Four Times a Groomsman

In the past two years, I have been a groomsman four times.  I estimate that I have spent over $2,500 supporting some of my best friends.  Was it worth it?

-Peerless Money Mentor

 

The Groomsman

Last weekend I was a groomsman in one of my closest friend’s wedding.  After posting a few wedding pictures on Instagram, a friend commented, “You’re the Wedding Man!”  I can definitely understand why she would say that.

Earlier this year, I was a part of the bridal party in another wedding.  Two years prior to that, I was a groomsman twice in one month.  In the past two years, I have been a groomsman four times.  I estimate that I have spent over $2,500 supporting some of my best friend’s.  What was this $2,500 spent on?  Bachelor parties, wedding attire, gifts, etc.

Bachelor Parties

For all four weddings, there was a bachelor party.  My friend who just got married had his bachelor weekend in New Orleans (my favorite city!) during the Essence Musical Festival.

Six of us rented a room in downtown New Orleans, and we had a wonderful weekend.

The other bachelor party I attended earlier this year took place in Atlanta.  We just went out a couple days before the wedding.  My friends and I were able to save money by renting an Airbnb near Piedmont Park (beautiful park!).

Two years before that, I stayed one night in New Orleans for a bachelor party.  The following weekend I spent the one night in Lafayette, La.

While these bachelor parties were fun, they were pricey.  I had to spend money on travel, Uber, food, etc.

The next major expense I incurred while being a groomsman was the wedding attire.

Wedding Attire

Tuxedos are expensive.  For the last wedding I was in, we purchased instead of renting them for $220 (When will I wear this?).  The purchase included some new dress shoes, which I needed, so it wasn’t a total loss.

Prior to that, for the wedding in Atlanta, my friend’s parents gave us $100 towards the purchase of our tuxedos.  But we still had to come up with the other $120 or so out of our own pockets.

For the weddings in 2016, I had to rent a tuxedo for one.  The other one was a Gatsby themed wedding.

We purchased suspenders, pants, and some Chuck Taylor shoes for under $100.

In comparison to the money spent on wedding attire and bachelor parties, gifts weren’t expensive at all.

Gifts

For each wedding, I try to spend at least $30-50 backs on gift cards.  As I am typing this, I realize I haven’t purchased a gift for my friend who got married a couple of weeks ago (Maybe he won’t notice :-).

Since the groom usually buys gifts for his groomsman, I feel like it’s only right that I purchase a gift for the couple getting married.

Maybe I will be the one purchasing gifts for my groomsman one day…

Will I Ever be the Groom?

Although I love bachelor parties and receptions, I still believe most weddings are overpriced.  when I get married, I would to do it as cheaply as possible!  Instead of getting married at an expensive wedding venue, I’d prefer getting married outside or at the justice of the peace.  Afterwards, I would have a small reception at a nice venue.

Ideally I would like to find a woman who does not care too much about weddings.  A woman who does not believe in the fairy tale the wedding industry has tried to sell her on since birth.  After sharing this idea with one of my closest friend’s, he said, “Good luck with that.  I think it is impossible.”

While I think it will be difficult to find such a woman, I believe it is possible she is out there :-).

*Having the right woman by your side can help you accomplish your goals much faster in life.  Read Steve’s (Think Save Retire) moving tribute to his wife!  After that, read TJ’s (Half Life Theory) story about his wife supporting him during a rough period*

Was It Worth It?

At the end of the day, I believe the $2,500 I spent supporting my closest friends was worth it.  I am aware of the fact that I could have used this money to improve my financial situation, but I have known these guys for over a decade.  They are more like brothers to me than friends.

Whenever I need some help with something, they are usually the first ones I reach out to.  I even hang out with them and their wives sometimes as the third wheel.

With that being said, if they ever decide to remarry, I’ll probably refuse to be a groomsman again.  One time is enough.  Besides, If they are smart, they will stick with their current wives!

Related Blog Posts

If you enjoyed reading this post, check out some of my other blog posts that are marriage related:

• The Cheap Engagement Ring
• Reselling A Diamond Ring After a Breakup

Community Feedback

• Have you ever been a member of the bridal party.  If so, what was your experience like?
• What are some of the benefits of being married?
• Would you ever refuse to be a groomsman for one of your closet friends?