Are you wondering who typically pays for wedding attire? Before establishing a budget, you'll want to determine who's paying for what wedding day looks. Wedding attire can be pricy and there are no set rules on who pays for what. However, many couples stick with traditional approaches to divvying up costs.
Bride’s Attire
While this responsibility can vary from culture to culture, historically the bride’s family will pay for her wedding dress and accessories. This includes everything from the dress itself to the veil and shoes. Although this is how the cost has typically been handled, many modern brides are opting to pay for their gown themselves rather than relying on family.
Groom’s Attire
Similarly, to the bride’s gown, the groom’s family typically pays for his attire. However, it is not uncommon at all for the groom to foot the bill for his own wedding day suit or tuxedo. This is typically a much smaller cost than the wedding gown, especially if the groom is renting his look!
Groomsmen Suits/Tuxes
Historically the groomsmen have been responsible for paying for their own suits and tuxes. These items can be quite pricy, so giving your groomsmen the choice to rent their attire provides a much more affordable option. If your groomsmen all rent their look from the same company, you’ll also guarantee that they’ll be perfectly coordinated! Check out our Groom Fashion blog for more information on the different options for groomsmen attire.
Bridesmaid Dresses
Typically, each bridesmaid is responsible for paying for her own dress. The main exception to this rule is if a bridesmaid is the bride’s sister, then typically the family of the bride will cover the cost of her gown as well. Allowing your bridesmaids to pick out their own dresses will ensure that they feel comfortable in what they’re wearing, and it gives them more wiggle room when it comes to the cost. Being a bridesmaid can get pricy quick, so be sure to consider the price of the gowns you’re requesting your girls to wear!
Flower Girl & Ring Bearer Attire
Traditionally the parents of the flower girl or ring bearer will front the cost for their outfit. It’s thoughtful to provide a few different options that you’re comfortable with so that the child’s parents have a variety of looks in different budgets from which to choose. If you’re dead set on the flower girl or ring bearer wearing a specific outfit and you’re not willing to compromise, then it may be appropriate for you to offer to pay.
Mother of the Bride & Groom
Both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom are expected to pay for their own wedding attire. Typically, these gowns do not need to match the bridesmaid dresses, however, some brides prefer for the gowns to coordinate in some way. Choosing a dress in a similar hue to the bridesmaids, or a color that compliments their gowns is a great way to look cohesive without seeming as though either mother is part of the bridal party.
Although this is how the wedding attire responsibilities have been divided in the past, do whatever works best for you and your groom’s budget! Some couples may be able to cover their wedding party’s looks, and others may lean on their parents for support with their own attire. Just be sure to establish payment responsibilities ahead of setting budgets so that everyone is in agreement prior to any attire purchases. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and you’re able to stay within your budget!
FAQs
Similarly, to the bride's gown, the groom's family typically pays for his attire. However, it is not uncommon at all for the groom to foot the bill for his own wedding day suit or tuxedo.
Who pays for the dress in a wedding? ›
Who traditionally pays for the wedding dress? One of the most closely stuck-to traditions is that the bride's family will pay for the wedding dress. This also includes any accessories the bride may wear, such as a veil, a bag and shoes. For modern weddings, the bride may want to pay for her own dress.
Who usually pays for wedding costs? ›
Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding, but that custom is rapidly changing. Couples are increasingly choosing to handle at least half of the wedding expenses on their own. Early planning and a written budget can help avoid miscommunication when deciding who pays for what.
Who is responsible for buying wedding dress? ›
Spanning many centuries and cultures, it has traditionally been the bride's family who pays for much of the wedding, from the dress to the ceremony.
What does the groom's family usually pay for? ›
The groom's family traditionally paid for all costs associated with the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon, wedding day transportation, and the officiant. The groom paid for the bride's engagement ring, wedding ring, and groomsmen gifts. It is also common for the groom's family to pay for the alcohol at the reception.
What are the groom's parents responsible for? ›
These can include the rehearsal dinner, officiant fees, the marriage license, the bride's bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages for close family, as well as aspects of the reception like the bar, entertainment, and sometimes even contributing towards the honeymoon.
Does the wedding party pay for their own attire? ›
Things The Wedding Party Should Expect To Pay For
Party members should expect to purchase their own attire, whether that means pay for a dress or renting a tuxedo or suit. Accessories like jewelry, shoes, or bowties should also be factored into their overall attire budget.
Who pays for daughters wedding dress? ›
Consider who traditionally pays for the wedding
Traditionally, the bride's family assumed most of the financial costs associated with a wedding, including the wedding planner, invitations, dress, ceremony, reception, flowers, photography, and music.
Do parents pay for wedding dress? ›
If you are following the rules of tradition, the bride's family is expected to bear the brunt of the expenses including the wedding dress, bridesmaids' gifts, the wedding planner or coordinator, the invitations, the flowers, the reception, photography, the groom's wedding ring, music, any pre-wedding day meals for the ...
What do the bridesmaids pay for? ›
Bridesmaids might pay entirely (or help pay) for the dress, accessories, the wedding shower, a shower gift, the bachelorette party, travel and hotel for the wedding day, and a wedding gift. Bridesmaids might also pay for their hair and makeup on the day of. But if the bride requires this, the bride might cover it.
Some common resolutions today are for the couple to pay for everything; for the bride's family to pay for half and the groom's family for half; or, for the couple to pay one third and each side of the family fund another third. If another combination works best for you, then it's the right one.
What do grooms' parents pay for in 2024? ›
According to traditional etiquette, the groom's family is responsible for paying for the bride's rings, the groom's and groomsmen's attire, the rehearsal dinner, gifts for the groomsmen, some personal flowers, the officiant's fee, the marriage license fee, certain aspects of transportation, and the honeymoon.
Who usually comes wedding dress shopping? ›
Traditionally, the mother of the bride, sisters, and the closest friend (or friends) are involved in the dress hunt. Your future mother-in-law can be invited, too, if you're tight with her and you want her to take part.
Do you pay for your wedding dress in full? ›
Be prepared to pay a deposit.
After you've said yes to your dream dress, taken countless photos, gotten measured by a bridal manager— its time to order and pay for your dress! In order to put your dress into production, you'll need to put down a 60% deposit on your dress and any changes you made.
Who is supposed to buy your wedding dress? ›
Try to cap your wedding dress shopping crew to three close, supportive friends or relatives whose opinions you value most.
Is the man supposed to pay for the wedding dress? ›
Dresses and Suits
The bride and groom are responsible for paying for what they will wear on the wedding day. Oftentimes the bride's mom will help pay for her dress and accessories. The groom should handle any costs associated with their suit.
