How Much Do Wedding Suits Cost? The 2025 Average Revealed
While it’s true that most of the focus will go on what the bride’s wearing, just as many eyes will fall on the groom during your wedding. That means, whatever you’re wearing will need to make you look and feel good so you have the confidence to stand in front of your loved ones and say, ‘I do!’
When it comes to finding the perfect suit, much like a bride’s dress, there are countless styles to choose from. Whether you opt for a three-piece suit, an evening tailcoat, a tuxedo, or another option, the decision likely won’t be simple.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about wedding suit costs, including average prices, your style options, and hidden expenses to keep in mind.
What’s the average cost of a wedding suit?
In South Africa, the average cost of a wedding suit typically ranges from R5,000 to R12,000, depending on your budget, the level of formality, and your preferred style. Off-the-rack suits from local retailers tend to be more affordable, while tailored or custom-made suits will sit at the higher end of the scale.
According to our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, couples often spend an average of R5,000–R40,000 on the groom, best man, and groomsmen’s attire. Whether you choose to cover the cost for your wedding party is entirely up to you. While it’s common for groomsmen to purchase their own suits, if you prefer matching outfits for the best man and ushers, you may consider contributing or covering the expense.
What options do you have for your wedding suit?
While the average cost of a groom’s wedding attire might be between R5,000 to R12,000, this figure is by no means a rule to follow. Many grooms spend much less, while others opt for high-end ensembles that significantly exceed this amount. The key is ensuring the groom’s outfit complements their partner’s attire, making communication essential.
When choosing the right suit for your wedding, there are plenty of options to consider, such as:
- Morning Suit — A formal and elegant choice featuring a tailcoat, striped trousers, a waistcoat, a collared shirt, and a cravat or ascot. Prices for a morning suit typically start from around R6,000.
- Three-Piece Suit — Comprising a waistcoat, trousers, and a jacket, this is a versatile option suitable for both formal and semi-formal weddings. Costs start from around R4,000.
- Business Suit — A practical choice for a less formal wedding, available in single- or double-breasted styles. Prices typically start at R3,500.
- Black Dinner Suit — A sophisticated and timeless formal option, often compared to James Bond’s iconic style. Prices begin at approximately R5,000.
- Evening Tailcoat — Perfect for very formal weddings, this elegant choice includes a tailcoat, trousers, and a waistcoat. Costs start from around R7,000.
- Tuxedo — A luxurious and classic option for formal weddings, offering a polished and elegant look. You can accessorise with items like a top hat or walking stick for added charm. Tuxedos typically start at around R6,000.
Where can you buy your wedding suit?
Once you know the type of attire you’re looking for, you then need to decide where to start looking for that perfect suit. Where you start your search will also depend on the budget you have and how specialised you want to go.
Bespoke
If you have a larger budget for your wedding suit, bespoke tailoring is a fantastic option. You’ll be able to choose the fabric, cut, and every design detail, resulting in a perfectly fitted suit. For bespoke suits from high-end South African tailors, expect to spend from around R20,000 and up.
Made to measure
A made-to-measure suit is a more affordable alternative to full bespoke. While you won’t get full design control, a standard suit is adjusted to fit your measurements. Prices for made-to-measure suits typically range from R6,000 to R12,000.
Retailer
If you’re working with a smaller budget, buying off-the-rack from a local retailer is a great option. Shops like Woolworths, Markham, or Fabiani offer stylish suits with the option of minor alterations. Prices usually start at around R3,000 and can go up depending on the brand and material.
Hire
Looking for a formal look without the big price tag? Renting a suit, tuxedo, or morning suit is a budget-friendly solution. Suit hire in South Africa typically starts from around R1,000. Just be sure to check the fit early and understand the return terms.
Thrift store
Thrift shopping can be a great way to find a stylish suit on a tight budget. It may take some digging and alterations, but if you’re lucky, you could find a suit for as little as R500. It’s also a sustainable choice if you’re keen to reduce waste.
Are there any additional costs involved with wedding suits?
After selecting the suit for your wedding, don’t forget to account for additional costs that might arise. Be sure to include these in your overall budget to avoid surprises.
- Alterations — If you’re having a bespoke suit made then alterations are likely included in the cost, but suits bought from a retailer may need to be altered slightly. Last-minute alterations will also cost more, so make sure they’re arranged with plenty of time to go.
- Dry cleaning — You may want to have your suit dry cleaned before and after your wedding.
- Shipping — If you’re buying your suit online there may be shipping costs, which could include custom fees if being imported from overseas.
- Accessories — You may want to complete your outfit with accessories such as cufflinks, a pocket square and a watch.
- Material — The material you choose will affect the cost of your suit, with more premium materials costing more. For example, when it comes to wool suits, which tend to be made with ‘worsted’ thread, the higher the thickness of the thread, the higher the overall price of the material will be.
- Rental fees — There will be fees for returning a rented suit late or damaged.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
If you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding suits and everything else, we’ve got plenty of tips and tricks on Bridebook to help you stretch your budget further.
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