How Much Does Your Wedding Cost?

Every bride wants to look beautiful on her wedding day, and rightfully so! You want to radiate beauty and feel like the centrepiece of a cherished celebration. You get to go all out on the dress, professionally done hair, and perfectly manicured nails. But these wedding expenses usually cost a decent amount of money—and that’s only a fraction of the total cost. The groom and bridesmaids may get off a little cheaper, but the average wedding still comes with a sizable price tag. Wedding planning is a process that involves both emotion and practicality.

So how do you budget it all and still plan the wedding of your dreams?

We've broken down the biggest wedding expenses that the typical wedding party encounters so there are no surprises when it comes to the big day.

How much does the average wedding cost?

Average wedding costs vary for several reasons: the number of guests, location, day of the week, and even the seasonality of food served and flowers displayed. It helps to picture the day and think about what matters most to the two of you. Think of the wedding budget in pieces and priorities rather than imagining the whole thing at once.

According to the latest statistics, the average wedding cost is around $40,000, not including the cost of the honeymoon. That's an increase of nearly 7% over the last year. Most couples will send invitations to 130–150 guests this year, making it quite the party. Keep in mind that inflation is also a factor because economic changes always impact the cost of goods and services.

The biggest expected expense, which can eat up to 30% of the wedding budget, is the venue rental.

Venue options and their cost

Unless you’re getting married on a piece of private land or property that you own, then you’re going to have to rent a venue for your wedding. This is often one of the most expensive parts of paying for a wedding in Canada.

Luxurious indoor venues can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000 a night, depending on the size of the event, how many people will be attending, and the location of the venue.

Here are some of the most popular event venues used for weddings:

Hotels
Convention centres
Barns and farms
Historic estates
Resorts
Vacation homes
Golf courses and country clubs
Vineyards and wineries.

What's the average cost of a wedding dress?

For brides-to-be, the big day is all about the dress. On average, they spend around $2000 in 2023 to find the right one. However, wedding dress prices can range from a few hundred dollars for simpler designs to several thousand dollars for high-end couture gowns. Alterations, accessories, and other related expenses should also be factored into the overall budget. There are different options on how you can save on the dress, which we’ll discuss in upcoming posts (stay tuned!). Here you can find affordable wedding dresses under $2000.

What's the price tag for a tuxedo rental?

It's also important for the groom to be well dressed and fortunately, tuxedos aren't quite as pricey as wedding gowns. Basic tuxedo rentals typically include the jacket, pants, shirt, bowtie or tie, and sometimes shoes and cufflinks. However, higher-end options, customizations, and additional accessories might increase the overall cost. The average amount spent for a tuxedo this year was $600.

How much does it cost to be a bridesmaid?

Being a bridesmaid is certainly an honour, but it doesn't come cheap. Between the dress, shoes, bridal shower gifts, wedding gifts and the bachelorette party, the average bridesmaid spends nearly $1,700. If you’re a bridesmaid, make sure to communicate openly with the bride about any financial concerns and to discuss expectations and responsibilities to ensure a positive and manageable experience for everyone involved. There are places in Ottawa where you can find affordable bridesmaid dresses under $200.

What do couples spend on their rings?

These days, diamonds don't come cheap; the average cost of an engagement ring is somewhere in the neighbourhood of $5,600. By comparison, grooms usually pay between $800 and $1000 for their wedding bands. The cost of engagement and wedding rings can vary depending on factors such as the type of metal, the quality and size of the gemstones, the brand, and personal design preferences. It's important to remember that these figures are just rough estimates, and the actual cost can vary. Some couples might choose to prioritize other aspects of their wedding budget, while others may allocate a larger portion for rings.

As you embark on this journey toward your dream wedding, keep in mind that wedding costs are not just numbers on a spreadsheet– they are investments in memories that will last a lifetime. From the gown that makes your heart skip a beat to the venue where you'll exchange your vows, every choice reflects your joint vision.