What Do Groomsmen Pay For? And What Should the Groom Cover?

Being a groomsman is a big honor, but let’s be honest: it can get expensive! Between renting a suit, booking a hotel, traveling to the wedding, and helping plan the bachelor party, the costs can add up faster than you might expect. So, what do groomsmen pay for, and what is the groom supposed to cover?

If you’re trying to figure out who’s responsible for what, you’re in the right place. We’re breaking down the usual groomsmen expenses, what the couple may choose to pay for, and how to keep wedding-party costs from getting out of hand. Let’s get started!

Groomsmen Expenses: Who Pays?

Wondering who pays for groomsmen suits, travel, hotel rooms, and bachelor party expenses? Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs groomsmen commonly cover and where the groom or couple may step in. These are general guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules.

What Do Groomsmen Pay For?

Every wedding is different, but these are the main expenses to discuss before agreeing to be a groomsman. The most important rule? Make sure you understand the expected costs before committing to plans or making purchases.

1. Suits, Tuxedos, and Wedding Attire

Groomsmen commonly pay to rent or purchase their wedding attire. Depending on the dress code, that might mean a tuxedo, a suit, a dress shirt, trousers, or another outfit selected for the wedding.

However, the couple should be mindful of the cost of the outfit they request. If the groom wants everyone to wear an expensive suit, a particular designer, or an outfit that cannot reasonably be worn again, it’s considerate to offer an affordable alternative or contribute toward the expense.

Before renting or buying anything, confirm:

• Whether the outfit should be rented or purchased
• The expected price range
• Whether alterations are included
• Which items are part of the rental package
• Whether the outfit can be worn again

Clear expectations help everyone budget without surprises. If you’re planning the wedding, remember that the most expensive outfit isn’t necessarily the best choice for your entire wedding party.

Need help finding the right look? Explore our guide to wedding suits for the groom and groomsmen for outfit inspiration and ideas.

2. Shoes, Ties, and Other Accessories

Groomsmen may need dress shoes, socks, cufflinks, ties, pocket squares, belts, or other finishing touches. Whether they pay for these items depends on what’s required and what they already own.

If the groom asks everyone to wear standard black dress shoes, groomsmen may be able to use a pair they already have. But if he requires a specific designer shoe, a distinctive tie, or an unusual accessory that nobody would otherwise purchase, covering that additional cost is a thoughtful gesture.

It’s also common for some accessories to be given as groomsmen gifts. If you’re planning to gift an item, tell your wedding party before they buy it themselves.

3. Transportation and Travel

Groomsmen generally pay for their own transportation to and from the wedding, whether they’re driving, taking a train, or booking a flight.

For a destination wedding or a celebration far from home, travel can become one of the biggest expenses. Couples should share important dates and location details as early as possible so their wedding party has time to plan.

The couple may choose to help with transportation, particularly if the wedding requires extensive travel or involves several events. If transportation between the hotel and venue is arranged for the wedding party, clarify which trips are covered and which are not.

4. Hotel Rooms and Accommodations

Groomsmen commonly pay for their own hotel rooms or other accommodations when attending a wedding away from home. The couple may reserve a hotel room block to make booking easier, but a room block does not necessarily mean the rooms are paid for.

Before booking, check whether the couple has arranged discounted rates, whether multiple nights are required, and whether sharing a room with another groomsman is an option.

If the couple expects the wedding party to stay at a particular hotel or attend events over several days, it’s considerate to explain the expected costs early. The couple may also choose to cover some accommodations, especially for a destination wedding.

5. Bachelor Party Expenses

Groomsmen commonly contribute to the bachelor party, which may include a meal, drinks, activities, transportation, or a weekend away. The total depends on the plans, location, and number of people participating.

The best man often takes the lead on organizing the celebration, with help from the other groomsmen. Before making reservations, the group should agree on a budget that works for everyone.

Does that mean every groomsman must pay for an expensive trip? Absolutely not. A bachelor party can be a local dinner, a day of activities, a backyard gathering, or a destination weekend. Being part of the wedding party shouldn’t require someone to spend beyond their means.

The group may also choose to cover some or all of the groom’s expenses as a gift. That’s a common gesture, but the details should be discussed in advance rather than assumed.

6. A Wedding Gift for the Couple

Groomsmen often give the couple a wedding gift, either individually or as part of a group gift with other members of the wedding party.

However, the cost of participating in the wedding can add up quickly. A thoughtful gift does not have to be expensive, and guests should choose an amount that fits their budget. If you’ve already spent a significant amount on travel, accommodations, and wedding events, don’t feel pressured to overspend on a gift.

If the group decides to contribute to one larger present, agree on an amount that everyone is comfortable with before shopping.

One expense to keep separate is the groom’s thank-you gift for his wedding party. Groomsmen gifts are traditionally chosen and paid for by the groom or couple as a gesture of appreciation, rather than an expense the groomsmen cover themselves. If you’re looking for thoughtful ideas, browse our guide to unique groomsmen gifts.

7. Haircuts, Shaves, and Grooming

Groomsmen generally pay for their own routine grooming, such as a haircut, beard trim, or shave before the wedding.

If the groom wants everyone to receive professional styling or book a particular grooming service, the group should clarify whether that expense is optional or required and who will pay. Don’t assume a service is included simply because it is part of the wedding-day schedule.

When the couple requests a specific paid service, covering the cost or making it optional can help keep the wedding party’s expenses reasonable.

Hidden Costs Groomsmen Should Budget For

You’ve accounted for the suit and hotel room, but a few smaller wedding expenses can sneak up on you! Before agreeing to be a groomsman, remember to budget for these often-overlooked costs:

• Suit alterations: A rental package may not include every alteration, so ask whether hemming, tailoring, or other adjustments cost extra.
• Rental deposits and late fees: Check whether the suit rental requires a deposit, when the outfit must be returned, and what happens if it’s returned late.
• Parking and local transportation: Hotel parking, venue parking, ride sharing, and trips between wedding events can add up.
• Meals and drinks: Some meals may be provided during wedding events, but don’t assume every meal is covered throughout the weekend.
• Extra hotel nights: An early rehearsal or late reception might mean staying an additional night. Check the schedule before booking your room.
• Additional wedding events: Welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and other gatherings may involve transportation, meals, or other personal expenses.

These costs aren’t necessarily the groomsman’s responsibility in every wedding. Ask the couple or best man which expenses are covered, which are optional, and what you’ll need to pay for yourself. A quick conversation now can save you an unpleasant surprise later!

What If You Can’t Afford to Be a Groomsman?

Being asked to stand beside a friend or family member is special, but it shouldn’t mean spending money you don’t have. If the suit, travel, hotel, and bachelor party costs are adding up, it’s okay to speak up.

Start by talking privately with the groom or best man before making reservations or committing to expensive plans. You don’t need to share every detail of your finances. Simply explain what you can comfortably afford and ask whether there are ways to keep costs manageable.

You could say something like this:

“I’m really happy to be part of your wedding, and I want to celebrate with you. I’m trying to keep my expenses within a certain budget, so could we talk about the expected costs before I book anything?”

The group might be able to choose a less expensive bachelor party, share hotel rooms, wear suits they already own, or skip optional activities. If the overall commitment still isn’t manageable, it’s better to have an honest conversation than put yourself under financial strain.

A good friend will want you there, not struggling financially because of the celebration.

What Should the Groom or Couple Pay For?

So, what does the groom pay for his groomsmen? There’s no single rule for every modern wedding, but there are a few expenses the couple should consider when setting expectations.

• Required special accessories: If the groom wants the wedding party to wear a particular tie, pocket square, or other item they wouldn’t normally buy, gifting it or covering the cost is a considerate choice.
• Groomsmen gifts: The groom commonly gives each member of his wedding party a thank-you gift.
• Wedding-day transportation: If the couple arranges a shuttle or other transportation for the wedding party, clarify whether the couple is covering it.
• Personal flowers: Boutonnieres are generally part of the wedding flower budget. Traditional payment customs vary, so confirm who is paying with the couple or florist.
• Accommodations: The couple may choose to cover rooms, particularly for a destination wedding or when an overnight stay is essential to the plans.
• Optional special requests: If the couple wants the wedding party to participate in an expensive activity or purchase a specific item, they should consider covering the additional cost or offering a less expensive alternative.

Ultimately, these expenses should be discussed rather than assumed. Traditional wedding etiquette can be a helpful starting point, but the couple’s budget and the wedding party’s circumstances matter, too.

Want the bigger picture? See our complete guide to who pays for what at a wedding for a breakdown of traditional and modern wedding expenses.

How to Make Being a Groomsman More Affordable

Being asked to stand beside a friend on the wedding day should feel special, not financially stressful. A few thoughtful decisions can make a big difference.

• Share costs early. Let the wedding party know the expected price of attire, travel, accommodations, and planned events before they commit.
• Choose a realistic bachelor party budget. Ask everyone what they can comfortably spend before booking activities or travel.
• Allow outfit flexibility. Renting, wearing an existing suit, or choosing a more affordable option can reduce costs.
• Give people time to plan. Share dates, hotel information, and schedules as early as possible.
• Make expensive extras optional. Not everyone can afford every dinner, trip, or additional event.
• Be open about financial limits. If you’re a groomsman and a proposed expense is outside your budget, speak privately and respectfully with the groom or best man.

A little communication goes a long way. When everyone understands the costs ahead of time, it’s easier to celebrate together without unnecessary financial pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Groomsmen Expenses

Do groomsmen pay for their own suits?

Usually, yes. Groomsmen commonly rent or purchase their own wedding attire. If the couple requests a particularly expensive outfit or special items that cannot reasonably be reused, they may choose to cover some or all of the additional cost.

Does the groom pay for the groomsmen’s suits?

Not necessarily. The groom is not automatically expected to pay for every groomsman’s suit. However, he and the couple should consider the cost of the required outfit and communicate the budget clearly before asking the wedding party to purchase or rent it.

Do groomsmen pay for the bachelor party?

Groomsmen commonly contribute to the bachelor party and cover their own expenses. The group may also choose to pay for some of the groom’s costs, but everyone should agree on the budget and contribution before plans are finalized.

Do groomsmen pay for their hotel rooms?

Groomsmen commonly cover their own lodging. The couple may offer a hotel room block, a discount, or help with accommodations, especially for a destination wedding. Always confirm what is covered before booking.

Are groomsmen expected to give a wedding gift?

A wedding gift is customary, but the amount should fit the groomsman’s budget. A group gift is one way to participate without taking on the cost of a more expensive individual present.

Do groomsmen pay for their own boutonnieres?

Usually, boutonnieres are included in the wedding flower budget rather than treated as a separate personal expense for each groomsman. The couple or whoever is handling the wedding flowers can confirm how these costs are being covered, since arrangements vary.

Does the groom pay for groomsmen travel?

Groomsmen generally pay for their own travel to the wedding, including flights, gas, or train tickets. However, the groom or couple may choose to help with travel expenses, particularly for a destination wedding or when the wedding requires significant travel. Confirm what’s covered before booking.

What expenses should the groom cover for his groomsmen?

There is no universal list. The groom may cover required special accessories, give thank-you gifts, or contribute toward transportation and accommodations. The best approach is to decide what the couple’s budget allows and communicate expectations before expenses arise.

Being a groomsman comes with responsibilities, but it shouldn’t mean taking on costs you cannot afford. Set expectations early, be considerate of everyone’s budget, and remember what the day is really about: celebrating the couple.

Happy Planning!

xo,
Emma