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Am I being unreasonable not buying new suits for their dads wedding

190 replies

hazelowens · 17/07/2025 01:42

My ex husband is getting married in December and he has told our sons he wants them in suits, all the same colour, can be any colour but he wants them to all be the same, the boys have suits but they aren't the same colour and when the soon to be 18 yr old told him that the suits were all different colours he just said get your mum to buy you new ones as she'll want you in suits for her wedding. We have told the boys that all we wanted from them at the wedding to come in something they are comfortable in. We aren't having a big wedding and my other half who is well known for wearing shorts and sandals in all weathers has said that for the official bit he will be wearing a suit as he wants to look nice for me and he wants the boys to look nice again for me but he doesn't want them looking identical and uncomfortable. I've told him he can wear shorts, Hawaiian shirt with sandals at the reception and if the boys want to they can change into something comfier aswell.

The boys are 18, 21 and 24

I really want to send him a message to stop being a tight fisted arsehole and either buy them suits or hire them.

OP posts:
zingally · 17/07/2025 11:35

I thought you were going to be talking about actual children, not full grown-ass men.
Regardless, if they dad wants something particular, he needs to pay for it. The dress code for his wedding is exactly zero of your concern. In no reasonable universe should you contribute a single penny.

hazelowens · 17/07/2025 11:29

ConspicuouslyLawAbidingWoman · 17/07/2025 08:45

The grown ups will point out the boys are adults and you should stay out of it

but might I suggest malicious compliance? Buy them all (non matching) Christmas themed suits via vinted. It’s a December wedding and he wanted them on theme right?

Oh I love this idea. The boys don't want to look the same. When I have bought them things that look remotely the same they have laughed at me and I never see these things again.

OP posts:
goldenquestion · 17/07/2025 11:28

If anyone wants to dictate what someone else wears they have to pay. This encompasses bridesmaids, groomsmen and guests! Otherwise, you have to allow people to wear what they want/can afford.

spoonbillstretford · 17/07/2025 11:24

If he wants them matching then the bride and groom hire them for the wedding party, as many people do, and also buy or hire something for bridesmaids. He has a hide saying you or they should fork out for it. Presumably that's why he's an ex.

WordsFailMeYetAgain · 17/07/2025 11:22

Your sons are old enough to tell their father that they don't want matching suits. Your Ex-H should be paying if it's his wedding. I definitely would not be forking out good money for one day!!!

ThejoyofNC · 17/07/2025 11:11

He's a real joker isn't he. Perhaps he should get himself the green and purple suit.

Waterweight · 17/07/2025 11:09

I think it's pretty standard to wear matching suits at a wedding but also if it's their dad's wedding leave it up to him ???

mindutopia · 17/07/2025 11:05

He needs to sort the suits and pay for them. I wouldn’t be getting involved in facilitating any of this in any way.

When you get married will you be asking him to sort and pay for their suits for your wedding? No, of course not.

Poodlelove · 17/07/2025 11:01

Then their father can take them all to the shop , make a day of it , a good bonding experience, what a pathetic man.

Fraggeek · 17/07/2025 10:58

Please just say:

Not my wedding, not my responsibility.

And have nothing else to do with it.

It's really that simple.

Sunnygin · 17/07/2025 10:54

RosesAndHellebores · 17/07/2025 01:46

If their father wants to dictate the sort of suits they wear, he needs to pay.

Yes this....nothing more to add....

Wishihadanalgorithm · 17/07/2025 10:42

Tell dad to fuck off with his dictating. He can buy them new suits or they go in the ones they already have. Twat!

I can see why he’s your ex.

WilfredsPies · 17/07/2025 10:40

He’s a saucy fucker!

Do the boys have the confidence to tell him you said it’s nothing to do with you and you don’t care what they wear to anybody’s wedding? If so, then I’d let them do just that.

If not, then a quick ‘Hi ex, the DC tell me that you need me to buy them matching suits for your wedding. I won’t be doing that. Hope it’s a lovely day for you both though’.

trawlerwoman · 17/07/2025 10:16

trawlerwoman · 17/07/2025 10:16

You think that's bad - my sister is told where her son 'ranks' in the class for every topic and subject. Absolutely baffling! Just causes anxiety when actually he's doing fine

sorry wrong thread!

trawlerwoman · 17/07/2025 10:16

You think that's bad - my sister is told where her son 'ranks' in the class for every topic and subject. Absolutely baffling! Just causes anxiety when actually he's doing fine

AnonymousBleep · 17/07/2025 10:15

Obviously their dad pays. Are you even going to the wedding, OP?

Well done for escaping the clutches of this skinflint!

cheesycheesy · 17/07/2025 10:13

You really don’t need to be interacting with your ex anymore. All your kids are adults.

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 17/07/2025 10:12

Pallisers · 17/07/2025 03:26

Tell your sons that they can wear whatever they want to your wedding. And tell them that if their father imposes a dress code for his then he should pay for it.

Then stay out it it.

What a cheeky fucker, though. I'd like you to wear identical suits for my wedding so your mother can buy them for you.

Absolutely this

Qoopwhooping · 17/07/2025 10:08

RosesAndHellebores · 17/07/2025 01:46

If their father wants to dictate the sort of suits they wear, he needs to pay.

First post nails it.

Shesellsseashellsnotinmystreet · 17/07/2025 10:05

*not implying your dc are chimps BTW...

Shesellsseashellsnotinmystreet · 17/07/2025 10:04

Surely you just send him a laughing emoji? End of chat.
Not your circus not your monkeys.

Nikki75 · 17/07/2025 10:02

Ex buys your sons new suits if he wants them looking a certain way .
This is not up to you whatsoever.
The cheek of that tell him straight to sort his own wedding outfits out.

diddl · 17/07/2025 09:59

I'm guessing he doesn't want to buy new suits & then them also be worn at your wedding?

cheesycheesy · 17/07/2025 09:58

CherryAlmondLattice · 17/07/2025 09:56

Grown man wants you to buy three grown men matching suits for his wedding.

Nah.

This

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 17/07/2025 09:56

Up to your exh to buy suits if he’s so bothered!

Also agree with others that it’s for the adult children to communicate with their own dad.

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