Groomsmen spend way more than bridesmaids, and here’s why

Ah weddings, what better way to lose all your cash really fast?

Being a bridesmaid is definitely an honour, sometimes however - as I'm sure many can attest to - it can be a dubious one and not least due to how much money you have to fork out for the role.

And while we bridesmaids spend many hours in the office complaining about how much of our pay packets are going on the next [insert wedding-related expense, here] hen do / wedding outfit / trip to random villages where in-laws live - well, spare a thought for the groomsmen, as research has found that they actually spend a lot more than they’re female counterparts.

US money website, GOBankingrates.com surveyed 500 men and 500 women to find out how much being part of a wedding costs them, and the results showed that every aspect of the role on the big day was pricier for men.

Not buying it? Here are the areas which the groomsmen are - apparently - haemorrhaging cash than you.

1. Clothes

Paying for a bridesmaid dress is usually a necessary evil, but men feel the sting even more. The survey found that on average women spend $214.58 (c. £148) on their dress, while groomsmen were paying an average of $245.50 (c. £170) for tuxedos.

2. Stag parties

The research found that while stag and hen dos are the most expensive part for wedding guests, men are paying much more – especially if you’re the best man. Men in the best man role spend $998.78 (c. £690) while the maid of honour spend an average of $552.33 (c. £382).

3. The wedding gift

Most members of bridal parties shell out for two gifts for the couple, men are likely to spend the big bucks. While 20% of bridesmaids spend over $200 (c. £138) on a present, 31% of groomsmen do.

However, it’s not all great, slightly cheaper news for bridesmaids. The survey also found that although women said they spent less, they are more likely to go over budget, with 32% of them saying they hadn’t appropriately planned how much they’d spend, compared to the 28% of men. They also had more unexpected costs such as getting their hair done, and buying new shoes and jewellery.

We're suddenly feeling the need to suggest our friends elope...