top of page
Search

behind the price tag: tux, gown, beauty

  • Writer: Love Struck
    Love Struck
  • Sep 30
  • 3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

“Can we just rent a tux and buy a simple dress—how expensive can it be?” Or, “I’ll do my own makeup, that’ll save a ton.” Reasonable thoughts. The truth: attire and beauty aren’t just the outfit and lipstick. They’re fit, comfort, tailoring, trials, steaming, timing, and the calm confidence that shows in every photo.


Here’s what’s realistic for a micro-wedding of 50 guests.


A romantic embrace between the bride and groom in elegant wedding attire, set against a serene, nature-inspired backdrop.
A romantic embrace between the bride and groom in elegant wedding attire, set against a serene, nature-inspired backdrop.

The “DIY / Minimalist” Option

This can work—especially for micro-weddings—but watch the hidden line items:

  • Off-the-rack white dress or secondhand gown, simple suit you already own, polished by a good tailor.

  • Self hair/makeup (or a skilled friend).

  • You’ll still likely pay for tailoring, undergarments, steaming, and time.


Micro-wedding reality: $350–$1,200 (attire basics & alterations) + $0–$250 (DIY beauty supplies) — lowest cash outlay, but higher prep stress and risk of fit/shine issues on camera.

Standard Costs (Professional, Camera-Ready)

You’re paying for fit + finish and a timeline that prevents day-of surprises.


gown

  • Dress (off-the-rack/sample): $600–$1,800

  • Made-to-order designer: $1,800–$3,500 (rush fees +$150–$500)

  • Secondhand/resale (Stillwhite, NearlyNewlywed, local boutiques): $400–$1,500

  • Alterations (hems, bodice, bustle): $250–$650 (complex lace/couture +)

  • Veil/shoes/accessories/undergarments: $150–$600

  • Post-wedding cleaning/preservation (optional): $150–$350


Tux/Suit

  • Suit purchase (good value): $350–$900 + $60–$200 tailoring

  • Tux purchase: $500–$1,200 + $80–$220 tailoring

  • Rental: $140–$280 (add $20–$40 for upgrades/late returns)


Beauty

  • Hair (trial + day-of): $180–$450 total

  • Makeup (trial + day-of, lashes incl.): $200–$500 total

  • Grooming/barber/hot-towel shave: $40–$120

  • Extra artist for family/party (if any): $75–$120 per service


Combined typical micro-wedding spend (lead couple): $1,800–$4,800 (attire + alterations + beauty), scaling with designer choices and services.


Hidden Costs You Might Miss

  • Rush & shipping fees for dresses/suits ordered late.

  • Steaming/pressing day-of (venue may not have equipment/outlets handy).

  • Accessory creep: jewelry, wraps, belts, hair pieces.

  • Undergarments/shapewear specific to the silhouette.

  • Trials (one each for hair & makeup) and early call time fees.

  • Tux return the next business day (late fees!).

  • Gratuities and taxes.


Tips to Save (While Looking Polished)

  • Buy off-the-rack or sample and put money into great alterations. Fit photographs better than labels.

  • Rent smart if you won’t reuse a tux—upgrade only what shows (better shirt/tie, real pocket square).

  • Secondhand/consignment for designer gowns; allocate more to tailoring/cleaning.

  • One beauty look, polished well. A strong base, soft glam, and clean hair last better than multiple changes.

  • Combine trials with your engagement shoot or dress fitting to maximize value.

  • Pack a day-of kit: blotting papers, mini hairspray, pins, steamer, lint roller, heel guards.


Questions to Ask Your Stylist/Salon & Boutique

  • What’s the alterations timeline and typical cost for this silhouette?

  • Can we steam/press on-site, or do you offer mobile day-of touch-ups?

  • Do hair/makeup packages include a trial and lashes? What’s the overtime/early call fee?

  • For rentals: what’s included, return window, and fee for late returns or damages?

  • For dresses: what’s the rush timeline/cost, and how do you size for future alterations?


Payment Timeline & Due-Date Tasks (sample)

  • Dress/order: 50% deposit at order (6–8 months out), balance at arrival; schedule first fitting ~8 weeks out.

  • Alterations: pay per fitting; final payment at pickup (~2–3 weeks out).

  • Suit/tux: purchase 6–10 weeks out (tailor 2–3 weeks), or reserve rental 4–6 weeks out; balance at pickup.

  • Beauty: 25–50% deposit at booking; balance day-of or week-of.(Set reminders for each balance + a post-wedding return/cleaning task.)


Reality Check

Attire & beauty aren’t “extras”—they’re how you feel and how you photograph. For a micro-wedding, plan 8–12% of your total budget for the lead couple’s attire/beauty. If fashion is a priority (designer gown, bespoke suit, full glam), expect 12–18%.


Pro Lovestruck Tip

Lock the look, then build comfort into the timeline: 20 minutes for steaming, 10 for a makeup touch-up before portraits, and a flat-shoe swap before the reception. Confident + comfortable = the best photos.


More Behind the Price Tag: Wedding Budget Breakdowns

Keep exploring:


Sign up for updates and receive your free micro-wedding checklist instantly.

Frequently asked questions

bottom of page