Who pays for the groom's suit?

Planning a wedding can be a very exciting but also challenging task. One of the many decisions to be made is about who pays for the cost of the wedding suit. In this article, we look at different traditions and norms, as well as modern adaptations. 

Traditional division of roles

Traditionally, the division of costs at a wedding is very clear. According to old conventions, the bride's family pays for the groom's ring, the engagement party, the wedding and reception, brunch the next day and any belated reception. This usually also includes the cost of the groom's suit.

The modern perspective

Despite the traditional division of costs, many people today take a more pragmatic approach. There is a growing trend where the bride and groom and their families discuss and divide the cost of the wedding between them based on their individual financial capacity. In some cases, both families contribute to a common ‘pot’ used to cover all expenses.

It is also not unusual these days for couples to pay a large part of their wedding expenses themselves, especially if they have been financially independent for some time. This approach can allow for a fairer distribution of costs and ease financial burdens on family members.

Differences by country

Yet who pays for the groom's suit often varies by country. In many countries, such as the United States, the groom and his witnesses traditionally pay for their own suits when they buy them. However, in countries such as Ireland and the UK, it is usually the bride and groom who bear this cost. In the Netherlands - by the book - the groom's family is supposed to pay for the groom's suit. 

The effect of wedding size

The size of the wedding party can also affect who pays for the groom's suit. If the bride and groom are paying for the witnesses' suits, their budget should obviously be bigger the more witnesses there are.

Important extras

Besides buying or renting a suit or dinner jacket, the groom and his witnesses should also purchase accessories, such as shoes, socks, cufflinks, ties, and more. While it is traditionally the responsibility of the groom and his witnesses to buy these accessories, there are cases where the groom gives them to the witnesses as gifts. 

You've also come to the right place for your accessories at The Garrison

The role of the witnesses

It is also important to mention that the role of the witnesses at a wedding goes beyond just wearing matching suits. They play a vital role in supporting the groom both leading up to and during the wedding. This includes tasks such as helping organise the bachelorette party, assisting guests during the reception, giving speeches and even offering moral support to the groom.

Given their crucial role, it is customary for the groom to give his witnesses a gift of appreciation. These gifts can range from personalised cufflinks and tie pins to luxury shaving sets, depending on the groom's budget and preferences. In modern weddings, however, this does not always apply. 

Buying the wedding suit: planning and timing

Finally, timing should not be forgotten when shopping for wedding suits. It is recommended that grooms order their suits at least six months before getting married. This ensures enough time for alterations and possible changes. Planning this purchase well in advance can also help spread the cost and prevent it from becoming too big an expense, which has to be met in one go. This makes the experience more enjoyable, both for the groom and his witnesses.

One of our beautiful wedding suits

There is no single answer to the question, ‘Who pays for the wedding suit?’ 

The question ‘Who pays for the groom's suit?’ does not have a straightforward answer. It depends on a variety of factors, including cultural and personal considerations, as well as the couple's budget and the size of the wedding party. The most important thing is to communicate openly and make decisions that are acceptable to everyone. This way, inconveniences or misunderstandings can be avoided and everyone can focus on celebrating love during this unforgettable day.

Buy your wedding suit online at The Garrison 

The Garrison makes finding the perfect wedding suit even easier. From the comfort of your own home, you can explore our extensive collection of suits (see our wedding suits page). Whether you're looking for a classic dinner jacket, a contemporary navy blue suit, or perhaps something more informal for a beach wedding; we have tons of options. Find out more soon and use the size chart to find the perfect wedding suit.