Cost is an important factor when determining a lot of things surrounding your wedding. Eventually, you will come to a point when you need to solidify your budget for what you’re going to wear. But what should you spend on a wedding suit? Let’s ask Google…
Gowns
The average expected price of a wedding gown hovers right around $2200. Another highlighted approach is 10% of the overall cost of the wedding (e.g. a $30K wedding = a $3K gown).
Suit/Tuxedo
The average groom’s tuxedo or wedding suit cost is $197, according to the Bridal Association of America
Something is Wrong
Now, before you think I’m simply trying to get you to fork over more dollars, keep reading. This isn’t a segment to get you to spend more money on a wedding suit. This is to help you understand why it’s logically wise to invest more in what you’re wearing on the most important day of your life. At the bare minimum, this is to help you hopefully think and care more about your appearance for your wedding.
Unfortunately, we are already behind by twenty points in this game. As we can see with a simple Google search, we’ve conditioned men to believe they need a cheap solution for their wedding. You and your groomsmen rent your wedding suits and call it a day. Or, find a suit for a couple hundred bucks online and find a place to get it altered. This poor advice has been promulgated by wedding bloggers, venue recommendations, and rental businesses—all of which know little about proper menswear.
Where did any of the romance of purchasing your wedding garment go? Ladies, to this day, have made shopping for a dress an event—often times an entire weekend—filled with appointments, fittings, and champagne to find the perfect piece for their wedding day. It’s not uncommon for brides to travel to big cities to accomplish this. It’s time grooms started thinking more like brides. But it isn’t just the grooms that need to think like brides. It’s a complete shift in everyone’s attitude—bride, groom, family, etc.— in how we approach the process of acquiring our wedding garment.
When planning a wedding you select the table settings, gourmet food, and stunning centerpieces. Why wouldn’t you put the same level of thought, detail, and investment into what you’re wearing? What’s ironic is none of the aforementioned items are kept with the individual after the wedding. Invitations are thrown away, food is consumed, and centerpieces are viewed then removed. What you wear stays with you. All of the memories from your wedding are woven into the fabric of your garment. Every subsequent time you wear your garment those same memories should flood your being allowing you, in a small way, to relive that special moment in time.
It would be foolish to not talk about garment utility as well. Traditionally, bridal gowns are worn once and then donated, sold, preserved, or are still hanging in your closet. What’s interesting is that gowns are normally more expensive than a gentleman’s wedding suit or tuxedo. Contrastingly, a groom’s garment has wearability far beyond the wedding day. The lifespan of a suit is typically a decade. If you wore a suit that cost you $2000, twice a year (a very conservative estimate) for a decade, that cost you $100 to wear some of the finest and best fitting clothing in the world. A bride can’t boast the same advantage.
Just because the mainstream culture tells us to limit the importance of quality menswear doesn’t make it right.
I’m not going to give you an exact number of what you should spend on your wedding day. I will, however, offer a few key points on what should help in making that decision:
1) It’s not your wedding suit/tux, it’s your wedding outfit. Structure your budget based on the complete package, not simply on the jacket and pants. You will need neckwear, shoes, shirt, and other accessories to fully complete your look.
2) Determine if you want to create your garment from scratch with custom clothing or invest in RTW (ready to wear) piece that is altered to you. Custom clothing will command a higher price point (see below questions to help) and take more time (our custom takes 6-8 weeks).
3) Consider how important fabric and garment construction is to you. At minimum, your suit should consist of natural fabric (e.g. wool) and at least a half canvas construction. If you prefer a distinct fabric, specific shoulder construction, and a fit that is unique to you this is a great time to make your garment. I always tell clients, the suit you want exists. It just hasn’t been made yet.
For your benefit, it’s worth doing additional research into the advantage of owning a luxury garment for your wedding. Fabric quality, knowledge of fit, proper alterations, and garment construction are all crucial elements when determining what you should be wearing on the big day. This is what we are built on. Providing you with a complete package of knowledge, service, workmanship, and products. Whether you are interested in RTW garments or want the ultimate luxury in building your wedding garment from scratch, we are ready to bring that vision to life. Contact us today!
