Money as a couple: How much does a wedding suit cost? Buy, hire or tailor
The cost of a wedding suit depends on whether you hire, buy off the peg or have one made, plus shoes and accessories. In a worked example, buying a suit and having it tailored costs about 500 with everything included.
By Wealtie Team · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- The cost of a wedding suit depends on whether you hire, buy or have one made.
- In a worked example, buying a suit with tailoring and accessories costs about 500.
- Hiring is cheaper for one day, but buying gives you a suit to wear again.
- Tailoring makes an off-the-peg suit look far more expensive.
How much does a wedding suit cost?
There's a wide range. Hiring a suit for the day is often the cheapest option, buying one off the peg and having it tailored sits in the middle, and a made-to-measure suit costs the most. On top of the suit itself, you'll need shoes, a shirt, a tie or bow tie and perhaps a waistcoat, cufflinks and a pocket square. In a worked example, buying a suit and having it tailored costs about 500 with everything included.
The right choice depends on your budget, whether you'll wear the suit again and how much you care about the fit.
What is the cost of a wedding suit for each option?
Here's a worked example of three options with shoes and accessories included, in round numbers that work in any currency:
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hire | 250 |
| Buy and tailor | 500 |
| Made to measure | 1,100 |
The buy-and-tailor figure breaks down as 300 for the suit, 50 for alterations, 100 for shoes and 50 for a shirt and tie.
Should you hire or buy a wedding suit?
When hiring makes sense
Hiring works well if you want a style you won't wear again, like a morning suit or a tuxedo, or if the whole wedding party needs to match. It usually includes accessories, and there's nothing to store afterwards. The downside is the fit: hired suits are adjusted, not tailored, and you may not get exactly the look you want.
When buying makes sense
If you'll wear the suit again, to other weddings, interviews or events, buying often works out cheaper over time. A good navy or charcoal suit can be worn for years. Work out the cost per wear: a suit at 500 worn five times costs 100 a wear, less than hiring each time. Cost per use explains how to compare like this.
When made to measure is worth it
Made to measure gives the best fit and lets you choose fabric and details. It costs more and takes longer, so order well ahead. It's worth it if you want a suit to keep for many years or find off-the-peg suits never fit well.
What else do you need to budget for?
- Shoes: a comfortable pair you can stand and dance in all day.
- Shirt: a crisp, well-fitting shirt makes a big difference.
- Tie, bow tie or cravat: often chosen to match the wedding colours.
- Waistcoat: optional, but popular for a formal look.
- Accessories: cufflinks, a pocket square, a belt or braces, and socks.
- Alterations: sleeves, trousers and the waist often need adjusting.
How can you save on a wedding suit?
Tailor an off-the-peg suit
A mid-priced suit with good alterations often looks more expensive than a pricey suit that doesn't fit. Shorter sleeves, trousers that sit right and a nipped waist go a long way.
Buy in the sales
Suits are often reduced in seasonal sales. If you know your size and style, buying months ahead can save a lot.
Choose a suit you'll wear again
A classic colour and cut can be worn long after the wedding, which spreads the cost.
Mix and match
Wear your own suit and buy a new tie, waistcoat or pocket square to tie it to the wedding colours. It's often the cheapest option of all, and nobody will know the suit isn't new.
Sell it afterwards
If you bought a suit you won't wear again, selling it can recover part of the cost. How to sell things you don't use covers the best ways.
Who pays for the wedding party's suits?
Customs vary. In some places, the couple pays for the wedding party's outfits, while in others, each person pays for their own. Agree on it early, so nobody is surprised. If you're asking friends to hire a specific suit, it's kind to pay for it, or to choose something they can wear again.
Fit the suit into the overall budget
Set a figure for clothes when you plan the whole wedding, so the suit and the dress get a fair share alongside the venue and food. The wedding budget covers how to split a total, and the wedding dress budget covers the other outfit.
How do you track wedding costs in Wealtie?
Use a shared account so you both see what's been spent on clothes and everything else. The account owner needs Pro, and the person invited can be on any plan. Add a wedding category to your expense categories and set a budget for it.
Questions people ask
In a worked example, buying a suit and having it tailored costs about 500 with shoes and accessories. Hiring costs about 250 and made to measure about 1,100.
Hiring is cheaper for one day, but buying works out cheaper if you'll wear the suit again several times.
Buy an off-the-peg suit and have it tailored, shop in the sales, choose a classic style you'll wear again or sell it afterwards.
Some couples pay, while in other places each person pays for their own, so agree on it early.
This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.
