HERE COME THE BRIDES : FOR THE GROOM : It’s Cheaper by the Half-Dozen

To save money on his upcoming wedding, Matt Ryan increased the number of ushers from four to six.

It may seem unwise for a budget-minded groom to add to the wedding party. But most tuxedo rental shops offer discounts to groups of six or more.

By bringing in six friends, Ryan got his tuxedo for free, and everybody received shoes and accessories at no charge.

How much might a groom’s party save? At one of the 35 Gary’s Tux Shops around Southern California, a tuxedo rents for between $49.50 and $75. Shoes are $12.50, which would have set Ryan back $87.50. That, plus the $49.50 he saved on his shawl-collared double-breasted tuxedo, left the 28-year-old groom-elect feeling pleased.

“We have so many bills associated with the wedding that a little bit of savings really helps,” he says.

For 50-year-old Bill Roth, who will marry for the fourth time next month, buying a tuxedo was more cost effective.

“We go to a lot of formal events with my company so I’ll get a lot of use out of it after the wedding,” says Roth.

If a man attends at least two formal events a year--and can afford it--buying a tuxedo is the smarter investment, says I. Magnin’s Carla Annunciato. “Particularly,” she adds, “when you consider that a well-made tuxedo can last for five to 10 years.”

A formal ensemble at I. Magnin can range from $400 (by Valentino) to $1,200 (by Thierry Mugler or Gianfranco Ferre). A basic tuxedo by Giorgio Patrino at Gary’s is $265.

Gary Martin, owner of Tuxedo Center, suggests that grooms who rent chose the least expensive, basic model and have it customized.

“In most cases,” he says, “the basic tuxedo is as well-made as the designer label. Then you can always ask to have the plastic buttons replaced with satin ones. If the wedding party is large enough I’d probably do that at no extra charge.”

A man who cannot bear to look “basic” on his wedding day can opt for the hottest new look for daytime ceremonies: a gray cutaway. This formal knee-length jacket worn with striped trousers rents for $75 at Gary’s.

“The cutaway is a very elegant, classic look,” says Brill, “but it’s been updated with a gray doeskin vest and silver paisley ascot.”