Wedding Wire says the average suit for a groom or groomsmen suit can cost up to $500. Woof. Thanks a lot, inflation. Money is tight and if you’re a part of the wedding party, then you’re also thinking about travel and accommodation costs from the bachelor party and the wedding hurting the bank account.
There’s another elephant in the room—who pays for groomsmen suits? Is that a gift from the groom or another expense of the groomsmen?
What a great time to practice open and honest communication, guys. Let the Modern Groom break down expectations of who pays for groomsmen suits.
Who Pays for Groomsmen Suits?
The best way to figure out who pays for groomsmen suits is to just talk to each other. Every wedding party is different. But, if you’re wondering what most other guys are doing, typically groomsmen are picking up the tab on the suits. Grooms also often buy the groomsmen a gift or send them a surprise Venmo for half the tab.
Groomsmen are generally responsible for getting their suits if they’re a part of the wedding party. There are a couple of different ways this can go. Some brides choose a color and recruit the groom to tell you the exact color code of the suit you need to wear to the wedding.
Other grooms may ask you to purchase a very specific suit so everyone matches. Cross your fingers that they’re using a suit company like the Modern Groom that offers a suit you can buy fit just for you. That way, you’re getting a quality suit that you can repurpose in the future without a major hit to your pockets.
What Does the Groom Pay for on Behalf of His Groomsmen?
Even though the wedding party is paying for their own groomsmen's suits, grooms are still dishing out funds for the fit too. Traditionally, grooms will provide pieces that tie the groomsmen's suits together. Whether it’s ties, shoes, matching socks, belts, boutonnieres (those little flowers you see pinned to the suits), or all of the above, the groom or the groom’s family will typically gift these things to the men in the lineup. As part of your consultation with The Modern Groom, your one-stop shop, you can add in our shoe package which includes shoes, socks, and a belt—a perfect present to your guys who mean the most. Grooms who are “extra” may also throw in another small gift thanking their groomsmen for accepting the call to be groomsmen.
There are a few exceptions that may shift the responsibility of who pays for groomsmen suits from the groomsmen to the groom. If you low-key know that your boy is struggling financially, and attending the wedding is already a big ask, then expecting him to pay for a wedding suit on top of that might be a lot.
Instead of completely avoiding asking him to be in your line, this is where those communication skills can come in. Make the expectations and costs clear and let them decide if they’re able to commit to them. If the answer is no, but this is a brother-for-life type of groomsman, then you may want to consider picking up their suit tab. You want them to be part of your big day, so be open and make appropriate accommodations.
Final exception: If you happened to read Rich Dad Poor Dad when you were 12 years old and your cash flow is just overflowing now, maybe you’re the groom who pays for all of your groomsmen's suits! Lucky them and lucky bride!
What Else Should a Groomsman Save For?
As we’ve already mentioned, the groomsmen's expenses don’t stop at the groomsmen's suits. Groomsmen are traditionally tasked to split the costs of the bachelor party. Just remember, not every bachelor party needs to include a road trip and hotel stays. Fun on a budget exists—if you plan it right.
Groomsmen will also need to fork up the costs for travel and accommodations to the wedding. Whether it’s a destination wedding in the Bahamas or a backyard hometown affair, text the group if you need to split the costs for a rental car or an Airbnb.
The last thing on the list is a wedding gift for the happy couple. No, your presence isn’t exactly the wedding present. Check the wedding registry and find something in your budget to send their way. Consider gathering the entire wedding line to contribute to a larger gift. If you’re already spending a lot on everything else, don’t go broke on the gift. Even a small gift card to Target or Starbucks will probably make you the newlywed’s favorite groomsman.
Suits for Everybody at The Modern Groom
Be a good groom and choose a suit that won’t break the bank for your groomsmen. Now that we know who pays for groomsmen suits, remember the varying budgets of your boys and plan accordingly.
Groomsmen, feeling as overwhelmed as your CashApp? Fret not, friends. Suggest The Modern Groom to your groom and we can assign you a professional stylist to virtually talk through all of our budget-friendly options. See how you can save when you schedule your appointment here.
Happy suit hunting!
