Wedding Budget Calculator
Plan your Canadian wedding budget by category. Get regional price averages for Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Ottawa to build a realistic spending plan for your big day.
Wedding Details
Budget Allocations (% of Total)
Adjust percentages to match your priorities. Dollar amounts update automatically.
Wedding Budget Summary
$30,000
total allocated
Cost Per Guest
$300
Based on 100 guests
Category Breakdown
Canadian Wedding Costs Overview
The average cost of a wedding in Canada is approximately $29,450, though this varies significantly by region and style. Couples in Toronto and Vancouver tend to spend more due to higher venue and vendor costs, while weddings in smaller cities and rural areas can be considerably less expensive.
Regional Average Wedding Costs
- Toronto: ~$40,000 — highest venue and catering costs in Canada
- Vancouver: ~$38,000 — premium pricing for popular waterfront and mountain venues
- Calgary: ~$30,000 — moderate costs with growing vendor competition
- Montreal: ~$28,000 — excellent value with world-class cuisine and venues
- Ottawa: ~$25,000 — more affordable with elegant heritage venues
- National Average: ~$29,450 — across all Canadian regions
Budgeting Tips for Canadian Weddings
- Book off-peak: Friday or Sunday weddings and winter months can save 20-40% on venue costs
- Venue and catering: This is your biggest expense (40-50% of budget). All-inclusive venues can simplify planning and reduce costs
- Photography: Do not skimp here. Photos are the lasting memory. Budget 10-15% and book early
- DIY selectively: Invitations, favours, and centrepieces are good DIY candidates. Leave flowers, cake, and photography to professionals
- Guest list: Each additional guest costs $150-$300+ in food, drinks, and rentals. A smaller guest list is the single biggest way to reduce costs
- Contingency fund: Always keep 10-15% of your budget as contingency for unexpected costs
Vendor Negotiation and Seasonal Pricing
Many vendors offer discounts for off-season bookings (November through March), weekday events, and package deals. Ask about bundled services, especially for photography and videography combinations. Booking 12-18 months in advance gives you the best selection and sometimes early-bird pricing.
Tipping Guidelines for Canadian Weddings
- Catering staff: 15-20% of food and beverage total (often included in contract)
- Bartenders: 10-15% of bar tab or $1-2 per guest
- DJ/Band: $50-$150 per person
- Photographer/Videographer: 10-15% or $100-$200
- Hair & Makeup: 15-20% per person
- Officiant: $100-$300 (donation if religious)
- Delivery drivers: $10-$20 per person
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational and planning purposes only. Actual wedding costs vary significantly based on location, vendor choices, guest count, time of year, and personal preferences. Prices shown are approximate Canadian averages and may not reflect current market rates in your area.
Always get detailed quotes from vendors and factor in taxes (GST/HST/PST) which are not included in these estimates. Consult with a wedding planner for personalized budget advice.