Once you get engaged, what’s the next thing you start thinking about? Maybe it’s the stress of planning a wedding, but it’s likely thinking about walking down the aisle and seeing your love for the first time. A big part of that fairy tale image is that first look, seeing them in their wedding dress or suit, ready to share their love with you. Because of this, what you wear on your wedding day is important.
Wedding attire can be a considerable expense, particularly a wedding dress, so if you’re on a budget for your wedding, saving on your wedding attire can make a big difference. But your wedding attire doesn’t have to break the bank; you can even find affordable wedding dresses.
So, here are some tips on how to save money on wedding attire but still look great on your wedding day.
Here are some tips for saving on wedding attire that can work for any person, no matter what type of wedding look you’re going for.
You may be able to find a beautiful dress or suit at a fraction of the cost if you’re willing to shop second-hand. Since wedding attire is often only worn for one day, it’s common to find great quality outfits second-hand at a reasonable price. Look for consignment shops in your area, or try online marketplaces like eBay or Poshmark.
If you only wear your wedding attire once, you may want to consider renting instead of buying. Many bridal shops and tuxedo rental stores offer rental options at a fraction of the cost of buying. Yes, you can even rent a wedding dress.
Try shopping for wedding attire during the off-season when prices may be lower. For example, shop for winter wedding attire in the summer and vice versa. There are also often seasonal sales, so keep your eye out for discounts on the style of wedding attire you’re looking for.
Watch for sales and discounts at bridal shops and department stores and shop around. Also, keep informed on upcoming sales by signing up for email newsletters and following the stores’ social media accounts.
A simpler dress or suit will likely cost less than a more elaborate one. Plus, simple and timeless styles are less likely to go out of fashion and can be worn again in the future – this is particularly true regarding your suit. A groom is more likely to wear a suit again than a bride is to wear a wedding dress, so going with something simple and timeless can help save you money down the road.
There may be someone in your life, family or friend of a similar size who owns a suit or dress you could borrow for your wedding day. Some couples consider altering wedding attire from their parents or other close family members to keep with tradition or symbolically include their family members.
If you already have dress shoes, a dress shirt, or a tie that will work with your tuxedo or suit, consider using those instead of renting or purchasing new ones. A simple white dress shirt and a nice pair of dress shoes are a must for every groom’s wardrobe and can also be worn again if you don’t have them already.
The most significant ways to save if you need a tux for your wedding are renting, shopping sales or consignment, etc. But there are some other options to consider.
Depending on your wedding venue and the dress code, you can opt for a simpler suit that can be worn again. Or, if your wedding is more casual, such as a beach wedding, you may be able to forgo a suit altogether. More and more couples opt for alternative wedding attire such as a suit jacket and khakis.
You’re not alone if you feel like a tuxedo is a must for a wedding. But as we mentioned, many grooms choose to wear suits or other less formal attire for their wedding.
To decide whether or not you want to stick with a tuxedo or opt for a suit, you need to know the differences between them. Here are the key differences between the two:
If you plan to stick to the traditional tux, you need to know how much a tux can cost. However, you can save money by being flexible. For example, no one will know the difference if your suit or tux is name-brand.
Remember, feeling comfortable and confident in your wedding attire is the most important thing. Don’t sacrifice your personal style or comfort just to save money.
If your partner wears a wedding dress, this can be a significant expense. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average couple spent $1,900 on a wedding dress in 2022. Still, it’s not uncommon for brides to spend between $2,000 and $4,000 on a wedding dress.
More affordable wedding gown options exist if your partner is willing to shop off the rack, look at sales or even shop online. But remember that there will be an additional cost for alterations, which can be a few hundred dollars.
If you’re planning a non-traditional or less formal wedding, your bride can also go with a less traditional wedding dress if they’d like. A more affordable wedding dress could stray from the traditional idea of a gown, for example, and could go for more of a cocktail dress. An added bonus of choosing a simpler cocktail dress style is that they won’t need a second dress for the wedding reception and can rock their dress on the dance floor.
The average groom in the US spends approximately $350 on his wedding attire. Still, prices have increased in the last several years, and some grooms pay closer to $800, or maybe more, for a nice suit or tux.
Tuxedos are more expensive than suits because of the high-quality cut and fabric.
Unless your wedding is black tie or formal, you don’t need to spring for a tuxedo, and a suit should be fine. A linen suit is often a go-to for a slightly less formal summer wedding.
Whether the groomsmen buy or rent their suits is really up to you. These days more and more couples are being less strict regarding what their wedding party wears. For example, more brides are allowing their bridesmaids to choose different dresses that are flattering to their body type as long as they fit a color scheme. There’s no reason the same can’t apply to groomsmen. Discuss with your wedding party what works best for them.
Generally, the groomsmen pay for their own suits, but, like most rules, there are exceptions, and there may be occasions where it may make sense for the groom to foot the bill.
Saving money on your wedding attire is about patience. Take the time to shop around, look into second-hand options, wait for sales, shop off-season or consider renting. Whatever you choose, make sure it makes you happy and comfortable. Remember, you don’t need to stick with tradition just because it’s tradition. If you want a less formal wedding where you don’t wear a tux or a wedding gown, that’s totally up to you.
Wedding attire is only one thing to consider when considering saving money and sticking to a strict budget. Check out more of our tips on ways to save on your wedding.
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