Recently I read this article in the Dailymail.
Young people are turning down invitations to be best man or bridesmaid in record numbers it has been revealed, as the cost of being in a wedding is leaving them in a financial hole. The wedding industry this year reported a return to pre-recession spending for happy couples, with the average budget coming close to $30,000. However it appears that a knock-on effect is that bridesmaids and groomsmen are feeling the pinch and in particular, the best man. According to Today, almost one in ten people turned down being a groomsman or bridesmaid because the cost is too high.
And in the 18-34 age group, almost 12 per cent of men said no when asked to be a groomsman because of how much it cost.
In a study by TheKnot.com, it was discovered that men actually paid out more than women to take part in wedding ceremonies. Groomsmen spent an average $155 on tuxes in 2012 – while bridesmaids’ dresses cost the ladies only $137. Young men in the U.S. also face higher rates of unemployment than young women which also factors in their ability to fund expensive big days. Men aged 20 to 24 face 14.6 per cent unemployment while the female rate is slightly more optimistic at 11.8 per cent. And if the wedding is out of town, guests can be looking at an average $300 extra on what they have already shelled out.
Here are a few ideas to make it easier for your groomsman to say yes.
1. Provide them with clothing options. Parker & Schmidt Clothiers out of Phoenix sells Tuxs and Suits for the price that you would rent them. So instead of an expensive rental your groomsman will be able to take it home as a gift. Their slogan is “We don’t want your dirty Tux back, Keep it”.
2. Be Appreciative. Sincerely thank them for being a part of your wedding and help them understand how much it means to you.