Who Usually Pays for the Wedding Attire?

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!