If the time has come to go shopping for the wedding groomsmen suits or you've been asked to be a groomsman at a wedding (congrats!), you might be wondering who pays. Of course, it should be a fun part of the planning process, but you might feel like you're swimming in murky waters - is it the couple or the groomsmen who foot the bill?

If you're a groom- or bride-to-be or a groomsman, and this is your predicament, there's good news. We've broken it down, to give clarity on what might reasonably be expected. Here's everything you need to know about who pays for groomsmen suits for a wedding.

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Who Pays for Groomsmen Suits?

What this really means is who is expected to pay for the wedding party suiting. Obviously, nobody has to do anything, unless of course, you want to. But what you decide for your groomsmen can be influenced by four main factors, which we'll discuss below in more detail. Back in the day traditional wedding etiquette was that the groom's side, or the couple, chip in for the groomsmen attire.

However, times have changed somewhat, and today couples and their wedding parties operate by their own rules to suit their own personal circumstances and budget. It's just important to be very clear with everyone about what you are and aren't paying for, and mindful of whether your choices will add any extra costs to your groomsmen.

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The Deciding Factors

Where You're From

Depending on which side of the Atlantic you hail from, customs may differ when it comes to who pays for the groomsmen suits. Much like the question of who pays for the bridesmaid dresses, if you are from the US, it's most often the groomsman himself who will pay for his own suit. However, if you're from Ireland or the UK, it is almost always the couple who foot the bill.

The Size of Your Wedding Party

If you are paying for your groomsmen suits, it follows that the more guys you have, the bigger your budget must be. Or alternatively, you have less money to dress each groomsman which can limit your choices in terms of style and quality. With big parties it might even make more financial sense to hire suits, or compromise and buy suits on the high street.

Work all of this out with concrete figures before of popping the question, just in case that extra groomsman is the difference between a sensational look, or something more standard. But remember, at the end of the day, it's your choice as to how many groomsmen you have, so numbers aren't an excuse not to pay out. Simply put, if you can't afford seven, don't have seven.

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The Style

Groomswear has come on so much, and we love seeing a groom and his crew express their own personal style on the big day, whether that's a burgundy velvet tuxedo or a handmade tweed suit. But these aren't standard looks, so you'll more than likely have to pay more for your fabulosity. So while it'll be worth it to go off-piste style-wise, that cost is yours to bear.

Your Budget

If you're on a smaller budget, then it's possible to ask your groomsmen to wear something they already own, such as a black, grey or navy suit. If you're working with a particular colour scheme, then you could gift them the shoes, shirt or accessories like the tie and pocket square, to unify your party's look. If you're asking the groomsmen to wear their own clothes, then don't request looks that your groomsmen won't already have in their wardrobes.

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What About Renting?

Suit hire can be a very practical option, especially if you're going for a style that the groomsmen might not want or get the chance to wear again. Again the couple picks up the tab, but note that good suit hire can be almost as expensive as buying a suit, starting anywhere from €150-200+, as it includes fittings and alterations. An option might be that the groom might pay the rental part, and the groomsmen themselves can pay the balance to buy out the suit.

Image by Kat Mervyn via One Fab Day

What About Groomsmen Gifts?

With a large bridal party, you have to manage your budget. Ask yourself: 'Okay, is it realistic for me to buy seven or eight suits and give it to them as a gift? Or do I set aside a small gift that's more sentimental? More often than not, your groomsmen are honoured to just have been asked. Buying your groomsmen their suits is a great gift in and of itself.

Image by Darek Novak via One Fab Day

Groomsmen Footing The Bill? A Few Things to Think About...

If your groomsmen are paying for their own suits, bear a few things in mind. Firstly, that they too might be on a budget (even saving for their own wedding) and that budget may vary between them. Choose suiting that is affordable for everyone involved. Secondly, choose a look they'll be able to wear again, even just from a sustainability perspective. Go for something classic they can turn to when another smart occasion arises.

We should point out that these are just guidelines, so speak to your groomsmen to figure out what works best for everyone. While everything comes down to the number crunching (both financially and how many groomsmen you have by your side), the most important thing is to be clear with your groomsmen about what's expected of them - expenses and all, that way there are no hidden surprises along the way!

Want some ideas for groomswear dressing? From laid-back summer separates to luxurious and daring tuxedos, these stylish grooms from recent One Fab Day weddings are all the groomswear style inspiration you need!