Groom Suit Cost: What You Really Need to Spend on Wedding Attire

When it comes to wedding expenses, the groom suit cost, the total price a groom spends on his wedding-day attire, including suit, shirt, shoes, tie, and accessories. Also known as groom formalwear expenses, it’s one of those line items that sneaks up on you—especially when you think you’re just buying a suit, but end up paying for alterations, dry cleaning, and rental fees. Most grooms assume they can grab something off the rack and call it a day, but the truth is, your suit is one of the few things you’ll wear once that needs to look perfect. And that precision doesn’t come cheap.

The wedding suit budget, the total amount allocated for the groom’s outfit, from purchase or rental to final touches. Also known as groom attire expenses, it varies wildly depending on whether you buy new, rent, or go secondhand. In the UK, a basic off-the-rack suit starts around £200, but if you want something tailored, made from wool, and matched to your bride’s dress tone, you’re looking at £500 to £1,200. Alterations alone can add £100 to £250. And don’t forget shoes—good leather dress shoes aren’t a £30 impulse buy. A full outfit, including belt, socks, and cufflinks, can easily hit £800 if you’re not careful. The groom suit styles, the types of formalwear options available to grooms, from classic tuxedos to modern three-piece suits. Also known as wedding formalwear, it’s not just about looks—it’s about fit, season, and venue. A summer beach wedding calls for linen; a winter church ceremony needs wool and layers. The style you pick directly impacts the cost. A tuxedo rental might be cheaper upfront, but if you plan to wear it again, buying a versatile suit makes more sense long-term.

What you spend should match your priorities. If your wedding’s all about the venue and the cake, maybe you can cut back on the suit. But if you’re the kind of guy who wants to look back at your photos and feel confident, investing in a well-fitted, timeless piece pays off. Look for sales in January or July, check out independent tailors instead of big chains, and skip the flashy accessories unless they mean something. A good suit doesn’t need to be branded—it just needs to fit right.

Below, you’ll find real advice from couples who’ve been there: how much they spent, where they saved, and what they wish they’d known before buying. Whether you’re shopping on a tight budget or want to splurge without regret, these stories give you the clarity you need to make the right call—without the pressure.