How Much Does a Wedding Cost in Toronto (and Canada)?

Weddings are significant life events that often come with considerable costs. In Canada, and particularly in Toronto, these costs have been rising over the years. This article will explore the average costs associated with weddings in Canada, with a detailed focus on Toronto. We'll break down the costs by categories such as venue, catering, photography, and more, providing insights based on recent data and trends.

So how much is the average cost of a wedding in Toronto compared to Canada? Toronto's wedding costs are notably higher than the national average. The average cost of a wedding in Toronto, Ontario is around $68,000 CAD, significantly higher than the national average of $43,000 CAD. This difference is attributed to the higher cost of living and premium services in Toronto compared to other parts of Canada.

Credit: Eaton Hall

The Data Behind The Numbers

As of 2023, the average cost of a wedding in Canada is approximately $43,000 CAD. On a per person basis, wedding costs were $288 per person. We assume 150 guests for the wedding, as per the latest numbers from Statista (2019) showed an average guest count of 154 guests. We note that The Knot's research has revised their Canadian guests to 89 for 2023, we clearly see this as an error in their latest report. In 2019, they quoted the same 154 guest count. With the recent immigration and a larger amount of South Asian weddings taking place (their typical guest count is over 300), we expect this number to have actually risen and not fallen.

(Note: This is the average cost and includes backyard weddings and rural areas. Premium Weddings cost anywhere between $100,000 to $250,000, Luxury Weddings start at $250,000 and Ultra-Luxury at $1,000,000.)

The cost of a Toronto wedding was estimated by comparing data from the three largest cities in the US (New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago) and applying their averaged cost difference to the US national average. This cost difference is approximately a 60% premium. This premium accounts for the higher expenses associated with larger metropolitan areas, providing a more accurate reflection of wedding costs in Toronto. This means that a Toronto wedding will cost $340 per person and will be an overall spend of $68,000.

(Note: This is not the cost per plate, this includes all wedding costs. The cost per plate for a Toronto wedding is $200 per person - see below for the calculation).

Source: WeddingWire, The Knot, Statista, Bank of Canada

Credit: Liberty Grand

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Understanding where the money goes in a wedding budget is crucial for effective planning. Here is a detailed breakdown of wedding expenses based on our experience in the industry as well as industry research:

Venue and Catering (45%): The venue and catering are typically the largest expenses, accounting for about 45% of the total budget. This translates to $19,200, or approximately a cost of $125 per plate in Canada, and $30,600 in Toronto, approximately a cost of $200 per plate. (Are you still searching for a wedding venue? Read our article on How to Choose a Wedding Venue to learn more.)
Photography and Videography (13%): Capturing memories through photography and videography is vital, costing around 13% of the budget. This amounts to $5,600 in Canada and $8,800 in Toronto. (Are you still shopping for a wedding photographer? Read our article on How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in Toronto to learn more.)
Wedding Attire, Rings, and Hair/Makeup (10%): Attire, including the wedding dress, suits, rings, and hair/makeup, consumes 10% of the budget, averaging $4,300 in Canada and $6,800 in Toronto.
Décor (7%): Décor elements, including tables, chairs and other decorations, account for 7% of the budget, or approximately $3,000 in Canada and $4,800 in Toronto.
Music/Entertainment (7%): Entertainment, including DJs or live bands, takes up 7% of the budget, equating to around $3,000 in Canada and $4,800 in Toronto.
Flowers (7%): Floral arrangements represent 7% of the budget, another $3,000 in Canada and $4,800 in Toronto.
Stationery (3%): Invitations and other stationery items account for 3% of the budget, about $1,300 in Canada and $2,000 in Toronto.
Transportation (3%): Transportation costs, including rentals for the bridal party, take up another 3%, equaling $1,300 in Canada and $2,000 in Toronto.
Cake (2%): The wedding cake typically costs 2% of the budget, or approximately $900 in Canada and $1,400 in Toronto.
Favors and Gifts (2%): Favors for guests and gifts for the bridal party represent 2% of the budget, around $900 in Canada and $1,400 in Toronto.
Officiant and Miscellaneous Costs (1%): Finally, the officiant and other miscellaneous expenses account for 1% of the budget, or about $400 in Canada and $700 in Toronto.

Sources: Brides.com, Wedding Wire

Remember, these figures represent averages. For truly luxurious weddings with budgets of $250,000 or more, the percentage allocations will differ. For instance, while Photography and Videography might decrease from 13% to 10% of the budget, the actual expenditure could rise from $8,800 to $25,000 due to the need for multiple team members and delivery of physical products such as wedding albums and prints.

Credit: Ether Photography

Final Thoughts

Weddings in Canada, and especially in Toronto, come with a considerable price tag. With the average cost rising over the years, it's essential for couples to plan and budget carefully. By understanding the detailed breakdown of expenses and considering cost-saving strategies, couples can manage their wedding finances effectively while still creating a memorable and beautiful event. We've created a free wedding cost calculator to help you to do just that. See below for instructions on how you can get this resource to start your wedding planning!

P.S. Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Toronto? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us here.

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