Wait, What Do Groomsmen Pay for Before the Wedding?

Whether you're a groomsman or the one getting hitched, you should know the financial expectations of the groomsman role. That raises the question, what do groomsmen pay for? If you don't know the answer, you're not alone. We're here to guide you through every cost this wedding party member should have on their radar. Plus, we cover who pays for different wedding expenses for the groomsmen and the best way to talk about money with your VIPs.

What groomsmen pay for 101: What Do Groomsmen Pay For? | What Groomsmen Expenses Do Grooms Pay For? | How to Discuss Wedding Expenses With Your Groomsmen

What Do Groomsmen Pay For?

Being asked to be a groomsman is an honor, but how much does being one cost? From who pays for groomsmen's suits to who books the wedding day hotel, here's everything groomsmen are expected to budget for.

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Their Suits

Does the groom pay for the groomsmen's suits? No, groomsmen buy their wedding attire just as a bridesmaid would pay for her dress. This might be a suit, tuxedo, shirt and slacks, or another ensemble selected by the groom or to-be-weds. Typically the outfit is purchased or rented, but if the groom wants to give his crew some flexibility, he can allow them to choose from their own wardrobe, which is usually a more affordable option.

The Bachelor Party

Do groomsmen pay for the bachelor party? Yes, one of the biggest groomsmen duties is planning and paying for the bachelor party. While groomsmen are typically expected to cover their own expenses during the event, they may also choose to cover the groom's expenses as well, such as travel, lodging, meals, swag and activities. For one dinner or bar-hopping night, it might be reasonable for the groomsmen to cover all the groom's expenses. Of course, things get a bit complicated if you're planning a bachelor trip. That's why one of the best man's duties is to sit down with the group to determine what everyone can afford and figure out a plan everyone is comfortable with. Whether you pay for the groom's flight or cover his meals and drinks, remember that you aren't required to pay for everything on a bachelor trip.

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The Wedding Gift

The groomsmen are expected to purchase a wedding gift for the couple. According to our 2023 Real Wedding Guest Study, wedding party members spend an average of $160 on their gifts. If you want to save money, consider chipping in for a group gift with other wedding party members. (Psst. That doesn't go against wedding gift etiquette rules.)

Their Travel and Accommodations

Those traveling to attend the wedding must pay for their transportation and accommodations. The couple may offer to help with some travel-related expenses by booking a hotel room block or splitting the cost of accommodations, but it's not required. Also, if you're attending other prewedding events, like an engagement party, you'll need to shell out for travel costs associated with these celebrations. Groomsmen can save money on travel expenses by splitting a vacation home rental or hotel room with other wedding party members.

Their Accessories

Aside from renting or buying their attire, groomsmen need accessories like shoes, socks, cufflinks, ties, pocket squares and more. It's typically the groomsman's responsibility to purchase these accessories, but in some cases, the groom gifts them to his crew (more on that later).

What Groomsmen Expenses Do Grooms Pay For?

Keep reading to learn what you're responsible for as the groom-to-be. After, explore price estimates in your area for these expenses using our free budget tool.

Boutonnieres

Boutonnieres are floral arrangements paid for by the groom's parents that help set groomsmen apart from the rest of the wedding guests. According to traditional wedding budget etiquette, the groom's family pays for personal flowers, like bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages.

Required Groomsmen Accessories

Groomsmen pay for the majority of their accessories, while the couple may pay for specific pieces. For example, if the groom wants the groomsmen to wear a special vibrant tie or pair of funky socks, he should gift them to the group.

Wedding-Day Transportation

The couple is responsible for booking wedding transportation to and from the ceremony and reception, like renting a shuttle, limo or party bus. Hiring professional transportation is a nice gesture and ensures everyone gets to where they need to be safely and on time.

Groomsmen Gifts

The groom usually purchases gifts for his groomsmen as a thank-you for their love and support during the wedding planning process. These gifts don't need to be super expensive, but they should be well thought-out and personal. Are you wondering how much to spend on groomsmen gifts? Find out the average amount couples invested in favors and gifts now.

How to Discuss Wedding Expenses With Your Groomsmen

The wedding party is one group you'll spend the most time with, that's why you should always be on the same page. First, you and your partner need to talk about your budget and what areas you can be more flexible. Once you're solid as a team, meet with your wedding party members together or separately about their budgets and who's expected to pay for what. After those financial conversations, you and your VIPs can plan events, buy gifts and save money with minimal confusion and frustration.