When you’re getting married, a lot of focus is on the bride, but remember, it’s also the groom’s time to shine. Just because the bride gets lots of attention it doesn’t mean the groom has to take a back seat – in fact, it’s exactly the opposite. When a groom is standing next to their partner at the altar, they want to look good, to help them feel good – and a sharp suit or tuxedo helps with exactly that.
Couples spend an average of $500-1,000 on wedding suits, which might not sound much when you compare it to the $30,000 the average Canadian couple spends in total on their wedding. However, the suit is another cost that can climb unless you approach it with thought and consideration.
The fact that you’re shopping for a suit hopefully means you’re fairly close to the big day itself, meaning your comprehensive Bridebook wedding checklist must be nearly complete…but it also means that your wedding budget might be looking a little more restrictive than it once was.
No fear – there are ways and means to make sure you look like James Bond without an MI5 agent’s salary and still have money left over for a Martini, shaken not stirred. In this post, we’re going to look at how you can save money on a wedding suit while making sure you stand proud while exchanging your vows.
Do you need to buy an expensive suit for your wedding?
No, you don’t need to buy an expensive suit for your wedding. In fact, you might not need to buy a suit at all – renting or wearing a suit you already own are both great options too. Just because a bride might spend an average of $2,500 on a wedding dress doesn’t mean a groom has to spend the equivalent.
What about jewellery and accessories?
On top of the suit, couples typically spend around $300-$400 on wedding accessories. But the good news? There are plenty of ways to save without compromising on style. With smart shopping, you can still sport a sleek tie, polished cufflinks, and a crisp pocket square — all without going over budget.
15 ways to save money on your wedding suit
You’ll want your big day to go exactly as planned and be as luxurious and special as it can be – this includes the groom’s wedding attire. Below are 15 ways you can save money on a wedding suit and still look and feel fabulous. For more cost-cutting tips, check out our ultimate guide to saving money on your wedding.
1. Choose a suit to fit the style of your wedding
Before you decide to go and buy or rent a tux, first think about the style of your wedding and your chosen venue. A fancy suit or tux isn’t always appropriate for a beach or rustic wedding. Discuss the atmosphere you’re going for with your beloved and choose your attire accordingly.
2. Choose a suit over a tuxedo
If you’re contemplating formal attire, then consider buying a tailored suit instead of a tuxedo. They can look just as good but will be far kinder to your budget, as the only real difference between a tux and a suit is the satin feel. Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable and be able to wear your suit again in the future.
3. Consider renting a suit
Many grooms don’t realize that renting a suit is even an option, let alone something to consider for their wedding day. But renting can save you a significant amount—more than $400, in fact—while giving you access to a much wider range of styles. What might be out of your budget to buy could be far more affordable to rent. With some vendors offering rentals for as little as $75, it’s definitely worth considering.
4. Compare buying to renting
While renting is usually a hugely affordable option, it’s always advisable to compare costs between buying and renting. For example, say rental costs are $75 a day: if you have a destination wedding, those costs could be $525 if you’re away for a week, which could be way more expensive than buying a suit off the rack. With buying, there’s also always the option to sell your suit after the wedding to make some of your money back.
5. Ask for a deal
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” The same goes for scoring a deal on your wedding suit. While big-name retailers might have fixed prices, independent shops and tailors are often more flexible — especially if multiple groomsmen are renting or buying from the same place. In some cases, you might even land your suit for free or at a serious discount. It never hurts to ask!
6. Save on accessories
It can be tempting to splash the cash when you’re getting married and treat yourself to a new watch or some extra bling, but you might be better off using that budget elsewhere. There’s no reason why you can’t use your own cufflinks, ties or shoes if you’re willing to compromise a little. Just make sure they look good and fit in with your overall look and the theme of your wedding.
7. Wear a suit you already own
Chances are, you have a suit or two knocking around in your wardrobe, so consider wearing one of those and save yourself hundreds. You could freshen up the look with a few new accessories, which you could then coordinate with the rest of the wedding party. Just be aware that going down this route will be a compromise of sorts. You might not be able to get the dream ensemble you would be able to get by going to a designer store or boutique, where everything is custom-made and tailored to fit you perfectly on your big day.
8. Understand rental fees
If you’re renting a suit, make sure you know the exact details of the return policy. You don’t want to be fined because you return your suit a day late. That’s going to be the last thing on your mind during such a hectic time.
9. Ask groomsmen and ushers to buy their own suits
While matching suits will look amazing in the photos, there aren’t many other advantages to syncing up suits. Follow the popular bridesmaids’ trend and give your ushers a color scheme which they can dress for. That means you won’t have to buy their suits, they can save money by not having to purchase a new suit, and everyone will still look great in the photos.
10. Be cohesive using creativity
You don’t need to spend a fortune to bring cohesion to your wedding party. A little creativity is all you need, such as with matching accessories. Try colored socks, suspenders, vests or bow ties and have fun with them.
11. Shop around
Shop around! Just like a bride visits multiple stores before choosing her gown, grooms should do the same. The cost of men’s formalwear can vary widely, so it’s worth comparing options to find the best balance between quality and price. While a bespoke suit or tux looks sharp, many big-name retailers offer stylish, well-made options to fit different tastes and budgets — perfect if you’re looking to save without sacrificing style.
12. Consider browsing second hand stores
Believe it or not, thrift stores can be a goldmine for hidden gems — including a wedding suit. It might take some patience, but with a little luck, you could stumble upon a stylish suit at a fraction of the price. Just keep in mind that finding your exact size is rare, so you may need alterations — which will add to the cost but could still be much cheaper than buying new.
13. Borrow a suit from family or friends
Something borrowed doesn’t only have to apply to the bride. Borrowing a suit from a family member or friend will save you plenty, so long as you’re the same size. Again, bear in mind that if you go down this route, you will likely have to compromise, and might not get the exact suit you originally had in mind.
14. Shop during the sales
If you have time on your side, then simply keep a close eye on sales and offers. Big retailers have sales periodically throughout the year, as do independent stores. By biding your time you could save as much as 50%, or even higher if some suits are end of the line.
15. Shop online
This is a slightly risky option, as getting the right size can be tricky, but if you know your exact measurements, you could save a bundle by shopping online. Second-hand stores or auction sites like eBay have plenty of bargains, but there are also plenty of online clothing retailers which have more competitive prices than department stores.
Plan a budget-friendly wedding with Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, we have plenty of tools to help you save money on your wedding and keep track of your finances, including our handy wedding budget calculator. Sign up today and start planning!
Browse other similar articles…
- How Much Do Wedding Suits Cost in Canada?
- How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost in Canada?
- The Ultimate Canadian Wedding Budget Breakdown
- Wedding Etiquette: Who (Traditionally) Pays For What?
Happy Planning!
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