When the Engagement Glow Fades, the Money Questions Start

In Canada, the average wedding costs about $30,000—but averages can be misleading. Whether you're planning a backyard wedding in Nova Scotia or an elegant Toronto ballroom affair, your wedding budget should reflect your values, not just national stats.

This guide walks you through building a realistic, personalized budget—along with tips from professional wedding photographers who’ve seen what’s worth it and what’s not.

Start With Your Total Budget

Before diving into a spreadsheet:

• What’s your absolute maximum?
• Is family contributing?
• What kind of wedding are you imagining? (Elopement in Banff? Vineyard celebration in Kelowna?)

Once you’ve settled on a total, begin allocating percentages based on your top priorities. Need help defining those? Read: How to Create a Wedding Vision That Feels Like You

Typical Canadian Wedding Budget Breakdown

Here’s a rough guide based on how many couples in Canada allocate their spending:

• Venue & Catering: 35–45%
• Photography & Videography: 10–15%
• Planner/Coordinator: 5–10%
• Florals & Décor: 8–12%
• Attire & Beauty: 5–8%
• Entertainment: 5–10%
• Stationery & Invites: 2–4%
• Transportation, Rentals, Misc: 5–10%
• Contingency Buffer: 5%

Want a deeper look? Read: Canadian Wedding Budget Breakdown: Where Your Money Actually Goes

Where You Can Save Without Regret

• Stationery: Digital RSVPs are modern, accepted, and budget-friendly.
• Décor: Highlight the venue’s natural aesthetic. Read: How to Choose a Wedding Venue That Photographs Well
• Favours: Often forgotten. Redirect those dollars toward something guests (and you) will remember—like photos or dessert.

Tips to Stick to Your Budget (Without Feeling Restricted)

• Add a 5–10% buffer for surprise costs
• Track everything using a Canadian wedding budget app or spreadsheet
• Prioritize emotionally: Spend more on what means the most

Photographer Insight:
“I’ve had couples tell me they regretted hiring a budget photographer who missed key moments or over-edited their photos into something unrecognizable.”