Who Pays for the Groom's Suit? Real Rules for Modern Weddings

It’s the morning of the wedding. The groom’s suit is hanging in the closet, crisp and ready. But somewhere, someone is still wondering: who pays for the groom’s suit? This isn’t just about fabric and tailoring-it’s about tradition, money, and family expectations. And in 2026, those rules have changed.

Tradition Says: The Groom Pays

Old-school wedding etiquette says the groom covers his own suit, shoes, tie, and accessories. That’s the rule you’ll find in 1950s wedding guides and in some family Bibles. But here’s the thing: that rule was written when men earned most of the income and weddings were smaller, simpler affairs. Today, many grooms don’t own a suit at all. Some have never worn one outside of a high school dance. Paying $600-$1,200 for something you’ll wear once? That’s a heavy lift.

Modern Reality: It’s Often Shared

In Auckland, where I live, most couples split costs based on what makes sense-not what’s written in a book. A 2024 survey of 1,200 New Zealand couples found that 68% shared the cost of the groom’s outfit. Sometimes it’s the groom’s parents stepping in. Other times, the bride’s family offers to cover it as a gift. Or the couple just puts it on their shared wedding budget.

I know a couple last year who saved $800 on their venue by cutting back on floral arrangements. They used that money to buy the groom a custom-made navy suit from a local tailor. The groom’s mom cried when she saw it. She said, "I always wanted to do this for my son." No one forced her. She just wanted to.

When Parents Step In

It’s not unusual for parents to offer to pay for the groom’s suit-especially if they’re contributing to other parts of the wedding. But here’s the catch: they should offer, not demand. If your parents say, "We’ll pay for your suit," and you don’t want it, say so. You don’t owe them a suit they picked out.

I’ve seen this go wrong. A groom in Christchurch was pressured into a bright pink vest by his future in-laws. He hated it. He wore it anyway because he didn’t want to upset them. On the wedding day, he looked miserable. No one noticed the suit. Everyone noticed how tense he was.

Don’t let tradition become a trap. If you’re getting a suit you don’t like, you’re not honoring tradition-you’re honoring someone else’s ego.

What’s Included? It’s Not Just the Suit

The suit is only part of the cost. Don’t forget:

• Shoes (can be $150-$400)
• Shirt and cufflinks ($50-$120)
• Tie or bowtie ($30-$100)
• Undergarments and socks (yes, people forget these)
• Alterations (often $80-$200)
• Stain removal and dry cleaning after the wedding

Add it all up, and you’re looking at $700-$1,800. That’s not pocket change. If you’re on a tight budget, consider renting. A good rental suit in New Zealand runs $250-$450, including alterations. Some rental shops even throw in shoes and a tie.

What About the Groomsmen?

This question always comes up right after the groom’s suit. Do the groomsmen pay for their own outfits? The answer is the same: it depends.

Traditionally, groomsmen cover their own attire. But in practice, many grooms now pay for at least part of it-especially if the suit is custom, expensive, or hard to find. A 2025 survey of 800 New Zealand weddings showed that 57% of grooms paid for at least half of their groomsmen’s outfits.

Why? Because if you ask your best mate to buy a $700 suit just to stand next to you, you’re asking a lot. Especially if he’s a student, works retail, or lives paycheck to paycheck.

A better move? Pick a suit style and let them rent or buy their own within a set budget. Say, "I want navy suits, no ties, shoes you already own." That gives them freedom without financial stress.

How to Talk About Money Without Awkwardness

Money talks are hard. But if you wait until the day before the wedding to say, "I can’t afford this," you’ll be stuck.

Start early. Have a simple conversation: "Hey, I’m thinking about the suit. I’d love to get something nice, but I’m not sure how we should handle the cost. What do you think?" That’s it. No pressure. No blame. Just an open door.

If your parents say, "We’ll pay," ask: "Would you mind if we used that money for something else? Like the honeymoon or the photographer?" That way, you’re not rejecting their kindness-you’re redirecting it.

What If You’re Broke?

Let’s be real. Not everyone has a cushion. If you’re working two jobs, living with your parents, or paying off student loans, you don’t need to go into debt for a suit.

Here’s what works:

• Rent a suit. Many shops offer weekly rentals with free alterations.
• Buy secondhand. Facebook Marketplace and thrift stores in Ponsonby and Mt. Eden have great options.
• Ask a friend who owns a nice suit. Borrow it. Clean it. Return it. Simple.
• Go without a tie. A well-fitted shirt and blazer can look just as sharp.

Your wedding isn’t about how much you spent. It’s about who showed up. And the people who matter? They won’t remember your suit. They’ll remember how you smiled when you saw your partner walk down the aisle.

Final Rule: It’s Your Day. Make the Call.

There’s no law. No rulebook written in stone. The only thing that matters is that everyone feels respected.

If your dad wants to pay for your suit because it makes him happy? Let him.

If you want to pay for it yourself because you’re proud of your hard-earned money? Do it.

If your fiancée says, "Let’s just put it on the budget and call it even?" That’s fine too.

The suit is just fabric. The love behind it? That’s what lasts.