While it’s true that most of the focus will go on what the bride’s wearing, just as many eyes will fall on the groom during your wedding. That means, whatever you’re wearing will need to make you look and feel good so you have the confidence to stand in front of your loved ones and say, ‘I do!’
When it comes to finding the perfect suit, much like a bride’s dress, there are countless styles to choose from. Whether you opt for a three-piece suit, an evening tailcoat, a tuxedo, or another option, the decision likely won’t be simple.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about wedding suit costs, including average prices, your style options, and hidden expenses to keep in mind.
What’s the average cost of a wedding suit?
In Australia, the average cost of a wedding suit typically ranges from $700 to $1,200, depending on your budget, the formality of your wedding, and your preferred style.
According to our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, couples often spend an average of $1,500 to $2,000 on the groom, best man, and groomsmen’s attire. Whether you choose to cover the cost for your wedding party is entirely up to you. While it’s common for groomsmen to purchase their own suits, if you prefer matching outfits for the best man and ushers, you may consider contributing or covering the expense.
What options do you have for your wedding suit?
While the average cost of a groom’s wedding attire might be between $700 to $1,200, this figure is by no means a rule to follow. Many grooms spend much less, while others opt for high-end ensembles that significantly exceed this amount. The key is ensuring the groom’s outfit complements their partner’s attire, making communication essential.
When choosing the right suit for your wedding, there are plenty of options to consider, such as:
- Morning Suit – A formal and elegant choice featuring a tailcoat, striped trousers, a vest, a collared shirt, and a cravat or ascot. Prices for a morning suit in Australia start from around $400.
- Three-Piece Suit – Comprising a vest, trousers, and a jacket, this is a versatile option suitable for both formal and semi-formal weddings. Costs start from around $300.
- Business Suit – A practical choice for a less formal wedding, available in single- or double-breasted styles. Prices typically start at $300.
- Black Dinner Suit – A sophisticated and timeless formal option, often compared to James Bond’s iconic style. Prices begin at approximately $400.
- Evening Tailcoat – Perfect for very formal weddings, this elegant choice includes a tailcoat, trousers, and a waistcoat. Costs start from around $500.
- Tuxedo – A luxurious and classic option for formal weddings, offering a polished and elegant look. You can accessorise with items like a top hat or walking stick for added charm. Tuxedos typically start at around $500.
Where can you buy your wedding suit?
Once you know the type of attire you’re looking for, you then need to decide where to start looking for that perfect suit. Where you start your search will also depend on the budget you have and how specialist you want to go.
Bespoke
If you have a larger budget for your wedding suit, bespoke tailoring is an excellent option. You’ll be able to choose the materials and the exact design, resulting in a suit that fits you perfectly. For bespoke suits, particularly from high-end tailors, expect to spend around $3,000 or more.
Made to measure
A made-to-measure suit offers a more budget-friendly alternative to bespoke tailoring. While you won’t have full control over the design, a ready-made suit will be altered to fit your measurements. For this option, costs typically range from $600 to $900.
Retailer
For those with a smaller budget, picking up a suit from a retailer is a great choice. Stores like Connor often offer stylish options. Be prepared to try on several suits and possibly get alterations for a perfect fit. Costs at retailers usually start around $300 but can go higher depending on the brand and style.
Hire
If you’re aiming for a formal look without the steep price tag, hiring a suit, tuxedo, or morning suit is a cost-effective solution. Suit rentals start at approximately $100, but be sure you’re completely satisfied with your choice and understand the return policy.
Thrift store
Shopping at a thrift store is another way to find a stylish suit on a tight budget. Patience and persistence are key as you’ll need to search for the right fit. Alterations may be required, but if you’re lucky, you could find a suit for as little as $50.
Are there any additional costs involved with wedding suits?
After selecting the suit for your wedding, don’t forget to account for additional costs that might arise. Be sure to include these in your overall budget to avoid surprises.
- Alterations – If you’re having a bespoke suit made then alterations are likely included in the cost, but suits bought from a retailer may need to be altered slightly. Last-minute alterations will also cost more, so make sure they’re arranged with plenty of time to go.
- Dry cleaning – You may want to have your suit dry cleaned before and after your wedding.
- Shipping – If you’re buying your suit online there may be shipping costs, which could include custom fees if being imported from overseas.
- Accessories – You may want to complete your outfit with accessories such as cufflinks, a pocket square and a watch.
- Material – The material you choose will affect the cost of your suit, with more premium materials costing more. For example, when it comes to wool suits, which tend to be made with ‘worsted’ thread, the higher the thickness of the thread, the higher the overall price of the material will be.
- Rental fees – There will be fees for returning a rented suit late or damaged.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
If you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding suits and everything else, we’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to help you stretch your budget further.
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