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
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.
Who usually pays for the wedding dress? ›
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.
What is the groom's family supposed to 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.
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.
What are groom's parents responsible for? ›
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 pays for the mother of the groom's dress? ›
Just like the mother-of-the-bride, the mother-of-the-groom is responsible for paying for her own attire. Depending on the couple's wedding budget, they may offer to pay for your wedding outfit, but unless they tell you this directly, you're expected to cover your mother-of-the-groom outfit costs.
What does the mother of the groom give the bride? ›
These items can include jewelry, watches, or a personalized handkerchief. Family heirlooms are warm tender gestures that symbolize the true delight that the mother of the groom feels about having her daughter-in-law marry into the clan.
How much money do you give your son for his wedding? ›
Bottom line: There's no hard-and-fast rule on how much cash to give as a wedding gift. Wedding experts advise starting at $100. From there, you may want to adjust up to $500 based on factors such as your relationship with the couple, your budget and the cost of your attendance at the wedding.
Does the groom's mother go dress shopping with the bride? ›
So do you have to invite her along on your wedding dress search? The choice is really up to you. If you'd rather share this time with just your mom and, say, your sister, then do it. You can have a private moment with your fiancé's mom at the wedding if you want, before the ceremony begins.
Is the mother in law supposed to go wedding dress shopping? ›
If your mother-in-law is already like a mother to you or will be a positive addition to the day, it is a nice gesture to include them in this special shopping trip.
And they will let you know. Our rule of thumb: bring whoever is paying for the gown (mom, sister) and immediate family only (sisters and mom and/or grandma). For everyone else, we suggest doing a fun dinner or brunch afterwards and you can show them pictures, etc.
Does the wedding party pay for their own attire? ›
One thing bridesmaids and bridesmen usually pay for are their outfits—including dresses, tuxedos, suits, and shoes. "I would say it's most typical that the bridesmaids are asked to purchase their own dresses for the wedding; instruction on style, fit, and color is presented by the bride ahead of time," says Ritchie.
Is the man supposed to buy 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.
Do dads pay for wedding dress? ›
Traditionally, the bride's family is responsible for paying for the wedding dress. However, in modern times, it is becoming more common for the couple to split the cost or for the bride to pay for her own dress.
What do the brides' parents pay for? ›
The topic of money can be touchy, and no one wants to inadvertently offend. Traditionally, the breakdown of expenses was very clear: The bride's family paid for the groom's ring, engagement party, the wedding and reception, a brunch the next day, and a belated reception (if there was one).
