Does The Groom Pay For The Groomsmens Suits? [Should They?]

Weddings do cost a lot of money; there is unfortunately no real way around it. You also get what you pay for, where better quality is often reflected in the price. For a day as important as your wedding, costs can be easily justified. Suits are one such expense in particular that you will need to take into account. But what suits should be included in the budget? Is it just that of the groom or should you be looking to cover the costs of the groomsmen’s suits too? I spent some time researching both traditions, etiquette, and the experiences of others to find out exactly how to approach it.

So, does the groom pay for the groomsmen’s suits? For the most part, the groom will select the wedding attire; including the style, design, and colors, but the groomsmen will be expected to pay for their respective outfits. The cost can be offset somewhat if the suits are rented, instead of purchased outright. However, if your budget allows it, you may want to purchase the suits, or accessories like ties, of the groomsmen as a goodwill gesture or as a sign of your appreciation for them.

Purchasing options like group save discounts can make the gesture more affordable, and it can go a long way to ensuring the groom’s party look at their best.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you can realistically afford. Nevertheless, opening the conversation early and communicating with your groomsmen is advised.

This way, everyone can set their expectations early, plan, save ahead of time, and you can hopefully avoid any difficult conversations much later done the line.

Let us now take a closer look at some of the other costs involved with the groomsmen, and if the groom is expected to cover them.

We will also be covering whether the best man is an exception to the rule and whether the groomsmen should match the attire of the groom.

So, be sure to keep reading to get all the information you need!

What Does The Groom Pay For His Groomsmen?

There are quite a few costs involved for a groomsman, so naturally, you may be wondering if the groom typically helps cover some of these.

Let us first begin by looking at the bachelor party, which typically takes place in the months leading up to the wedding day.

Traditionally, the groom would not have to pay anything towards it, with the cost being covered by the groomsmen (who would also be paying for their own attendance).

However, in recent times and as destination and multi-day bachelor parties have become more common, the groom is now expected to pay for themselves. Or at least, contribute a lot more to this event.

So, the groom will unlikely be paying for any of the groomsmen to attend; and the costs of travel, accommodation, drinks, food, and entertainment fall on the each groomsman.

As we have already outlined; purchasing or renting the suit is usually the responsibility of the groomsmen.

They will, however, be directed by the groom (where to go, when to go, and given an estimate of how much it is expected to cost). Sometimes, the wedding planner will undertake this task on the groom’s behalf, but if they are not being used, it is up to the groom to make these arrangements.

From there, there are special accessories or outfit additions.

The most common and typical examples are those such as a tie, bow tie, or handkerchief. Usually, the groom will pay for these as a gift, and as a way of appreciating the efforts of their groomsmen.

However, again, it is not expected that the groom covers this cost, and as groomsmen, you may be expected to pay for these extras too.

Sometimes, the groom will purchase all of these accessories in a group order to ensure that everything matches and no mistakes are made from the order. Whether or not the groomsmen are then asked to pay or contribute towards these items is at the discretion of the groom.

Wedding accommodation is another area in which the groomsmen are expected to pay. The groom and bride may have some recommendations, may have negotiated better rates, or may even be able to get accommodation closer to the venue.

But nonetheless, this cost usually falls on the groomsmen. Sometimes, a contribution may be made by the groom. But, with all the costs involved with a wedding – it is not something that is common or should be expected.

One of the final areas that should be considered is the grooming for the day. This could be anything from a shave, to a haircut to hairstyling before the ceremony.

Now traditionally, this is a potential cost that the groom may decide to take on to gift their groomsmen and help them to look and feel at their best for the big day.

But, it is down to the groom and they are not obliged to cover this cost either.

Ultimately, what the groom will cover will depend entirely on their finances, ability to cover, and their personal opinions around gifting or treating their groomsmen.

Some grooms will cover quite a lot of the costs; whereas others provide little.

Read more: What Do Groomsmen Pay For? [& What They Shouldn’t]

Does The Groom Pay For The Best Man Suit?

It’s up to the groom and the wedding couple as to whether they pay for the best mains suit. However, it is a nice gesture and one that can help you match, offer your appreciation, and recognize the best man from the other groomsmen.

It is a fair and honorable thing to do, especially when you consider all that the best man will have invested in your day, the preparations they will have gone to, and all of the efforts involved.

It’s definitely not mandatory though, nor should it be expected by the best man.

Unless of course, you have any particular requirements or the suit needs additional work, like tailoring. In that case, it is advised that the groom picks up the cost.

One thing to potentially consider is what the bride is doing for her maid of honor and bridesmaids. You should look to replicate what they are doing; so if their attire is being covered, it is only fair that you do the same with your best man.

Another consideration is whether you opt to purchase the suit outright or hire one. The former makes it much more affordable whereas the latter will likely mean that covering the cost is not as feasible.

Does The Groom Dress Differently From The Groomsmen?

Whether or not the groom dresses differently from the groomsmen will depend on personal preferences, the venue, and the theme in which you are going for.

Traditionally, the groom does match the groomsmen.

Usually, the groomsmen will wear either the same suit or one that is similar to that of the groom.

Sometimes, there are a few subtleties, such as different colors for their ties, handkerchiefs, or even their shoes.

However, in recent years, it has become more and more common for the groom to distinguish themselves from their groomsmen altogether.

Wearing a different suit, or one with a more distinctive pattern is something you can consider.

Nevertheless, it is important that at the very least, the groom’s attire should coordinate with the groomsmen.

Beyond this, something that can help tie the entire bridal party together and one group is to get your groomsmen to match the style of the bridesmaids.

This makes for much better photos!

Finally

While being a groomsman is a great privilege, whether or not the groom covers the cost of their suit is ultimately up to them and what they can afford.

In an ideal world, the groom would pay for and cover everything.

But we must be realistic and consider the fact that weddings are expensive and that this is not feasible for most.

That being said, the groom covering some of the groomsmen’s costs, whether this is gifting them with an accessory or paying for a grooming session ahead of the big day, is definitely the right thing to do.

It’s not all about the money; it’s about thanking and appreciating your closest friends who are there for you on your special day, and who have invested time and money in you and your bride.

Whatever the situation may be, just be sure to keep the communication open, start the conversation early, and set everyone’s expectations from the outset.

You do not want any late drama, such as the groomsmen not being able to afford things you require necessary, or something not being available (or in stock) when they need it.

Have other questions about groomsmen? My following guides may be of interest:

• Do Groomsmen Have To Wear Matching Shoes? [This Is Why…]
• When Should Groomsmen Get Their Suits? [The Ideal Time Is…]
• When Should The Groomsmen Order Their Suits? [The Right Time Is…]
• Groomsmen vs Usher [What Is The Difference Between The Two?]
• Can Groomsmen Be Married? [All That You Need To Know]
• How Many Groomsmen Can You Have? [How Many Is Too Much?]