
The last part of the appointment was the weirdest part. Vest or cummerbund? DF hates vests. So it was never an option, but his BM prefers a vest. I've never worn a suit, so I can't account for the comfort of either, although I think a vest would be a mistake considering the wedding will be outside in Florida in July. So, the consultant was ready to ring us up when DF said cummerbund for himself and vest for BM. And the consultant went, "Oh you want a vest? What colour?"
Me: "Ivory."
She went and got a couple and brought them back. They looked very thick with all kinds of pearly designs and stuff, when I was thinking I want a vest that looks indistinguishable from the jacket, so as to not distract from that. She looks up.
Consultant: "Wait, who's the groom?" We all point to DF. She must have known all along it was him, because the appointment was under DF's name and the BM didn't really say anything the whole time.
Consultant: "If I went to your wedding and you [the BM] were wearing the vest, I'd think you were the groom."
Me: Blank look.
Anyway really? I don't think at our 40 guest wedding, where probably only one person hasn't met DF (yet), there would be any risk of someone confusing the BM and Groom based on who had the vest. Seriously, is this a thing? Whatever. Just to end the consultant's stupefaction the BM agreed to do a cummerbund. It's probably for the best in the long run.
So instead of channeling a perfect Rick (Humphrey Bogart), DF and BM will be pulling a William Holden ala Sabrina, which just so happens to be my favourite movie of all time. In conclusion, I am not complaining!
I think that about wraps up the weirdest appointment I've yet had for this wedding. Anyway she gave us a deal on both rentals and she did DF's second rental for September at 50% off. Not too shabby! But weird. I'm glad I was there. Phew, double phew!
Oh well, what can you do! I think silk are a really nice alternative though, and you get to keep them forever too! I would have considered silk as well, but my mom has a two wedding pet peeves: fake flowers and destination weddings. And since I'm doing the destination wedding. . . . 
I am so excited today about the double digits!
(And major applause for making it through the whole PJ! It's quite the novel!) 
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