You're standing there, looking at your partner, and suddenly it hits you: you need to look like the best version of yourself in about six months. Then you look at your bank account. Then you look at Pinterest. The math doesn't always add up immediately. Determining how much is a wedding suit isn't as straightforward as checking the price tag on a gallon of milk because the range is massive—we’re talking anywhere from a $200 polyester blend from a department store to a $5,000 bespoke masterpiece crafted from Loro Piana wool.
Budgeting for a wedding is basically an exercise in prioritisation. Do you want the open bar, or do you want a suit that makes you feel like James Bond? Ideally, both. But to get there, you have to navigate a world of "super" counts, canvas construction, and tailoring fees that most guys never deal with in their day-to-day lives.
The Three Tiers of Wedding Suit Pricing
Most guys fall into one of three buckets when they start shopping.
First, you've got the Off-the-Rack crowd. This is your quickest route. You walk into a place like Indochino, SuitSupply, or even Macy’s, find your size, and buy it. You're likely looking at $300 to $800 here. It's affordable. It's fast. But—and this is a big "but"—the suit is made for a "standard" body type that doesn't actually exist. You will almost certainly need to spend another $100 to $150 on alterations to make sure the sleeves aren't swallowing your hands and the trousers aren't pooling around your ankles like a teenager in 1998.
Then there’s Made-to-Measure (MTM). This is the sweet spot for a lot of grooms. You pick a base pattern, and they tweak it to your specific measurements. Brands like Black Lapel or Knot Standard have turned this into a science. Expect to shell out between $800 and $1,800. The benefit? You get to pick the lining (maybe something flashy or a sentimental print), the buttons, and the lapel width. It feels personal because it is.
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Finally, there’s Bespoke. This is the big leagues. We’re talking Savile Row standards. A tailor creates a completely unique pattern just for you. Multiple fittings. Hand-stitched buttonholes. If you're asking how much is a wedding suit in this category, the answer starts at around $3,000 and can easily climb to $10,000 if you start eyeing rare fabrics like vicuña or high-twist mohair blends. It’s an investment piece, something you’ll wear for the next twenty years if you don't overdo it at the dessert table.
The Hidden Costs Everyone Forgets
The suit isn't the whole outfit. It’s just the foundation.
- The Shirt: Don't wear a $20 undershirt. A solid, crisp cotton dress shirt will run you $75 to $200.
- The Shoes: Everyone notices the shoes. A pair of quality Allen Edmonds or Magnanni oxfords will set you back $300 to $500. You can go cheaper, but your feet will pay the price by the time the DJ starts playing "Mr. Brightside."
- Tailoring: Even if the suit "fits," it probably doesn't fit. Budget at least $100 for hem adjustments and taking in the waist.
- Accessories: Ties, pocket squares, cufflinks, and a decent leather belt. It adds up. Tack on another $150.
If you’re doing the math, a $500 suit quickly becomes an $850 ensemble. It’s the "wedding tax" in a way, though really it’s just the reality of dressing well.
Why Fabric Choice Dictates the Bill
Fabric is the biggest variable. Most wedding suits are wool. But not all wool is equal. You’ll see numbers like Super 100s, 120s, or 150s. Higher numbers generally mean a finer, softer thread. They feel amazing. They also wrinkle if you so much as look at them funny and aren't particularly durable.
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For a wedding, a Super 110s or 120s is usually the "Goldilocks" zone. It's durable enough to survive a long day of photos and dancing but looks expensive enough to justify the occasion. If you’re getting married on a beach in Mexico, you’re looking at linen or seersucker. Linen is great, but it wrinkles instantly. That’s part of the "vibe," but if you're a perfectionist, it’ll drive you crazy. Silk-wool blends provide a nice sheen for evening formal events, but they'll push your price point up by a few hundred bucks easily.
Rental vs. Buying: The Great Debate
Rentals have come a long way. Gone are the days of the boxy, scratchy "prom" tuxes from the local mall. Companies like The Black Tux or Generation Tux offer modern cuts that actually look decent.
A rental usually costs between $150 and $250.
Is it worth it? Honestly, it depends on your future. If you never wear suits—like, literally never—renting is a logical financial move. But if you have even one other wedding to attend this year, or a high-stakes job interview, or a fancy anniversary dinner, buying makes more sense. A $600 suit pays for itself after about three wears compared to the cost of renting. Plus, you get to keep it. There's a certain pride in owning the suit you got married in.
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Cultural and Designer Markups
Sometimes you're paying for the name. A Tom Ford suit is iconic. It's also $5,000. Is the fabric five times better than a $1,000 MTM suit? Probably not. But the cut is legendary, and the brand prestige is real.
On the flip side, some "mall brands" markup cheap fused suits (where the inner lining is glued rather than stitched) just because they have a recognizable logo. Avoid fused suits. They don't breathe well, and after a few trips to the dry cleaners, the glue can start to bubble. Always look for "half-canvas" or "full-canvas" construction. It's a hallmark of quality that ensures the suit drapes naturally over your chest.
Practical Steps for the Groom
Don't wait until the last minute. Start shopping at least four months out. This gives you time for multiple rounds of tailoring or for a custom order to ship from overseas.
If you're on a tight budget, look for "Separates." Buying the jacket and trousers separately allows you to get a closer fit off the rack if you have an athletic build (broad shoulders, smaller waist).
Actionable Checklist:
- Set a Hard Limit: Decide if your $1,000 budget includes shoes and accessories or just the suit.
- Check the Construction: Ask the salesperson if the jacket is fused or canvassed. If they don't know, walk away.
- Prioritize Fit Over Fabric: A $300 suit that is perfectly tailored will always look better than a $3,000 suit that is too big.
- Factor in the Season: Wool for winter/fall, linen or light cotton for summer/spring.
- Book the Tailor Early: Good tailors get slammed during wedding season (May-September).
The goal isn't just to spend money. The goal is to feel confident. Whether that costs you $400 or $4,000, the "value" is found in how you stand when the doors open and you see your partner waiting at the end of the aisle. Quality shows, but confidence fits better than any fabric ever could.