Best Man's Tux: Who Pays And Why?

The best man at a wedding traditionally pays for his own suit or tuxedo rental. However, there are sometimes debates about whether the groom should pay for the best man's tuxedo, especially if the best man is a close family member like a brother. Some people believe that if the groom's family is insisting on a particular type of suit or tuxedo that the groomsmen must wear, then the groom's family should pay for it. On the other hand, groomsmen are usually expected to pay for their own attire, and the best man's duties typically include making sure the groomsmen's attire is ordered on time and fits well.

Tradition vs expectation

Traditionally, the best man pays for his own tuxedo or suit rental as part of his duties for the wedding. This is not a contribution to the wedding itself but rather a personal expense. However, it is becoming more common for couples to offer to pay for the best man's attire, especially if it is a rented tuxedo. This is often done as a gesture of appreciation for the best man's role in the wedding.

In recent years, there has been a shift in expectations, and it is no longer uncommon for the best man to expect the couple to pay for his tuxedo, especially if it is a rented one. This new expectation may be due to the increasing costs associated with being a part of a wedding party. Groomsmen and bridesmaids often incur significant expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and attire costs. As such, it is becoming increasingly common for couples to offer to cover at least a portion of these costs, including the best man's tuxedo.

While traditionally the best man pays for his own tuxedo, it is now not uncommon for the couple to offer to pay, especially if the best man is a close friend or family member. This shift in expectations may be due to the understanding that being part of a wedding party can be financially burdensome. By offering to pay for the tuxedo, couples can alleviate some of the financial strain on their wedding party and ensure that their friends and family can participate without incurring excessive costs.

However, it is important to note that this new expectation is not universally accepted, and some couples may still expect the best man to pay for his own tuxedo, adhering to the traditional norms. This discrepancy in expectations can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and tensions within the wedding party. To avoid this, it is essential to have open and honest communication about financial expectations and responsibilities from the outset.

Ultimately, whether the best man pays for his own tuxedo or the couple offers to cover the cost, the most important thing is that everyone involved is on the same page and comfortable with the arrangement. Clear communication and understanding can help ensure that the wedding planning process is smooth and enjoyable for all involved.

Cost of renting vs buying

While it is the best man's duty to pay for his own tuxedo, it can be rented or bought.

Renting a tuxedo is significantly cheaper than buying one. A basic rental tux costs around $140, whereas a tux can be bought for $1,500. However, the price of a rental tux can vary depending on the type, colour, material, designer, and the number of days rented for. For example, a tux made of wool will be more expensive than one made of synthetic fabric. Similarly, a designer tux will be pricier than a stock tux.

The average cost of renting a tux ranges from $100 to $250, with top brands such as Men's Wearhouse and The Black Tux offering rentals starting at $159 and $129, respectively. On the other hand, buying a tux from Friar Tux or Stitch & Tie will cost around $230.

In addition to the rental or purchase cost, there may be extra charges for accessories such as cufflinks, button studs, pocket squares, and cummerbunds. These can add around $10 to $15 each to the total cost. Returning a stained or damaged rental tux may also incur additional fees for cleaning and repair.

Therefore, when considering the cost of renting vs buying a tuxedo, it is important to take into account the type of tux, the rental duration, the potential for additional fees, and the likelihood of wearing a tux again in the future.

Etiquette and duties

The best man traditionally has a set of duties and pays for certain aspects of the wedding. However, these costs do not include contributing to the wedding itself, i.e. paying for food, the bar, the DJ, etc.

• Help with groomsmen attire: The best man pays for his own suit or tuxedo rental and ensures the groomsmen have the correct attire—it fits and is ordered on time. However, the best man does not pay for the groomsmen's attire.
• Write and deliver a toast on the wedding day: There is no cost associated with this task.
• Plan the bachelor party: The best man typically pays for the bachelor party, but the groomsmen usually chip in as well. The goal is to ensure the groom doesn't pay for anything.
• Hold onto the rings: The best man is responsible for holding onto the rings during the ceremony until it is time for the exchange.
• Provide support to the groom: The best man can help with any last-minute tasks or issues, such as family drama.
• Serve as a witness: The best man serves as one of the witnesses for the wedding ceremony and signs the marriage certificate.
• Attend the rehearsal: The best man should attend the rehearsal and dinner (if applicable) and assist wherever needed.
• Decorate the wedding vehicle: The best man pays for and decorates the getaway car for the couple.
• Buy a wedding gift: The best man buys a gift for the groom or the couple, just as any wedding guest would.
• Return any attire after the wedding: If suits or tuxedos were rented, the best man handles returning them to the store, as the groom will likely be on his honeymoon.

It is important to note that these duties and financial responsibilities may vary depending on the wedding and the couple's specific needs or requests. It is always a good idea to communicate openly with the couple to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Budgeting for weddings

Determining Your Budget

The first step in budgeting for your wedding is figuring out how much you can comfortably afford to spend. Be realistic and honest about your financial situation. Consider your gross household income, total net worth, savings, and any expected contributions from family or friends. It is essential to have open and honest discussions with your partner and anyone else financially contributing to the wedding to set a clear budget.

Prioritize Your Spending

Not all weddings are equal, and the cost can vary significantly depending on your vision and priorities. Here are some key areas to consider when allocating your budget:

• Venue and Catering: The venue and catering, including food and drinks, will typically take up a large portion of your budget. Shop around and get quotes from multiple vendors to find the best value for your money.
• Attire: The wedding attire for the couple and the wedding party can also be a significant expense. Consider renting or buying pre-owned items to save costs.
• Entertainment: Live bands, DJs, and other forms of entertainment can add to the ambiance of your wedding but can be expensive. Prioritize what type of entertainment is most important to you and shop around for the best deals.
• Photography and Videography: Capturing beautiful memories of your special day is essential, but it can come at a cost. Compare prices and packages from different photographers and videographers to find one that fits your budget.
• Flowers and Decor: Flowers and decor can enhance the look and feel of your wedding, but they can also be expensive. Consider alternative options or DIY decorations to save money.
• Wedding Planner: Hiring a wedding planner can be a worthwhile investment, as they can help you navigate the planning process and may even save you money with their industry connections. However, their services come at a cost, so consider if it aligns with your budget.
• Guest List: The number of guests you invite will directly impact your costs, especially for catering and venue rental. Consider having a smaller, more intimate wedding to reduce expenses.
• Timing and Location: The time of year and location of your wedding can affect costs. Peak season and popular destinations tend to be more expensive, so consider off-peak dates and unique venues to save money.

Hidden Costs and Extras

When creating your budget, don't forget to account for hidden costs and extras that may arise. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Tips and Gratuities: Budget for tipping vendors, such as photographers, caterers, and venue staff.
• Overtime Fees: If your wedding runs longer than expected, you may incur overtime fees from vendors, so it's good to have a buffer in your budget.
• Trials and Extras: Costs for hair and makeup trials, extra decorations, and other small expenses can add up, so allocate a little extra in your budget for unforeseen costs.
• Transportation: Consider transportation costs for the wedding party and guests, especially if you have a separate ceremony and reception venue.
• Insurance: Special event insurance or liability coverage can be a worthwhile investment, especially if your wedding is at a private residence.

Tips for Saving Money

There are several ways to save money on your wedding without sacrificing the overall experience:

• DIY and Bargain Hunting: Look for ways to DIY certain elements or hunt for bargains and discounts.
• Prioritize and Compromise: Identify your must-haves and prioritize your spending on those areas. Be willing to compromise on less important aspects.
• Payment Methods: Use credit cards with rewards programs to earn points or cashback on your wedding expenses, but be disciplined and pay off the balance in full each month to avoid fees.
• Guest List Management: Reducing your guest list is one of the most effective ways to lower costs. Each guest adds to the per-head cost for food and drinks, so trimming the guest list can result in significant savings.

Best Man's Responsibilities

Regarding the best man's responsibilities, traditionally, he is expected to pay for his suit or tuxedo rental and the bachelor party. He may also offer to help the groom with tasks such as suit selection, ensuring the groomsmen's attire is ordered on time, and returning rented attire after the wedding. The best man usually does not pay for the groomsmen's attire, but he can chip in for the bachelor party, ensuring the groom doesn't have to pay.

The role of the best man

The best man is the primary support to the groom and has several responsibilities leading up to and on the wedding day. Traditionally, the best man pays for certain aspects of the wedding, but these costs do not include contributing to the wedding itself, such as paying for food, the bar, or the DJ.

The best man typically pays for his own suit or tuxedo rental, although some grooms may offer to pay for it, especially if they are requesting a specific outfit. The best man ensures the groomsmen have the correct attire, that it fits, and that it is ordered on time, but he does not pay for the groomsmen's attire.

The best man also plans the bachelor party, which can be costly, although the groomsmen usually chip in as well so that the groom doesn't have to pay. The best man holds the rings during the ceremony and provides support to the groom, helping with any last-minute tasks or issues that arise.

Additionally, the best man serves as a witness and signs the marriage certificate. He attends the rehearsal and dinner, if applicable, and assists wherever needed. He also decorates the wedding vehicle and buys a wedding gift for the groom or the couple.

After the wedding, the best man handles returning any rented attire to the store, which is helpful as the newly married couple is usually on their honeymoon. Overall, while the best man has many important duties, the financial burden is typically limited to his own attire, the bachelor party, and a wedding gift.

Frequently asked questions