How much does a wedding cost and how much should you budget?

Last year, more than 24,000 unions were celebrated in Quebec1. How much does it cost to get married these days? In our experience and that of other specialists in the field, by 2023 the total was between $30,000 and $45,000. However, at La Distinction, we offer much more economical packages and ceremonies, without sacrificing your dream day in the process.

Please read carefully. This article is a complete guide! It reveals:

All the costs you’ll need to budget for your wedding;
The best way to set your budget (and stick to it without conflict!);
Tips on how to save money and make the right choices for your wallet.

How much will a wedding cost in 2024?

Coming back to the $30,000 to $45,000 figure, this is a price range defined in part by the number of guests. But we also take into account

wedding style (simple or elaborate) ;
personalization ;
and the options chosen.

A survey of 4,000 couples who celebrated their nuptials last year, reports an article in the Journal de Québec.², mentions that the bill averaged $29,000 in 2023. Weddings were becoming more intimate, but above all, more relaxed, personalized and original.

Andrée-Anne Tessier, a wedding planner interviewed by Noovo info Estrie, supports these figures. “You can’t expect it to cost less than $35,000,” she says.³

As such, this is an average. As mentioned, La Distinction consultants are able to plan your wedding on a tighter budget without compromising top-notch service.

Read on as we break down the costs, showing you everything you need to include, but also what you can choose to leave out to save money.

Main wedding expenses: location and meals

Nearly half of the wedding budget–$15,000 to $22,500-is attributable to the venue and the meal. However, this is the foundation of your event. If you deal with top-notch professionals, you’ll get the service and inclusions that prevail.

On the other hand, there’s always a way to save thousands of dollars on both the venue and the menu. We’ll explain how below.

20% of costs for atmosphere and souvenirs!

Then prioritize 20% of the budget for the essential elements that contribute to the ambiance of your wedding, and therefore to the memories you’ll have of it. Keep about $6,000 to $9,000 for music and photos. Of course, if you’re planning on musicians, a band and a videographer, costs will rise accordingly.

The final 30%: careful budgeting

The last 30% ($9,000 to $13,500) is the one that is rarely respected, since it contains the most elements. You’ll have to decide what’s essential and what isn’t. It contains, for example:

The bride and groom’s preparations (hair, make-up, grooming, etc.)
Options (cake, transportation, evening menu, photobooth, etc.)
Flowers and bouquet
Wedding dress and attire/smoking… who pays for the bridal party’s attire?
Your consultant!
Etc.

As you can see, this part can quickly rise to over 50%, or even 60% of the budget, and blow the initial amount out of the water. This is what happens in most cases.

Have you noticed anything missing from the breakdown? Think about it… the honeymoon is missing. So, if you still want to stick to that kind of budget and include that memorable getaway, it’s best to use your imagination and have someone help you make the right choices.

The key is planning. That’s why we’re in the business! We’ll help you assess costs, stick to your budget and give you the best tips on how to think of everything and save if you wish.

Everything you need to include in your wedding budget

Now it’s time to draw up your wedding budget. Here’s a list of expenses to include in it:

dress, tuxedo and accessories (jewelry, veil, shoes) ;
wedding rings (these are often included in past expenses)
make-up and hairstyling (at least one test before the big day);
the venue (more expensive when it’s highly sought-after, well-located and in high season);
music (musicians, orchestra or DJ);
the celebrant (in church, this amount is a voluntary donation);
tips (waiters and musicians);
transportation (especially important if you’re planning a country wedding or a special trip to the ceremony);
food and alcohol;
cake;
photographer: don’t neglect this expense, as it will be your best souvenir once the special day is over;
flowers or other decorations ;
invitations, if mailed;
gifts for guests;
honeymoon: you can choose a last-minute bargain;
options: late-night menu, photobooth, comedian, candy bar, etc.
the 5-10% cushion, because there are always unforeseen circumstances!

The best way to establish your budget right from the start

You promised yourself you’d stick to your wedding budget. Like most of our customers. It’s hard not to go over, because we get carried away. That’s partly because of social and peer pressure.

That’s why it’s essential to sit down as a couple right from the start and determine what’s essential for the two of you. And not for your family and in-laws, unless they’re the ones paying the extra costs.

Make a wish list and cut the fat right away. This is the best way to find out what you really want for your ceremony.

Planning for savings

Your best asset is time. To do it right, a wedding should be planned at least a year in advance. This gives you a wider choice of locations, venues and suppliers.

As a bonus, prices can be much more advantageous, since you have more alternatives for dates. If you avoid peak season, one of the first money-saving tips, you’ll easily put $3,000 to $5,000 back in your pocket for hall rental alone.

The 5 stages of a wedding budget

Be disciplined, and your wallet will thank you.

Determine the original budget, including 5% to 10% contingency in the overall amount;
Create an Excel spreadsheet or an application of your choice to enter all the amounts included in the budget;
Find your dream location. Request 2 or 3 quotes for packages that fit both your budget and your dream ceremony (it’s your wedding!);
Request 2 or 3 quotes for each supplier (DJ, flowers, photographer, etc.);
Enter all the amounts retained, including those for invoices for everything budgeted, into your spreadsheet.

Once you have everything in hand, see where you’re going over budget and what you need to cut or adjust. It’s a job for both of you! And it requires compromise and good humor.

Surefire ways to save money on wedding planning

There are many ways to save money! We’re sure you’ve heard some of them. So here are our top tips.

Opt for a more intimate wedding. People are tending more and more towards this warmer side. Big weddings are often the preserve of another era. A reflex rather than a deep thought. Just think about what you really want.
Book in low season! Fall, spring or winter weddings are just as spectacular and can save you thousands of dollars.
Forget Saturday, as it’s the most expensive day to book a venue and suppliers. However, Friday is perfect, and the Sunday brunch formula is very original!
Create an electronic invitation rather than a paper one.
It’s now common practice to ask guests to pay for their meal or part of it. In exchange, no gifts! It’s up to you to decide how much, but if you’re not sure, it could be part of the meal.
Why not rent out your second-hand wedding attire? A bit far-fetched? It’s up to you to decide how much you want to save.

One last piece of advice, and this is the opposite. NEVER skimp on the quality of the photographer. These are the only tangible memories that will remain of this memorable day. Be sure to ask for the portfolio of the person you choose.

We’ve given you a complete guide to getting married at the right price! Now it’s up to you to use all these tips to make the best savings, while allowing yourself the most beautiful day of your wedding.

Our consultants are just a phone call away, or you can send us a form to answer any further questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!