Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. It should be fun, but sometimes the cost of everything can make it difficult to come up with the wedding you envisioned.
A great starting point is to look at the cost of the different elements of a wedding, so you can get a better idea of what to expect. From there you can start creating your wish list, and then make some calls to your ideal service providers and venues. If the prices seem a little too high, or even a little too low, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether the service is right for your budget.
Here is an overview of how much weddings cost in Toronto.
Overall Budget
In Toronto, you are looking at an average wedding budget of around $44,200 for about 135 guests. While your guest list might go up or down, 135 is the average number of guests people invite to their weddings.
What are the major wedding expenses?
Average costs breakdown as follows:
- Reception & Catering: This generally represents 50% of your budget. You can expect to pay about $14,000 for the average reception hall and about $91 per person for your catering on top of that.
- Photos & video: You might choose one or the other, or both. Keep in mind with phone cameras around, many couples opt for collecting images and videos from family and friends to create a more candid wedding album. If you are opting for professional photos and video, you’re looking at an average cost of around $6100.
- Reception music: You have tons of choices when it comes to music from cost-effective DJs at around $1700 to a full-out band at upwards of $5500.
- Ceremony music: This is a good place to try to save a few bucks, as you might have the option of an organ player, or other musicians provided by your religious community. You can also opt for the convenience of playing recorded music. For a ceremony musician, you’re looking at an average cost of about $1000.
- Floral & decor: This is hard to pinpoint with so many options available but when you include bouquets and the average floral arrangements, you’re looking at about $3100.
- Attire: This includes the bride, groom and rings for a total of $10,000. If you don’t include the engagement ring, this comes down substantially. Plus, the dress alone is usually at least $2100, but you have many options including wearing the dress of a loved one, vintage finds or even making a dress. Throw in hair and makeup for $300.
- Wedding Cake: Believe it or not, this cake is going to cost an average of $700.
- Ceremony: Consider your officiant at about $400 and other costs such as rental of the space, and you come in at about $3500.
- Transportation: If you want a cool ride, a limo or some other form of fancy car, you are looking at about $1100.
- Invites: Printed invites average about $500.
- Favours for Guests: The DIY trend for favours is really on the rise. However, overall your favours will cost about $300.
- Wedding Planner: While you might not think you need one now, as your to-do list begins to get longer, you’ll be glad to have the help. A wedding planner on average can cost as much as $2100, but with their connections and the time they save, it is worth it.
As you can see, you have some costs that aren’t so scary, while others are enough to knock your socks off. That’s why many couples start planning early so they can get the best deals on the things that are most important to them.
Where to Save
If you are looking for places to save costs, the most common areas include:
- Musicians & DJs: Use a DJ app for dancing and you can save yourself $1700.
- Favours: People throw these away, so skip them and it’s one less thing to worry about.
- Rehearsal dinners: This bill is often picked up by one of the family members. If the tab is expected to come out of your pocket, opt for an intimate potluck at your home or a loved one’s instead.
Invitations: Go for the e-vite or choose the simplest design available. - Transportation: Do you need a limo? Not really. But maybe a friend has a luxury or vintage car that might be fun to borrow.
Of course, every couple will have their own priorities for their wedding day. These are just some of the things that tend to fall further down the list.
Where to Splurge
These might seem obvious but here are the things you really shouldn’t sacrifice:
- Wedding dress: Unless you really don’t care, be sure you choose your ideal gown within your budget so there are no regrets. This is your day and splurging on the dress is one of life’s pleasures.
- Reception Halls in Toronto and Reception: Again, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Serve a meal you love, in a setting you will always remember, to make this day everything you imagined and hoped it would be.
- Hair & Makeup: If you want to create a different look on your wedding day, you really need the help of a professional hair and makeup expert.
Just remember this is your day and you want to create the most memorable experience for this life-changing milestone. Being budget smart, without skimping on the important details, will help create the most beautiful experience without leaving you in debt.
An excellent way to save money is to choose a venue that can assist with as many services as possible. At Château Le Jardin, we can provide everything you need from the lovely venue to the beautifully prepared feast, and from offering assistance with floral arrangements to a first class wedding planner. Entertainment is a breeze with our connections to the best entertainment, and we are always happy to help with your decor.
If you would like more information about how much weddings cost, call Château le Jardin at 1-888-529-8573 or contact us here.
