Is the Average Canadian Wedding Cost Worth It?

Canada is a lovely destination where you can exchange vows in the lap of natural beauty. Imagine tying the knot with majestic mountains or charming forests as your backdrop. If you want to host your wedding in this dreamy country, it helps to know the average cost of a wedding in Canada so you can plan better. 

What’s the Average Cost of a Wedding in Canada?

The estimated cost of a wedding in Canada is $29,450, per Wedding Wire’s global wedding report. Most couples prioritized their wedding photography, hair and dress above all else. The average price of a wedding dress in Canada is $1500, but you can be lucky to find heavily discounted items for off-the-rack samples. Remember that this is just the base price — your dream gown might entail additional costs, such as details, alterations, accessories and undergarments.

The average expense is also based on hosting 154. You can expect to spend the same amount if this sounds like your wedding. However, if you’re planning a more intimate ceremony, it’s safe to say that you can go below the average cost.

Who Pays for a Wedding in Canada?

Traditionally, the bride’s parents significantly contribute to the wedding expenses if they can afford it. Since each family comes from various backgrounds, it’s more likely both parents of the couple contribute now, but the bride and groom pay for most, especially when they’re both working.

Ariel Meadow Stallings, author of Offbeat Bride: Create a Wedding That’s Authentically You, told Good Morning America that brides’ parents are no longer expected to pay because modern women are more independent. Wedding expenses have increased tremendously over the years, so it might be too much of a burden for the bride’s family to shoulder them.

On the other hand, the groom’s family traditionally pays for the following:

• Groomsmen lodging
• Marriage license and officiant
• Corsages and boutonnières for family members
• Entertainment
• Rehearsal dinner costs
• Reception drinks

In today’s modern era, the rules are more fluid, so it’s at the discretion of the groom’s parents if they wish to pay for the following expenses. 

Should You Spend $29,450 on Your Canadian Wedding?

It depends on how much you’re willing to spend. There’s no universal or national standard regarding how much you should pay for your dream wedding. Your budget should be a number you and your partner are comfortable with. Don’t exhaust your financial resources to align your vision with the average cost of a wedding in Canada.

Your budget boils down to your wedding size. Remember that $29,450 is the average cost for more than 150 guests. Therefore, if you have only 70 attendees, you can expect not to spend around $30,000 — unless you desire upscale wedding suppliers. In the same light, a typical beach wedding is priced between $10,000 and $15,000. Nevertheless, you and your future spouse should agree and stick to a certain number before hiring suppliers.

6 Clever Ways to Save for a Wedding in Canada

Weddings have become expensive through the years, prompting engaged couples to save up for their big day. Here are money-saving strategies you can implement to actualize your dream event without exceeding the average cost of a wedding in Canada.

1. Trim Your Guest List

One of the best ways to reduce your guest count and keep your wedding cost below Canada’s average is to lower your guest count. While it’s nice to have all your family, friends and colleagues to celebrate with you and your significant other, it can be a complicated and overwhelming experience. It’s a must if your budget requires you to reduce your guests.

Review your guest list and consider your and your partner’s relationship with each person. Consider eliminating plus-ones and children, especially if they’re not part of your immediate family. 

2. Choose a Less Popular Wedding Season

January, February, and March are mostly off-season for weddings, so consider setting your wedding date in the first quarter of the year. Since there’s lower demand, expect better deals for your reception venue, photography and floral arrangements. However, you must ensure everyone is okay with the snow and the cold weather on your big day. 

3. Track Your Spending

With various wedding expenses, losing track of your expenditures is easy. You can use a spreadsheet to keep track of your spending, such as how much money you have left. Remember to set aside money for extras, such as taxes, service fees, vendor meals and parking fees.

4. Inquire About Package Deals for Photography

You and your partner ask about service bundle options from several photographers. Some professionals provide package deals, which include photography and videography services. Hiring a provider who offers both services can save you money compared to hiring two separate vendors.

5. Hold Ceremony and Reception in a Single Place

Hosting your ceremony and reception in one location means there’s no need for attendees to travel between locations. For you and your partner, it can also mean saving on fees, as booking a single location can be more cost-effective than booking two separate spaces. Plus, this makes your celebration easier to coordinate.

6. Host a Sustainable Wedding

Celebrate your love and the environment on your big day. Sustainability focuses on decreasing the amount of waste and the carbon footprint a wedding produces. Here’s where and how you can be environmentally friendly at your wedding:

• Support local businesses: Buying from local suppliers helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the need for transportation costs. By supporting local, you also contribute to the local economy.
• Use sustainable flowers: The average cost of flowers for a wedding is $2,300, which is 7% of the total wedding expenses. You can ask your local florist to use silk flowers instead of real ones. These are more sustainable and versatile — you can use them as gifts, decorations or mementos. 
• Shop secondhand: Go to a thrift shop, and you might score antiques that make great wedding decor. While at it, you may also scout for secondhand wedding gowns you can repurpose to save significant money.

Plan Your Canadian Wedding Today

Now that you know the average cost of a wedding in Canada, it’s easier to set a budget and prioritize what matters most to you. Happy planning!