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2 - How to do your wedding budget breakdown? Use our check list

Most couples in Canada spend between $25.000 and $35.000 on their wedding. This number varies considerably depending on where you live and what your social circle is typical.

This part covers the most common expenditures you may consider while creating your wedding budget. You may also use this part as a reliable checklist for breaking down all your wedding costs.

The infographic and table below give a high-level breakdown of wedding budgets. The majority of the wedding budget is usually spent on the wedding ceremony and reception. As beverages and meals for the (large number of) guests is frequently a high cost, it's no surprise.

Creating a wedding budget serves two primary purposes. First, it helps you get a better insight into the different expenses of your wedding and help to make the right choices. Second, it allows you to keep track and control of all your spending as the big day nears.

So looking at the wedding budget breakdown above, what are the actual spendings? Here's a thorough rundown of all the most common expenditures.

1 - The wedding outfit for the bride

The wedding dress is regarded as one of the most important purchases a bride makes for her wedding day. It is frequently the focus of attention, not just on the big day but also throughout the photographs shot at the wedding.

So how much to spend on a wedding dress?

This is a difficult question as it differs from person to person. The prices of wedding dresses vary greatly depending on the design, colour, and material used. You should also consider your total wedding budget when deciding how much you need to spend on a wedding dress.

On average, in Canada, wedding dress expenses usually range from $1,250 to $2,500 This number can vary significantly depending on the dress, store, and location.

Dresses for the bridesmaids also fall into this category. The bride traditionally pays for the bridesmaids' dresses. They are usually much less expensive, with an average cost of around $80 to $200 per dress.

If you are looking for ways to save money, consider buying a pre-owned dress or renting one. You could also look into making your dress and the dresses for your bridesmaids yourself. If you don't have the skills yourself, you may try to find someone you know who does.

Some brides wear their mother's wedding dress, which is a great way to save money and honour their mother.

Alterations for your wedding dress

When the bride tries on a wedding dress, it's almost certain to need some tailoring to fit her body type correctly. Expect to spend $75 and $200 on alterations, depending on the complexity of the dress and the alterations needed.

Undergarments and lingerie to wear beneath your wedding dress

You may also wish to consider purchasing some special wedding-day undergarments and lingerie.

Some brides choose to go without stockings on their wedding day. It is, however, recommended that a bride wears some type of underwear beneath her wedding dress. There may be extra fabric or lace on the dress that can cause discomfort if no high stockings are worn. Wearing stockings beneath your wedding dress will also ensure that you are modestly covered while still looking beautiful on your big day.

Brides sometimes use special undergarments to enhance their figure and make them feel great on the big day. In the case of a see-through or low-cut dress, most brides want something to wear beneath it that will give a bit more coverage.

Finally, most brides-to-be plan to surprise their husbands on the wedding night with a sexy and exciting outfit under their wedding dress.

The cost of undergarments and lingerie to wear underneath a wedding dress may vary. You should expect to spend between $150 and $300 on them.

Bridal shoes

Bridal shoes are another essential part of your wedding outfit. You will want to find a style and colour that goes with your dress.

On her wedding day, the bride typically requires more pairs of shoes. For example, one pair for the wedding ceremony and another pair for the reception dance party. If you choose to go with only a single pair of shoes, make sure they are comfortable enough to wear all day long.

Bridal shoes on average range in price from $75 to $150 per pair.

Bridal jewelry and accessories

A bride often wears a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet on her wedding day. These items can range anywhere from very costly to quite affordable.

For example, a pearl necklace can cost a couple of thousand dollars. Or it could be something you already own or borrow from your family members or friends.

On average, expect to spend between $50 and $400 on bridal jewelry and accessories.

Hair, make-up, and nails

On the big day, the bride wants to look her absolute best. You'll most likely require a hairstylist and a make-up artist for your cosmetics.

Most brides visit a hairdresser ahead of their wedding day to discuss their preferences and ensure everything is in order. This is also an excellent time to inquire about pricing.

The hairdresser may also need to perform specific tasks ahead of time. For example, if the hair colour needs to be changed. This is typically done a few days until a few weeks before the wedding, especially when the colour tint needs to be lightened.

Hairdressers and make-up artists charge anything from $100 to $250 each. The price depends a.o. on the amount of labour they perform and where they're located. You might also want to have your nails done for the wedding. A manicure may add $20 to $45 to your budget.

Some brides like to try out their make-up before the wedding day. This can be done by hiring a professional make-up artist for a trial run or by doing it yourself using your regular make-up products.

If you're doing your make-up, it's a good idea to take photographs of yourself so you can see how the finished effect will look on the big day. Alternatively, use the photos to explain your likes and expectations to a professional make-up artist.

Expect to spend between $120 and $300 on hair, cosmetics, and manicures altogether.

A wedding ring or band for the bride

The terms "wedding ring" and "wedding band" have become virtually interchangeable throughout the years. However, these rings differ in several ways. Both are typically made of precious metals, such as gold, platinum, or silver. However, a wedding ring has diamonds or gemstones set in it.

Traditionally, wedding bands used to be worn by husbands, while wives wore wedding rings. However, today's couples frequently select matching wedding bands.

The cost of a wedding ring is determined by the design, type of metal, size of the ring, and number and quality of diamonds or gemstones. 

A plain wedding band has no diamonds or gemstones. The price mainly depends on the type of metal, the size of the ring, and the design. Gold, platinum, palladium, silver, and titanium are the most popular alloys.

A wedding ring for the bride costs between $700 and $2,500 on average. A wedding band typically ranges between $500 and $1,000.

Who pays for the bride's wedding ring? Couples usually split the cost equally, or the bride pays for the wedding band, and her future spouse pays for the wedding ring. Sometimes, the parents pay for both of them.

Engraving can add, on average, between $30 and $80 to the cost of a wedding ring or band. The engraver will typically etch the wedding date and the bride and groom's initials on the inside of the ring.

2 - The wedding outfit for the groom

The bride, of course, deserves to have a handsome husband by her side at the wedding. The groom should also look at his finest.

A groom usually wears a tuxedo or a suit. The type of clothing will depend on the formality of the wedding and the location. A tuxedo is more commonly worn at black-tie weddings, while a suit is more appropriate for less formal weddings.

So how much to spend on a tuxedo or suit?

The groom's outfit is rarely as expensive as the bride's, but it may still be a substantial investment. If you want to buy a wedding suit or tuxedo, expect to spend somewhere between $400 and $800. Renting the suit or tuxedo for the day will cost anywhere from $50 to $200 plus a deposit.

When you buy your wedding suit or tuxedo, make sure it fits you well. If not, have it tailored to properly fit your body type.

Traditionally, groomsmen pay for their outfits and rentals. The typical cost of a groom's outfit is between $50 and $250. As a way of thanks, it is customary to give your groomsmen gifts on or after the wedding day.

Shoes for the groom

What shoes does a groom need? Well, for starters, you'll want to match the colour of the shoes with the colour of the suit or tuxedo. Black shoes are a safe bet and will go well with most outfits.

You can purchase dress shoes for as little as $50 or spend up to $1.000 on a designer pair. On average, a decent pair of shoes for the groom costs between $75 and $200.

Undergarments for the groom

Boxers and undershirts are commonly worn underneath tuxedos or suits. It's a good idea to buy new stylish undergarments for your wedding day, whether the groom is going with a traditional suit, tuxedo or casual.

Classy and/or sexy undergarments for the groom on the average cost anywhere from $100 to $200. The price may largely depend on the underwear brand.

Jewelry and accessories for the groom

The groom can be seen wearing a watch, accessories like tie clips or tie tacks, collar studs, and jewelry like cufflinks, rings, and/or earrings. The groom generally purchases the groom's accessories. The bride or other family members can also gift them.

These accessories can vary considerably in expense. The costs can be lowered if you already own any accessories and can wear these on the wedding day. On average, though, you may expect to pay anything from $50 to $200 for jewelry and accessories for the groom.

Hairdresser and barber for the groom

On the big day, also the groom wants to look his absolute best. You'll most likely require a hairstylist and a barber for him.

The groom may visit the hairstylist a couple of days before the wedding day for the hair to settle. On the wedding day, all that is required is for the hairdresser to style it.

A barber will shave the groom on the day of the wedding. This will help him look sharp for his big day.

The cost of these services can range from $35 to $80. The price may depend on where you live, whether the hairdresser and barber come to your house or if you have to travel there, and the amount of work needed.

A wedding band for the groom

Traditionally, men have worn wedding bands, while women have worn wedding rings. Both are made of precious metals like gold, platinum, or silver, but a wedding ring also has diamonds or gemstones set in it.

Nowadays, couples are increasingly drawn to matching wedding bands, which is a beautiful approach to showing their equal commitment.

The price of a wedding band depends on the design, type of metal, and ring size. Gold, platinum, palladium, silver, and titanium are the most popular alloys. On average, a wedding band for the groom costs between $500 and $1,000.

The majority of couples split the cost equally for both rings. However, it is also common for the groom to pay for his bride's wedding ring, and she pays for the wedding band for her future spouse. Occasionally, parents cover the purchase.

Engraving can add, on average, between $50 and $100 to the cost of a wedding band. The engraver will typically etch the wedding date and the bride and groom's initials on the inside of the ring.

3 - The wedding ceremony

A wedding ceremony is the traditional part of a wedding in which two people are legally married by an officiant. Here's a rundown of the most typical wedding ceremony expenses.

Officiant fee

An officiant is an individual who has the legal authority and, when performing a wedding ceremony in a church, also the spiritual power to conduct a wedding ceremony. Most officiants must be licensed by their state before legally marrying couples.

The cost of an officiant can vary greatly depending on where you live, who you choose, and what type of ceremony you want. Generally speaking, officiants charge between $350 and $600 for their services.

Marriage license

A marriage license is a document that authorizes a couple to get married. In most cases, you must obtain a marriage license from the county in which you will be married before your wedding ceremony can take place.

Marriage license prices vary from state to state but typically cost between $60 and $130.

Church donation

Perhaps you and your partner would want to marry in a church according to tradition. This is frequently the case with religious couples who wish to preserve what their parents established and desire to continue the practice.

If you're planning to marry in a church, be sure to ask about whether the couple is required to give a mandatory donation. Such a donation is given to the institution for using the space and services. If this is the case, it might cost anything between $100 and $1000.

If it is not necessary to make a monetary donation, you may still give a voluntary contribution to the church. The amount you choose to contribute is entirely up to you. Just don't also forget to include this amount in your wedding budget.

Venue for the wedding ceremony

You may choose to have your wedding ceremony at the exact location of your wedding reception. Alternatively, you might select a unique site just for the wedding ceremony.

You can think of any kind of location that you want, including an outdoor or indoor space. Weddings may be held in a garden, a park, a countryside vineyard, or even on the beach, among other places.

Renting a castle, a boat, or a historic city hall is an excellent idea if you're searching for something unusual.

The cost of renting such unique venues for your wedding ceremony can range anywhere from $250 to $750 per hour.

Decorations

Decorations for a wedding ceremony can be as simple or elaborate as you like. You can choose from flowers, candles, drapes, balloons, and other decorating ideas.

The cost of hiring a florist to decorate your wedding ceremony can range from $100 to $1.000. The price may depend on the flowers you select, your location, and the time it takes the florist to put everything together.

Suppose your family and friends can help decorate the wedding venue. In that case, you have only the cost of materials needed, such as flowers, candles, drapes, and balloons. These expenses may range between $50 to $500. These costs depend on how many decor items you have and what decorations you desire.

Live music at the ceremony

Live music during a wedding ceremony often will enhance the ambiance significantly. Some great options are string quartets, harpists, guitarists, choirs, and other musical groups.

The expense of hiring live musicians for your wedding ceremony may range between $200 and $500 per hour, with some minimum charges required. A wedding ceremony usually takes about one hour.

Fees for bands vary considerably, depending on the number of musicians, the type of music they play, and to a significant degree, their fame.

4 - The wedding reception

A wedding reception is held after the wedding ceremony to celebrate the newly married couple. Guests attend this ceremony to congratulate the newly married couple and give presents personally.

The wedding reception begins with a champagne toast for the bride and groom, followed by serving appetizers. After that, there may be a seated plated dinner or a wedding buffet. This dining typically evolves into a dance party. Alcoholic beverages are served, and/or guests may get their drinks from a bar.

A wedding reception includes activities like speeches by members of both families and close friends. The wedding couple might also share some words about their new life.

Wedding cakes have been a part of weddings for centuries. The wedding cake is cut by the married couple shortly after the wedding reception begins or after the dining as a sweet course.

The average wedding reception expenses in the Canada ranges anywhere from $3.000 to $30.000, depending on the number of guests, the venue selection, and food and drink expenses.

Here's a list of the most common wedding reception costs.

Venue for the wedding reception

A hotel, restaurant, golf resort, country club, party center, or wine yard are among the most popular places for a wedding reception. The wedding ceremony might be held in the exact location as the reception or at a different venue.

The average cost of renting a wedding venue for a wedding reception in the Canada varies anywhere from $500 to $4.000, depending on location, size, service, and popularity.

Some venues do not charge a fee for using the facility. Instead, the rent is included in the food and beverage expenses. This is generally the case when you have your wedding reception at a restaurant with a seated plated dinner.

Champagne toast and appetizers 

Toasting with the bride and groom is a popular custom at weddings. The wedding reception begins with a champagne toast to commemorate the bride and groom's marriage. This is also a time when appetizers are served.

Hors d'oeuvres are small; savoury dishes are frequently served as an appetizer. They are usually bite-sized and can be either hot or cold. Common hors d'oeuvres may include shrimp cocktails, cheese platter, sushi rolls, quesadillas, and chicken wings.

On average, a champagne toast with appetizers can cost anywhere from $7.50 to $25 per person.

Wedding catering

Food and drink are typically provided at a wedding reception to ensure guests do not go hungry. The reception and party can last anywhere from two to ten hours.

The term "wedding catering" refers to the service of providing a buffet or seated plated dinner at a wedding event. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available. Wine is frequently served at dinner tables at seated plated meals.

The catering costs are primarily determined by the selected food, drinks, and service options. Buffet meals are usually less expensive than plated dinners. The cost of a plated dinner depends on the number of dishes served and the wines offered.

Wedding dinners generally range between $50 and $120 per person. A buffet will be available at the lower end of the pricing spectrum. In contrast, a plated dinner with table service will cost more.

In addition, alcoholic beverages served during the meal might set you back anything from $20 to $30 per person.

Party snacks and drinks

The wedding reception typically evolves into a dance party where guests are served party snacks and drinks. These can include potato chips, pretzels, peanuts, candy bars, soft drinks, beer, wine, and mixed drinks.

If you want to throw a dance party, the costs of servings drinks at a party are generally between $10 and $20 per person per hour. 

Expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $40 per person on party foods and beverages.

If you want to save some costs, you may opt for a paid bar instead of an open bar. When guests are offered an open bar, they may consume whatever beverages they choose whenever they want.

When the wedding guests are served a paid bar, they are limited to pre-chosen and purchased alcoholic beverages. When visitors go over your limits, they have to pay for the drinks themselves.

Music

Hiring a DJ, professional musicians, and/or a live band for your wedding is a great way to add ambiance and keep the wedding party going.

A DJ is in charge of the music at a wedding celebration. This might include playing pre-recorded music, taking requests from guests, and MCing or announcing events throughout the evening and night. Some DJs also bring along lighting or other special effects.

You may hire a DJ to only play music at your dance party. In addition, you can also request that the DJ provide suitable music for hours leading up to that event, such as ambiance music during the champagne toast and buffet or plated dinner.

The typical fee for a DJ for playing music at a wedding reception for 4-8 hours is between $750 and $1,800.

When it comes to living music, it can make a wedding party feel even more special. There are a few different options. You could, for example, have acoustic musicians or a live band playing. Or perhaps both but at other times.

Acoustic artists are more personal and ideal at the start of your wedding reception when guests arrive and the married couple makes their entrance. Typically, two or three individuals make up a small ensemble. They generally perform light jazz, classical music, or popular covers.

The average cost of a small acoustic music ensemble ranges between $500 and $1000 per hour.

A live music band is an excellent way to spice up your evening party. A two-hour live performance with a pause in the middle is typical. The DJ has a perfect opportunity to step in during the break and keep your party going.

Live cover bands are pretty popular at weddings. They simply play well-known songs from the past. Most people dance to the music they are familiar with, singing along and having a wonderful time.

For a live cover band at your wedding party, expect to pay anything from $1.000 to $2,500 for a two-hour gig. It can cost anything from $2,500 to $10,000 to hire a well-known live band, a big band, or an orchestra for your wedding.

Sound and lights equipment rental

If you're planning live performances and/or dancing, you may need to rent sound and light equipment for the stage and/or dance floor.

Such gear is sometimes included in the rental fees for the venue. It is also not uncommon for the DJ or a music band to bring along their sound and lighting equipment.

In case you need to rent sound and light equipment for your wedding reception, expect to spend on average anything between $350 and $1.500.

If you only require some presentation material (mic, speakers, beamer), expect a lower price range end. You may need more extensive sound and lights equipment for a big dance party. For which the price will be at the higher end.

Catering rentals

If you're serving a food buffet, you may need to rent catering equipment such as tables, tablecloths, chairs, dishes, plates, cups, and cutlery. You can either have the catering company provide the equipment or rent it from a rental company.

Wedding venues that serve a seated plated dinner generally supply all these materials without additional charges.

If not included in the venue rental, expect to spend on average between $1.000 and $3,000 on catering rentals for your wedding reception. You may also have to pay some transportation fees for the delivery and pick up of the rentals.

Waiters and bartenders

Waiters and bartenders may or may not be included if you hire someone to cater your wedding reception, depending on the terms of your contract.

In most cases, hiring your waiters and bartenders for a wedding reception will cost between $25 and $60 per hour per worker.

In case you want to spicy up your party by serving cocktails, you may need to hire a mixologist as your bartender. This person is professionally trained in mixing cocktails and other mixed drinks. The typical hourly fee for a mixologist ranges from $50 to $100.

Decorations

Suppose you want your wedding reception to look even more admirable and personal. In that case, you'll almost definitely want to decorate the spaces used, giving it a personal touch. If you have a wedding theme, you'll probably want to see it back in the decorations.

Balloons, ribbons, candles, and lights are only a few of the items you might utilize to decorate your wedding reception. However, the essential centrepieces are usually flowers. You can either choose to have your florist decorate the spaces or ask your family and friends to do so.

Later in this chapter, you'll find a list of the different flower expenses for your wedding day.

Decorating the spaces for a wedding reception costs on average between $100 and $1.000.

When you can ask family and friends to help, all you have to pay for are the materials. It will be more expensive and at the higher end of the price range if you need someone to do the decorating.

5 - The wedding cake

The wedding cake ceremony is a moment during the wedding reception when the bride and groom cut the wedding cake together. It's a fun and beautiful ritual that has been around for decades.

The married couple usually cuts the wedding cake after the wedding ceremony, when all guests have arrived for the wedding reception. Or later in the day at the start of the dessert portion of the reception dinner or buffet.

The price of a wedding cake depends on many factors such as size, flavour, design, and decorations. Expect to pay anything from $3 and $8 per person on average.

For example, a great wedding cake for 100 guests will cost you, on average, between $500 and $550.

Complete guides for Wedding Cakes

We also have created the following full guides for wedding cakes for these guest count:

• Wedding cake for 50 guests
• Wedding cake for 80 guests
• Wedding cake for 100 guests
• Wedding cake for 150 guests
• Wedding cake for 200 guests
• Wedding cake for 250 guests

Additional expenses for the wedding cake may include toppers, ribbons, and flowers. They generally cost between $25 and $100.

If you don't pick up the wedding cake but have it delivered, expect to pay an additional $50 to $150, depending on your location and the size of the wedding cake.

6 - Wedding preparation costs

Two of the most common wedding preparation expenses are discussed in this section. However, there may be more expenses.

Wedding invitation cards

Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent out to formally invite guests to the wedding ceremony and/or the wedding reception. The invitation usually includes all of the details about the event, such as date, time, location, and dress code.

Most importantly, it should include an RSVP card that guests use to let the couple know if they will be able to attend or not. You may also inquire on the card whether your guests have any food allergies or require special attention.

Customized invitation cards cost anywhere from $3.50 to $6.50 each, including postage. The price depends on the invitation's design, size, material, and style. A card with a high-quality glossy photo of the couple, for example, is more likely to be more expensive than one with only text.

If you include an RSVP card, it is customary to also pay for the postage for sending back this card. The costs of sending these cards back range from $1 to $2 per card, on average.

These days, sending a wedding invitation by E-Mail or WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger is quite common and growing in popularity. You can also do both, first send an electronic message as soon as possible to save the date and later send a lovely wedding invitation via post.

Wedding rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner is a party meant to help the bride and groom and their families go through the wedding day plans and rehearse the wedding reception speeches.

It is usually held either in the evening before or a few days before the wedding. Family and other close members of the wedding party are all invited. A wedding rehearsal dinner might be held in a more personal setting, such as at the parents' house, or it may be a plated dinner in a restaurant.

Usually, the parents pay for these costs. If the bride and groom pay themselves, expect a wedding rehearsal dinner to cost on average between $30 and $100 per person.

7 - Flowers for the wedding day

Flowers are an essential part of the wedding day. They are used for the brides' bouquet, the groom's boutonniere, and the corsages. In addition, flowers are usually used to decorate the ceremony and reception spaces and the wedding car and procession.

Wedding bouquet for the bride

The bride's wedding bouquet is a lovely arrangement of flowers that she will hold during her wedding ceremony and reception. The bouquet might include any flower. However, roses, lilies, and orchids are popular choices.

Generally, a florist creates a bouquet that matches the bride's wedding dress and/or the wedding theme colours. A wedding bouquet might cost anywhere from $50 to $300.

Boutonniere for the groom

The boutonniere is usually a single flower or a small arrangement of flowers that the groom wears on the left lapel of his jacket. It complements the bride's bouquet and dress and the groom's outfit. The boutonniere colours usually match with the wedding colour schemes.

The boutonniere is generally supplied by a florist together with the bridal bouquet. A boutonniere for the groom typically costs between $25 and $50.

Wedding bouquets for the bridesmaids

The bridesmaids usually carry smaller versions of the bride's wedding bouquet. These are often made of the same flowers as the bride's bouquet but have a more straightforward design and fewer flowers.

In situations where the bridesmaids' gown colours are entirely different from the wedding dress colours, the bridesmaid's bouquets may match the colour of the bridesmaids' gowns.

Bridesmaids' bouquets can cost anywhere from $60 to $100 per person, depending on the flowers and designs used.

Wedding corsages for the family members and closest friends

Corsages are small bouquets that relatives and closest friends of the bride and groom wear on their clothing on the wedding day.

Corsages are usually made from the same flowers as the bride's and groom's bouquets. They may include a ribbon to tie around the wrist or safety pins to attach to the lapel of the clothing.

A wedding corsage might cost anywhere from $15 to $40 per person, depending on the flowers used, the number of corsages ordered, and how much work the florist must do to make them.

Decorating the wedding locations with flowers

Flowers can be used to decorate both the wedding ceremony and reception areas. At the wedding ceremony, lovely floral arrangements might be used to decorate the marriage altar and aisle. Flowers can be used to decorate the wedding cake table, bride's table, podium, and any other areas where the married couple will enter, stand and sit down. 

The average cost of flowers to decorate the wedding ceremony and reception areas is usually between $250 and $750. The price depends on the number of locations that need decorations, the type and amount of flowers used, and the labour required.

Wedding car decoration

Flowers, ribbons, and bows may all be used to decorate the wedding cars. Sometimes, the same flowers used in the bride's bouquet or other wedding flower arrangements also decorate the vehicles.

The bride and groom are seated in the first car. This car will be the most decorated. The cars with the family members and closest friends are the next in line and are usually also decorated. The wedding guests may be given (white) ribbons to tie to their vehicle's mirrors or aerials.

The average cost of the wedding car decorations, typically including flowers, ribbons, and bows, is between $50 and $300. These expenses depend on the number of cars decorated and the amount and quality of the decorations used.

8 - Wedding photography

Most couples hire a wedding photographer to capture their special day. The photographs tell the wedding day's story in pictures.

If you want to use the pictures in their original intent, consider making a photo album with them. Nowadays, wedding photographs are frequently posted on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Couples may also consider hiring a videographer to capture the most memorable moments in motion and sound. The wedding video will be the visual storytelling of the day, all captured on film. Short videos from the wedding day may also be shared on social media.

The wedding photographer

Do you require the services of a professional wedding photographer? Smartphones can produce excellent photographs. You don't need an expensive camera, and everyone can take photos.

If you have many family and friends taking pictures, you'll undoubtedly have some fantastic ones. This saves you the money it would cost to hire a wedding photographer.

However, suppose you want to have a complete and cohesive set of photographs that capture the atmosphere, the emotions, the timeline, and all the important moments of your wedding day. In that case, it is best to hire a professional photographer.

A wedding photographer will walk along with you on your wedding day, and capture all vital moments, usually far more elegantly and effectively than your guests.

The photographer can also take photographs on your wedding day, especially for quickly posting on your social media accounts. Make sure someone you trust is available to help you with this procedure. The photographer can give your assistant these photos to upload on your social media accounts using your login information.

The cost of wedding photography services varies wildly, depending on location, experience, demand, the number of hours booked, and other factors. Most couples spend, on average, between $2,500 and $4,500 on wedding photography.

The wedding videographer

A wedding videographer records the wedding day's events as they unfold, creating a valuable video documentary of your wedding day to enjoy for years to come. Videographers often collaborate with photographers to ensure that each gets all the essential shots.

Nowadays, besides a video documentary, you may also obtain a few short wedding videos from the videographer. These are delivered to you quickly on your wedding day or the day after to share on social media immediately.

Like wedding photographers, wedding videographers vary in price depending on their experience, demand, location, the number of hours booked, and other factors. Couples who opt for a wedding videographer on average spend between $1,500 and $4,000 on the service.

9 - Miscellaneous

This section lists other expenses that may apply to a wedding, such as hiring a wedding planner, favours, transportation, gifts, a guest book, and insurance.

Wedding planner

A wedding planner is a person who works in the wedding industry and whose job is to help you with your wedding planning.

Do you need a wedding planner? If you're confident that you can plan a wedding without any professional help, then the answer is no.

However, suppose you want to save yourself time and stress in the months leading up to your wedding day and don't mind spending money on it. In that case, a wedding planner is an excellent investment.

If you have a big wedding, hiring a wedding planner may save you money in the long run. This person is likely to negotiate a lower cost for a wedding site, meals, music, and other services. The bigger the wedding, the more significant the advantages may be.

A professional wedding planner may cost anywhere from $1.500 to $4.500 on average. Fees depend on your location, the size, and the complexity of the wedding. Prices may be higher if there is a high demand for wedding planners in your region. Typical examples of such areas are Los Angeles and New York.

Wedding favours

Wedding favours are small gifts that people receive at a wedding, for example, a small bag of candy.

These gifts are typically handed out at the end of the wedding reception and usually have the bride and groom's names on them. The wedding guest may keep them as souvenirs.

The cost of wedding favours varies depending on the chosen item and typically ranges from $3.50 to $6 per favour.

Transportation

Most likely, you'll need transportation on your wedding day to get you and your wedding party from and to the various wedding events.

Here are some examples:

• Wedding limousine: A wedding limousine can be a great way to travel in style on your wedding day. It is also convenient to transport your wedding dress, cake, and other wedding day essentials.
• Wedding bus: A wedding bus is a practical way to transport a large number of guests between the various wedding locations such as city hall, church, reception, and party.
• Classic car or sports car: If you're having a small, intimate wedding, you may not need a stretched limousine or bus. In this case, renting a classic convertible or a sleek sports automobile for the day may be a better option.
• Taxi or Uber: If you're on a tight budget, you can save money by using taxis or Ubers instead of renting a car for the day.

The cost of transportation varies depending on the type of vehicle rented, the number of hours used, the distance travelled, and the cost to hire a driver. Transporation typically costs between $50 and $350 per hour per vehicle.

The total costs for transportation on your wedding day may range from as little as $50 to $1.500 and above.

Gifts for people who helped out

Many couples choose to give gifts to the people who helped make their wedding day special. This could include the parents, relatives, friends, your wedding planner, and others who went above and beyond to help out.

Generally, gifts for people who significantly helped out with your wedding range from $100 to $300 per person. At the higher price range if you know that a person has spent own money and quite some time to make your wedding a success.

Guest book

A wedding guest book is a great way to capture the memories of your wedding day. Guests can sign the book and leave a short message for the bride and groom. This is a fun way to look back on your wedding day and see all the well-wishes from your friends and family.

For a decent wedding guest book, expect to pay between $25 and $75.

A guest book is generally placed on a table with a nice pen next to it. Flowers may be used to decorate this table.

Wedding insurance

It can be a good idea to protect yourself by purchasing insurance for your wedding day. This insurance isn't particularly pricey, but it can cover significant expenditures or claims.

Some of the things that are typically covered by wedding insurance include:

• Cancellation or postpone the wedding due to a medical emergency, for example, injury or illness to the bride or groom or death in the family.
• Weather-related emergencies prevent the wedding from taking place.
• Supplier-related troubles prevent the wedding from happening, such as a last-minute bankruptcy of an essential supplier.
• Jewelry, gifts, and other items that are lost or stolen.
• Property damage at the wedding venue.
• If you are held liable for severe injuries to your guest that occurred at your wedding.

Wedding insurance premiums range on average from $150 to $750, depending on the coverage selected.

Recap

Weddings are expensive. The detailed breakdown of all of the wedding costs listed above can assist you in making a realistic wedding budget. Also, using this list, you may save money by carefully considering all of your options while still having the wedding of your dreams.

3 - Examples of real Wedding Budgets in Canada

In this section, you'll find examples of real Canadian wedding budgets created with the wedding budget calculator on this page. These examples will give you an idea of the real average wedding costs breakdowns for different budgets.

Example 1 - $10K budget for a wedding in Kingston, Ontario

This couple invited 45 people. Their wedding took place in a chapel. After the ceremony, they had a reception in a venue with drinks, food, cake and a DJ.

Click here to download the spreadsheet for this $10K wedding budget.

Example 2 - $20K budget for a wedding in Ottawa

This couple invited 135 people. The wedding ceremony was in the afternoon and included a cocktail hour with an open bar. Next, there was a three course dinner, followed by an evening party with drinks and dancing.

Click here to download the spreadsheet for this $20K wedding budget.

Example 3 - $35K budget for a wedding in Toronto

This couple invited 140 people. The venue was a country house. After the wedding ceremony, there was a wedding reception, starting with appetizers, followed by a seated dinner with a three course menu. The day continued with a great party with a DJ and a smashing live band and of course an open bar and midnight party snacks.

Click here to download the spreadsheet for this $35K wedding budget.

Example 4 - $60K budget for a wedding in Vancouver

This couple invited 200 people. The venue was a five star hotel. After the wedding ceremony, there was a 2-hour reception with an open bar and appetizers, followed by a seated dinner with a five course menu. The day ended with a dance party with a great DJ and a live band.

Click here to download the spreadsheet for this $60K wedding budget.

Make a list of what you find important

As you can see in the examples above, there are many different things you can spend your money on, and everything can cost a wide range of money. For example, your wedding food catering can be a simple buffet, a very elaborate 7-course dinner, or you can choose to not organize food catering at all.

The choices you make are very personal. Maybe you don't care a lot about an expensive wedding dress, but you do want a cool dance party after you get married. Or maybe you care a lot about the dinner, and less for a cocktail hour.

When you need to choose what to spend your money on, you can make a list with the following categories:

This list can help you to also determine how much money you would want to spend on each category.

How to download and open a spreadsheet for your Wedding Budget in Excel or Google Sheets?

After you have entered your budget plan in the calculator above, you can download a spreadsheet with your wedding budget. Use the DOWNLOAD button to do so. After you press the download button, two files will be downloaded, both in a so-called "CSV" format.

1 - In the first file whose name ends with '_comma', the cells in the spreadsheet are separated by commas.

2 - In the second file whose name ends with '_semicolon', the cells in the spreadsheet are separated by semicolons.

You can import the downloaded spreadsheet in both Excel and Google Sheets. Excel in Canada/US and Google Sheets can usually automatically open CSV files with a comma separation while Excel in Europe usually needs a CSV file with a semicolon separation.

Click on this Youtube link for a demo how to import a CSV file in EXCEL. 

For a demo how to import in GOOGLE SHEETS, click on this Youtube link.