Groom Attire Budget: How Much Should You Really Spend on a Wedding Suit?

When planning a wedding, most couples focus on the dress, the venue, the cake—but the groom attire budget, the total amount allocated for the groom’s clothing, including suit, shoes, accessories, and alterations. Also known as groom clothing expenses, it’s often overlooked until the last minute. Here’s the truth: you don’t need to spend thousands to look sharp. A well-fitted suit, even if it’s rented or bought secondhand, beats an expensive one that doesn’t fit right.

The wedding suit cost, the price of the groom’s main outfit, typically ranging from $200 to $1,500 depending on quality, brand, and whether it’s bought or rented. In Australia and the UK, many grooms spend between $300 and $700. That includes the suit, shirt, tie or bowtie, shoes, and maybe cufflinks. If you’re on a tight budget, look at sales, sample sales, or even borrow from a friend. The groom attire budget, the total amount allocated for the groom’s clothing, including suit, shoes, accessories, and alterations. isn’t about showing off—it’s about feeling confident. A $400 suit that fits perfectly will always look better than a $1,200 one that’s too tight or too long.

Don’t forget the hidden costs: alterations. Even a high-end suit often needs tailoring. That’s another $50 to $150. Shoes? Don’t skimp—your feet will thank you after hours of standing and dancing. A good pair of dress shoes should be part of your wedding attire budget, the overall spending plan for all clothing and accessories worn by the groom on his wedding day. And what about the tie? A silk tie might cost $40, but a good one lasts years. Same goes for a pocket square or boutonnière—small touches, but they add polish.

Some grooms think they need a three-piece suit because it’s "traditional," but that’s not always practical. A two-piece suit is easier to wear, cheaper, and still elegant. If you’re having a beach wedding, skip the wool. If it’s winter, go for a heavier fabric. The groom suit prices, the range of costs for wedding suits across different styles, materials, and retailers. vary wildly—but your choice should match your season, your venue, and your comfort. You’re not buying a suit to impress your in-laws. You’re buying it so you can move, breathe, and enjoy your day without worrying about your clothes.

And here’s something most people don’t tell you: the groom’s outfit doesn’t need to match the bride’s dress exactly. It just needs to complement it. A charcoal suit works with almost any dress color. A navy suit looks great with ivory, blush, or even pastel gowns. You don’t need matching colors—you need harmony.

So how do you set your groom attire budget? Start by looking at your total wedding budget. If you’re spending $15,000, $500–$800 on your suit is reasonable. If you’re doing a $10,000 wedding, aim for $300–$500. If you’re going for under $5,000, rent or buy secondhand. There’s no shame in it. Real grooms don’t care how much you spent—they care that you looked like you meant it.

Below, you’ll find real advice from couples who’ve been there: how they saved money, what they regretted spending on, and what they wish they’d known before buying their suit. Whether you’re shopping for a tuxedo, a linen suit, or a simple blazer, there’s a guide here for you.