Realistic Wedding Budget Breakdown for Canada - Part one

Are you planning to tie the knot in Canada? If so, you may be wondering how much it will cost you and how to allocate your budget wisely. Weddings can be expensive, but they don't have to be. With some research, planning and creativity, you can have a beautiful wedding that suits your style and personality without breaking the bank.

In this blog post, we will show you a realistic wedding budget breakdown for Canada based on recent data and surveys. We will also give you some examples of low-cost, medium-cost and expensive tiers for each category of wedding expenses. This way, you can get a better idea of what to expect and how to adjust your budget according to your preferences and priorities.

The average wedding cost in Canada

According to a survey by WeddingWire, the average wedding cost in Canada is roughly $29,450 CAD excluding the honeymoon. This estimate is based on hosting 154 guests, which is the average number of attendees for Canadian weddings. Of course, this number can vary depending on many factors, such as your location, season, guest count, style and preferences.

To help you understand where this money goes, here is a breakdown of the average wedding cost in Canada by percentage:

Wedding catering: 38%
Photography and videography: 12%
Ceremony and reception venues: 9%
Honeymoon: 7%
Wedding flowers: 7%
Wedding music: 5%
Bride's attire: 5%
Wedding stationery: 3%
Wedding rings: 3%
Wedding cake: 2.5%
Wedding transportation: 2%
Wedding hair, makeup and beauty services: 2%
Groom's attire: 1%
Wedding favors and wedding party gifts: 1%
Officiant: less than 1%

The low-cost tier

If you want to spend less than the average wedding cost in Canada, you can opt for the low-cost tier for some or all of your wedding expenses. This means that you will look for ways to save money by choosing cheaper options, doing things yourself, or skipping some items altogether. Here are some examples of what you can expect to pay for each category in the low-cost tier:

Wedding catering. The average cost of wedding catering in Canada is about $11,000 CAD for 150 guests. This includes food and beverage costs, as well as service fees, gratuities and taxes. To save money on wedding catering, you can choose a cheaper option such as a buffet, a cocktail reception or a brunch menu. You can also order takeout from your favorite restaurant or caterer and serve it yourself or with the help of some friends or family members. Another idea is to have a potluck-style wedding where each guest brings a dish to share. Some examples of low-cost wedding catering options are: pasta stations, sushi bars, cheese and charcuterie platters, pizza stations, taco bars, salad bars and assorted appetizers. These can range from $10 to $25 CAD per person.
Photography and videography. The average cost of wedding photography and videography in Canada is about $3,500 CAD. This includes the fees for hiring a professional photographer and/or videographer for several hours on your wedding day, as well as editing and delivering your photos and/or videos. To save money on wedding photography and videography, you can look for newer or less experienced photographers and videographers who may charge lower rates. You can also limit their coverage time to only the most important moments of your wedding day. Another idea is to ask your guests to take photos and videos with their smartphones or cameras and share them with you via an app or a hashtag. Some examples of low-cost wedding photography and videography options are: hiring a student photographer or videographer, using an online service that connects you with local photographers or videographers who offer affordable packages, or renting a photo booth that prints out instant photos for your guests. These can range from $500 to $1,500 CAD.
Ceremony and reception venues. The average cost of wedding ceremony and reception venues in Canada is about $2,600 CAD. This includes the rental fees for booking a church, a hall, a hotel, a park, or any other location where you want to hold your ceremony and/or reception. To save money on wedding venues, you can look for off-season dates, weekday dates, or morning times when venues may offer lower rates. You can also choose one venue that can accommodate both your ceremony and reception instead of two separate locations. Another idea is to have your wedding at home or at a friend's or family member's property if they have enough space and are willing to host you. Some examples of low-cost wedding venues are: public parks, community centers, backyards, barns, or restaurants. These can range from free to $1,000 CAD.
Wedding flowers. The average cost of wedding flowers in Canada is about $2,000 CAD. This includes the costs of bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, centerpieces and other floral arrangements for your ceremony and reception. To save money on wedding flowers, you can choose cheaper types of flowers such as alstroemeria, baby's breath, carnations, chrysanthemums, daisies, gladiolus, sunflowers and tulips. You can also use more greenery and filler flowers to make your arrangements look fuller. Another idea is to buy flowers in bulk from a wholesaler or a supermarket and arrange them yourself or with the help of some friends or family members. Some examples of low-cost wedding flower options are: roses, gerberas, lilies, orchids, hydrangeas and calla lilies. These can range from $10 to $50 CAD per arrangement.
Wedding music. The average cost of wedding music in Canada is about $1,500 CAD. This includes the fees for hiring a DJ or a band to play music for your ceremony and reception. To save money on wedding music, you can look for newer or less experienced DJs or bands who may charge lower rates. You can also limit their playing time to only the most important moments of your wedding day. Another idea is to create your own playlist and use a sound system or a speaker to play it at your venue. Some examples of low-cost wedding music options are: hiring a solo musician such as a guitarist, a pianist, a violinist or a harpist, using an online service that connects you with local DJs or bands who offer affordable packages, or renting a karaoke machine that lets you and your guests sing along to your favorite songs. These can range from $100 to $500 CAD.
Bride's attire. The average cost of bride's attire in Canada is about $1,500 CAD. This includes the cost of buying or renting a wedding dress, accessories, shoes and alterations. To save money on bride's attire, you can look for cheaper options such as off-the-rack dresses, clearance sales, online shops or second-hand dresses. You can also borrow or swap a dress with someone who has a similar size and style. Another idea is to wear a non-traditional dress such as a cocktail dress, a jumpsuit or a suit. Some examples of low-cost bride's attire options are: lace dresses, tulle dresses, satin dresses, chiffon dresses and organza dresses. These can range from $100 to $500 CAD.
Wedding stationery. The average cost of wedding stationery in Canada is about $900 CAD. This includes the costs of invitations, RSVP cards, thank you cards, programs and other paper goods for your wedding. To save money on wedding stationery , you can look for cheaper options such as online templates , DIY kits , printable downloads or digital invitations . You can also use less paper by sending e-cards , creating a wedding website , using QR codes or making one-page programs . Another idea is to use recycled paper , alternative materials or reusable items such as magnets , coasters , bookmarks or stickers . Some examples of low-cost wedding stationery options are : photo cards , foil cards , flat cards , postcards and folded cards. These can range from $0.50 to $5 CAD per piece.
Wedding rings. The average cost of wedding rings in Canada is about $900 CAD. This includes the costs of buying two rings made of precious metals such as gold , platinum or silver with diamonds or other gemstones . To save money on wedding rings , you can look for cheaper options such as alternative metals such as tungsten carbide , titanium or stainless steel with cubic zirconia or other synthetic stones . You can also choose simpler designs without stones or engraving . Another idea is to inherit , borrow or swap rings with someone who has sentimental value for you . Some examples of low-cost wedding ring options are : solitaire rings , halo rings , pave rings , eternity rings and band rings.
Wedding cake. The average cost of wedding cake in Canada is about $500 CAD. This includes the cost of buying a cake from a bakery or a cake designer that serves your desired number of guests and matches your wedding theme and style. To save money on wedding cake , you can choose a cheaper option such as a sheet cake , a cupcake tower , a donut wall or a dessert table . You can also bake your own cake or ask a friend or family member who is good at baking to make one for you . Another idea is to skip the cake altogether and serve something else such as pies , cookies , candy , fruit or cheese. Some examples of low-cost wedding cake options are : buttercream cakes , fondant cakes , naked cakes , drip cakes and single-tier cakes. These can range from $50 to $200 CAD.
Wedding transportation. The average cost of wedding transportation in Canada is about $800 CAD. This includes the cost of hiring a limousine , a vintage car , a party bus or any other vehicle that transports you and your wedding party from one location to another on your wedding day . To save money on wedding transportation , you can choose a cheaper option such as using your own car , borrowing a car from someone you know , taking public transit or using ride-sharing services . You can also limit the distance and time that you need transportation for by choosing venues that are close to each other or having everything at one location . Another idea is to skip hiring transportation altogether and walk , bike or rollerblade to your destination. Some examples of low-cost wedding transportation options are : taxis , ubers , shuttles , trains and buses. These can range from $0 to $300 CAD.
Wedding hair, makeup and beauty services. The average cost of wedding hair, makeup and beauty services in Canada is about $600 CAD. This includes the cost of hiring professional stylists and artists who provide hair styling, makeup application, manicures, pedicures and other beauty treatments for you and your bridal party on your wedding day. To save money on wedding hair, makeup and beauty services, you can choose cheaper options such as going to a salon instead of having them come to you, booking group packages instead of individual services, using coupons or discounts or opting for simpler styles and looks. You can also do your own hair, makeup and nails or ask a friend or family member who has skills in these areas to help you out. Another idea is to skip some or all of these services altogether and embrace your natural beauty. Some examples of low-cost wedding hair, makeup and beauty options are: braids, buns, ponytails, natural makeup, neutral makeup, DIY manicures, DIY pedicures and DIY facials. These can range from $0 to $200 CAD.
Groom’s attire. The average cost of groom’s attire in Canada is about $400 CAD. This includes the cost of buying or renting a suit or a tuxedo that fits well and matches your wedding style and color scheme. To save money on groom’s attire, you can choose a cheaper option such as a casual suit, a blazer and pants combo, a vest and shirt combo or even a pair of jeans and a nice shirt. You can also use your own clothes or borrow from someone you know who has a similar size and style. Another idea is to skip the formal attire altogether and wear something more fun or creative such as a country outfit, a superhero costume, a themed outfit or anything else that suits your personality. Some examples of low-cost groom’s attire options are: plaid shirts, denim jackets, corduroy pants, leather boots, suspenders, bow ties and hats. These can range from $0 to $200 CAD.
Wedding favors: These are small tokens of appreciation that you give to your guests as a thank-you for attending your wedding. The average cost of wedding favors in Canada is $3 per guest, according to WeddingWire. However, you can find cheaper options online or make your own DIY favors. For example, you can buy personalized candy wrappers for $0.50 each and wrap them around chocolate bars, or you can make your own candles, soap, or jam with inexpensive materials.
Wedding party gifts: These are gifts that you give to your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of your wedding party as a gesture of gratitude for their support and involvement in your wedding. The average cost of wedding party gifts in Canada is $50 per person, according to WeddingWire. However, you can also find more affordable options online or make your own DIY gifts. For example, you can buy personalized mugs, keychains, or jewelry for $10-$20 each, or you can make your own photo albums, scrapbooks, or playlists with sentimental value.
Officiant: This is the person who performs your wedding ceremony and legally marries you. The average cost of an officiant in Canada is $300-$400, according to WeddingWire. However, you can also find cheaper options online or ask a friend or family member to officiate your wedding. For example, you can hire an online officiant for $100-$200, or you can ask someone you know to get ordained online for free and perform your ceremony.

As you can see, there are ways to save money on some of the essential items for your wedding without compromising on quality or style. With some creativity and research, you can plan a beautiful and memorable wedding on a low-cost tier budget.