A Formal Partnership with Key West Sandbar Tours
The Groom's Checklist: Tuxes Sorted, Then Key West
Most grooms we fit have two things on their mind: what the guys are wearing on the big day, and where they're going for the bachelor party. We handle the first one. For a lot of Tampa wedding parties, the answer to the second is Key West.
It's a six-hour drive, it's warm most of the year, and the best part of a Key West bachelor party is out on the water.
Step 1: Get the tuxes handled first
Do this before the trip, not after. Once a bachelor party is on the calendar, everything else in the wedding plan starts moving fast. Here's what we tell every groom:
- Get everyone measured early. Groomsmen who live out of town can send measurements, and we'll have everything ready when they're in Tampa.
- One outfit, fully packaged. Our rental packages include coat, pants, shirt, shoes, vest, tie, studs and cufflinks. Nobody shows up in the wrong shoes.
- Leave room for fittings. We carry stock and do alterations in-house, but a final fitting still needs a few days of breathing room before the wedding.
- Order roughly 3 weeks ahead to be safe. Earlier is better during wedding season.
With the suits locked in, there's one less thing to stress about when you head south.
Step 2: Put the bachelor party on a boat
Duval Street is fun for a night. The part the guys will actually remember is a day on the water: a sandbar with clear, waist-deep water, a cooler of drinks, music, and nobody else around.
Our friends at Key West Sandbar Tours keep an up-to-date guide to Key West bachelor party boats, with real prices and group sizes for more than 20 options. A few that stand out for a wedding party:
- Small crew (up to 6): A private tiki boat runs about $525 for four hours. Split six ways, that's under $90 a person.
- Full wedding party (up to 12): The Salty Bottom tiki boat, with a slide and a bar, is about $1,049 for four hours.
- Big group (up to 30+): Larger party boats and sailing catamarans cover the whole crew, groomsmen, brothers and dads included.
- Something different: A private offshore fishing charter for mahi and tuna, about $850 for four hours for up to six.
Prices are current as of this writing and can change. The guide links straight to each boat's live calendar.
Step 3: Know the Key West basics
A few things that save headaches:
- Most private charters are BYOB. Bring cans, not glass. Coolers and ice are usually provided.
- Plan ahead for the busy months. Weekend tiki boats in March, April and October can sell out two to four weeks out.
- Budget for the crew tip. Plan on 15 to 20 percent, since it isn't included in the charter price.
- Weather happens. Weather cancellations are refunded, so keep a backup day in mind if you can.
The simple timeline
1. Pick the wedding date.
2. Come see us and get the whole party measured.
3. Pick the Key West weekend and lock in the boat.
4. Final fittings a few weeks before the wedding.
5. Show up looking sharp.
Come see us
Bib 'N Tux has been dressing Tampa wedding parties with complete outfit packages, in-house stock and alterations. Visit us at 4213 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, or call (813) 971-7575 to get your group started.
Then go plan the boat day. You've earned it.
