There’s one word that seems to pop up around every corner, from the automobile industry to luxury travel and from housing prices to fast food. Inflation has made an impact across every economic sector in Canada, including in the wedding industry. During the pandemic, many people put their plans for getting married on hold, and as soon as the government eased lockdown restrictions, people rushed to catch up on missed opportunities and plans. For couples wanting to throw the wedding of their dreams, inflation has pushed prices higher than ever before. Here’s how the inflation problem in Canada is inspiring new wedding trends.
Cost of Inflation
At first glance, inflation doesn’t look complicated, but investigating the how and why reveals an important web of factors that created the perfect storm for today’s price increases. Inflation in and of itself is not a bad thing, and it isn’t unnatural. Over time, the costs of goods and services increase, and wages must rise to keep up pace. The issue is that the unique context that the COVID-19 pandemic created gave rise to a level of inflation that should have happened slowly over many years.
During the pandemic, the demand for certain commodities fell while for others, it shot up. Along with this imbalance in the demand for goods and services, supply chains screeched to a halt due to global lockdown restrictions. Since those restrictions weren’t natural but governmentally imposed, as soon as governments changed their minds, supply chains had to race forward to catch up.
There has been a shortage of labor as well, for the same reason. Businesses eventually pass these pain points down to consumers in the form of higher prices. In the post-pandemic economy, Canadians are desperate to regain a sense of normalcy, but to achieve that, they have to decide how much they’re willing to pay for what they want.
Top Wedding Costs for Couples
It’s no secret that weddings are expensive, as there are several high costs that couples have to face when preparing to get married. Inflation has only made this problem worse. The areas that hit couples hard are:
Rentals
Venues
Catering
Flowers
Decorations
Planning services
Airfare and travel
Fuel costs
In past years, the average cost of a wedding hovered around $30,000. With inflation and the cost of labor skyrocketing, that price tag could easily hit $50,000 in the next five years if things don’t change. Canada’s central bank has been hitting back by increasing interest rates, but the trickle-down effect might take a while to reach the wedding industry.
New Solutions and Trends To Limit Cost
The high cost of putting together a wedding is inspiring couples to get creative and embrace new solutions and trends. To start, many couples are deciding against overseas destination weddings. Those who still want a change of scenery are embracing what Canada has to offer and choosing stunning natural backdrops within the country, such as local beaches, mountains, and more.
Another solution for couples is the concept of having a non-traditional wedding. While some people still want to get married in a church, there are so many more options available for people who aren’t worried about maintaining the religious aspect. From walking down the aisle through rows of books at a gorgeous public library to having a reception at a local brewery, engaged couples are really pulling out all the stops to save money. Other cost-saving wedding trends are:
Weekday ceremonies
Potluck reception meals
Upcycled wedding decorations
Semi-formal wedding attire
Wedding vendors are struggling during this busy boom period, but it’s consumers who are hit hardest by inflation. Fortunately, obstacles make people more creative than ever before, which is exactly what is happening for couples planning their wedding events.
Many people choose exotic beaches to hold their destination wedding. Generally you will want to pick a place that most, if not all of your attendees will be comfortable and will have fun.
The Destination wedding has been growing steadily in popularity for many years. At first glance, the thought of rushing away from Canada toward an international spot might be an expensive one. In truth, destination weddings are far easier to plan and do not require the same level of financial commitment. To be successful with your wedding, you will need to make sure you go about the process in the right way and consider a few key elements.
Times change and trends change along with it. While weddings have been happening all over the world for quite a bit of time, the ways weddings happen always shift in style and scope. For many years now, the trend for weddings has been to throw a large and somewhat lavish event. Even small-scale weddings can wind up costing a fortune due to the way many couples go about their events. Now, many people are turning away from this trend and opting for something more personal and affordable. Not all couples will benefit from a destination wedding but it can be interesting to learn some of the pros.
Keeping the Destination Wedding Cost Down
A wedding has a habit of being a costly endeavor. You need to rent a venue, find caterers, think about decorations, hire entertainment, bring on a photographer, and that is only the beginning of it. You might be spending frustrating amounts of money on everything from stamps for your invites to the tips you give to the servers at the end of the reception. Instead of dealing with all of that, you can condense all of your expenses in one swoop. A destination wedding limits your options in the best ways possible.
For example, if you decide to go to Costa Rica for your destination wedding, then you might want to stay at a specific resort. This resort probably sees a lot of weddings throughout the course of the year, and it may offer some excellent packages for you and your guests. This means you can find a venue, caterers, entertainment, and hotel rooms in the same place. On top of all of this, you will be surrounded by the lush views and cool breezes of Costa Rica.
Fewer Guests
Something to be mindful of with a destination wedding is that you will need to keep your guest list low. This is a perfect idea for couples who do not have extensive circles of family and friends. Unfortunately, you also need to make sure the people you are inviting are able to afford the trip. Keeping your own costs down for the wedding is one thing, but you will be asking your guests to shell out a lot more money for your event than they would have at home.
Before you start to make all of your plans, sit down with your significant other and come up with a realistic list of who you would like to be present for your wedding. Reach out to these people and speak to them about your idea. If it seems like most people wouldn’t be able to make the journey for your wedding due to financial constraints or scheduling problems, then you should probably consider another option. You could always go away somewhere tropical and inviting for your honeymoon.
A World to See
There are many different reasons to consider a destination wedding. With such a big world out there to see, you and your partner simply might want to start your married life in a new location. Before you get ahead of yourself, be sure to consider the specifics of your event and whether you’re making the right choice for you and the people you care about. In the end, make the decision that will help you and your significant other to have the special day you both desire.
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular wedding locations in Canada.
CNN recently reported that a lawmaker in India wants to rein in the rising costs of weddings in the country. The bill, which will be introduced in March to parliament, would require families who spend more than 500,000 rupees ($9810CAD) to donate 10 percent of the overall cost of the wedding to a special government fund. The money in the fund would help poor families pay for wedding locations that they once only dreamed of. Although $10,000 doesn’t sound like much, consider that many families in India spend that much on one luncheon for the wedding.
Almost every bride and groom have to be concerned about expenses for their wedding. It doesn’t matter if you’re having a small ceremony in a church, a destination wedding or a lavish affair. But what many people don’t realize is that location can make a world of difference. In a recent article from the CBC, it was reported that getting married in Toronto City Hall can cost three times what it does for the same ceremony in New York City. It costs $265 for a service and license in Toronto, and the same service can be obtained in NYC for $78CAD.
Popular Wedding Locations in Canada
Here is a look at how much you would get charged in other popular cities in Canada:
Niagara Falls $125
Brampton $479
Sudbury $155.30
Ottawa $155.30
In Alberta, licenses are just $40, but B.C. and Manitoba each charge $100 for the license. The license fee in Toronto is $140.
Average Costs of Weddings
Civil ceremonies at City Hall are still much cheaper than a full-blown ceremony and reception. Wedding Bells estimates the average Canadian wedding is about $30,000, but according to Global News, the average cost of a wedding is about $350 per person. One wedding planner told the paper that many ceremonies cost $70,000 or more for only 150 guests. This is in bigger cities, such as Toronto or Vancouver. Windsor bills itself as a “budget wedding” location. Most couples save 30 to 50 percent by coming to Windsor to tie the knot.
Wedding coordinators are also talking to couples about destination weddings and the low cost of some locations versus a wedding in Vancouver. Couples can host a 150-guest wedding in Antigua, St. Lucia or Costa Rica for about $24,000. Wedding cruises are also very popular with couples who are on a budget. The cost can be as little as $5,000. The cruise will keep all guests busy, which alleviates your responsibilities for entertainment. It might be a great option for you.
Think About Your Guests, Too
Unfortunately, with a destination wedding, you are offloading some of your costs to the guests, which means you should consider that when you’re planning. Doing a little bit of research can help you choose a location for your dream wedding that is affordable. Traditional wedding locations, such as Tuscany, Hawaii, Jamaica or Rome, are typically more expensive. Look outside the bigger cities and popular destinations for small towns that have facilities to host a wedding. With some resort sites, you might even find all-inclusive options that are affordable and reasonable, especially when you choose a not-so-popular date.
Budgeting is always difficult during a wedding, but when you look at some of the unhidden costs you and your guests might have, you can find ways to save money for the bigger picture. But remember, the real meaning of the wedding isn’t about the party, the money you spend or the number of guests who attend. It’s in the memories you make in the joining of two families.
Don’t feel as if you have to spend thousands of dollars on your wedding just to keep up with your best friend’s ceremony. Make it your own and stay within your budget by choosing the location of your wedding carefully.
The cost of a wedding can approach the expense of new car or even more, depending on any number of items. According to The Huffington Post, a wedding in Quebec can run about $8,400 for just 77 guests, but one survey found that the average amount spent on a wedding was about $23,000. That figure does not include the engagement ring or honeymoon. Today’s couples have to make sure they have budgeted for their wedding. Traditionally, families were expected to help with the expenses, but in today’s environment, that isn’t always the case. Although the lines of who pays what for a wedding are definitely blurred, there are some customary divisions.
The Groom and His Family
The groom and his family have the easier burden when it comes to the wedding. The groom generally pays for the engagement ring and bride’s wedding ring. He should also expect to be responsible for:
His attire
Boutonnieres and corsages for his side of the wedding party
Officiant’s fee, plus accommodations and transportation
Marriage license
Bride’s gift
Gifts for the groomsmen
DJ or music at the reception
Liquor at the reception
Because the groom’s family traditionally hosts the rehearsal dinner, he or his family should expect to manage all the expenses associated with it.
The Bride and Her Family
Generally, if it isn’t in the groom’s list, it’s the bride’s responsibility. This includes the ceremony and reception expenses, as well as all of the planning, invitations, and photography. Most of the big ticket items are under the bride’s purview. The bride’s family is generally the one who hosts the engagement party, and the bride’s parents are considered the hosts of the reception. This is one reason their name is listed first on the invitation. If the bride hosts a luncheon for the bridesmaids, it is her responsibility to pay for the party.
The Attendants
Although the bride and groom are responsible for most of the expenses associated with the wedding, the attendants should pay for their own attire and accessories. Considerate brides and grooms may offer to assist with costs if the attendant is not able. The bride and groom may also need to provide attire for younger attendants such as the ring bearer or flower girl who do not have discretionary income.
The attendants generally work together to host the bachelor or bachelorette party, and the maid of honor and bridesmaids may host the bridal shower. Attendants should also arrange their own transportation to and from the wedding. Sometimes, the attendants chip in together for a gift for the couple, but it isn’t mandatory.
Contemporary Views of Who Pays
More couples are waiting until they are older and settled into a career and home before they tie the knot. This lets them contribute more money to their own affairs and not ask their parents to cover any expenses. Some families are splitting the bill in thirds, where the groom’s family, the bride’s family, and the couple each pay for one-third of the wedding.
Instead of looking at traditional lists of who pays for what, it’s important to consider the abilities of each party. Adult brides and grooms who have been managing their own finances should not expect parents to cover any of the costs. If the parent offers, then consider it a blessing and don’t ask for more. Second-time brides and grooms are pretty much on their own when it comes to wedding expenses.
Instead of making your wedding about money, take the time before you ever make plans to work out a budget and know exactly what you and your future spouse can afford. Stay within your budget to get started on the right foot without going into debt and dealing with a truckload of bills in your first year of marriage.
There’s one word that seems to pop up around every corner, from the automobile industry to luxury travel and from housing prices to fast food. Inflation has made an impact across every economic sector in Canada, including in the wedding industry. During the pandemic, many people put their plans for getting married on hold, and as soon as the government eased lockdown restrictions, people rushed to catch up on missed opportunities and plans. For couples wanting to throw the wedding of their dreams, inflation has pushed prices higher than ever before. Here’s how the inflation problem in Canada is inspiring new wedding trends.
Cost of Inflation
At first glance, inflation doesn’t look complicated, but investigating the how and why reveals an important web of factors that created the perfect storm for today’s price increases. Inflation in and of itself is not a bad thing, and it isn’t unnatural. Over time, the costs of goods and services increase, and wages must rise to keep up pace. The issue is that the unique context that the COVID-19 pandemic created gave rise to a level of inflation that should have happened slowly over many years.
During the pandemic, the demand for certain commodities fell while for others, it shot up. Along with this imbalance in the demand for goods and services, supply chains screeched to a halt due to global lockdown restrictions. Since those restrictions weren’t natural but governmentally imposed, as soon as governments changed their minds, supply chains had to race forward to catch up.
There has been a shortage of labor as well, for the same reason. Businesses eventually pass these pain points down to consumers in the form of higher prices. In the post-pandemic economy, Canadians are desperate to regain a sense of normalcy, but to achieve that, they have to decide how much they’re willing to pay for what they want.
Top Wedding Costs for Couples
It’s no secret that weddings are expensive, as there are several high costs that couples have to face when preparing to get married. Inflation has only made this problem worse. The areas that hit couples hard are:
Rentals
Venues
Catering
Flowers
Decorations
Planning services
Airfare and travel
Fuel costs
In past years, the average cost of a wedding hovered around $30,000. With inflation and the cost of labor skyrocketing, that price tag could easily hit $50,000 in the next five years if things don’t change. Canada’s central bank has been hitting back by increasing interest rates, but the trickle-down effect might take a while to reach the wedding industry.
New Solutions and Trends To Limit Cost
The high cost of putting together a wedding is inspiring couples to get creative and embrace new solutions and trends. To start, many couples are deciding against overseas destination weddings. Those who still want a change of scenery are embracing what Canada has to offer and choosing stunning natural backdrops within the country, such as local beaches, mountains, and more.
Another solution for couples is the concept of having a non-traditional wedding. While some people still want to get married in a church, there are so many more options available for people who aren’t worried about maintaining the religious aspect. From walking down the aisle through rows of books at a gorgeous public library to having a reception at a local brewery, engaged couples are really pulling out all the stops to save money. Other cost-saving wedding trends are:
Weekday ceremonies
Potluck reception meals
Upcycled wedding decorations
Semi-formal wedding attire
Wedding vendors are struggling during this busy boom period, but it’s consumers who are hit hardest by inflation. Fortunately, obstacles make people more creative than ever before, which is exactly what is happening for couples planning their wedding events.
Many people choose exotic beaches to hold their destination wedding. Generally you will want to pick a place that most, if not all of your attendees will be comfortable and will have fun.
The Destination wedding has been growing steadily in popularity for many years. At first glance, the thought of rushing away from Canada toward an international spot might be an expensive one. In truth, destination weddings are far easier to plan and do not require the same level of financial commitment. To be successful with your wedding, you will need to make sure you go about the process in the right way and consider a few key elements.
Times change and trends change along with it. While weddings have been happening all over the world for quite a bit of time, the ways weddings happen always shift in style and scope. For many years now, the trend for weddings has been to throw a large and somewhat lavish event. Even small-scale weddings can wind up costing a fortune due to the way many couples go about their events. Now, many people are turning away from this trend and opting for something more personal and affordable. Not all couples will benefit from a destination wedding but it can be interesting to learn some of the pros.
Keeping the Destination Wedding Cost Down
A wedding has a habit of being a costly endeavor. You need to rent a venue, find caterers, think about decorations, hire entertainment, bring on a photographer, and that is only the beginning of it. You might be spending frustrating amounts of money on everything from stamps for your invites to the tips you give to the servers at the end of the reception. Instead of dealing with all of that, you can condense all of your expenses in one swoop. A destination wedding limits your options in the best ways possible.
For example, if you decide to go to Costa Rica for your destination wedding, then you might want to stay at a specific resort. This resort probably sees a lot of weddings throughout the course of the year, and it may offer some excellent packages for you and your guests. This means you can find a venue, caterers, entertainment, and hotel rooms in the same place. On top of all of this, you will be surrounded by the lush views and cool breezes of Costa Rica.
Fewer Guests
Something to be mindful of with a destination wedding is that you will need to keep your guest list low. This is a perfect idea for couples who do not have extensive circles of family and friends. Unfortunately, you also need to make sure the people you are inviting are able to afford the trip. Keeping your own costs down for the wedding is one thing, but you will be asking your guests to shell out a lot more money for your event than they would have at home.
Before you start to make all of your plans, sit down with your significant other and come up with a realistic list of who you would like to be present for your wedding. Reach out to these people and speak to them about your idea. If it seems like most people wouldn’t be able to make the journey for your wedding due to financial constraints or scheduling problems, then you should probably consider another option. You could always go away somewhere tropical and inviting for your honeymoon.
A World to See
There are many different reasons to consider a destination wedding. With such a big world out there to see, you and your partner simply might want to start your married life in a new location. Before you get ahead of yourself, be sure to consider the specifics of your event and whether you’re making the right choice for you and the people you care about. In the end, make the decision that will help you and your significant other to have the special day you both desire.
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular wedding locations in Canada.
CNN recently reported that a lawmaker in India wants to rein in the rising costs of weddings in the country. The bill, which will be introduced in March to parliament, would require families who spend more than 500,000 rupees ($9810CAD) to donate 10 percent of the overall cost of the wedding to a special government fund. The money in the fund would help poor families pay for wedding locations that they once only dreamed of. Although $10,000 doesn’t sound like much, consider that many families in India spend that much on one luncheon for the wedding.
Almost every bride and groom have to be concerned about expenses for their wedding. It doesn’t matter if you’re having a small ceremony in a church, a destination wedding or a lavish affair. But what many people don’t realize is that location can make a world of difference. In a recent article from the CBC, it was reported that getting married in Toronto City Hall can cost three times what it does for the same ceremony in New York City. It costs $265 for a service and license in Toronto, and the same service can be obtained in NYC for $78CAD.
Popular Wedding Locations in Canada
Here is a look at how much you would get charged in other popular cities in Canada:
Niagara Falls $125
Brampton $479
Sudbury $155.30
Ottawa $155.30
In Alberta, licenses are just $40, but B.C. and Manitoba each charge $100 for the license. The license fee in Toronto is $140.
Average Costs of Weddings
Civil ceremonies at City Hall are still much cheaper than a full-blown ceremony and reception. Wedding Bells estimates the average Canadian wedding is about $30,000, but according to Global News, the average cost of a wedding is about $350 per person. One wedding planner told the paper that many ceremonies cost $70,000 or more for only 150 guests. This is in bigger cities, such as Toronto or Vancouver. Windsor bills itself as a “budget wedding” location. Most couples save 30 to 50 percent by coming to Windsor to tie the knot.
Wedding coordinators are also talking to couples about destination weddings and the low cost of some locations versus a wedding in Vancouver. Couples can host a 150-guest wedding in Antigua, St. Lucia or Costa Rica for about $24,000. Wedding cruises are also very popular with couples who are on a budget. The cost can be as little as $5,000. The cruise will keep all guests busy, which alleviates your responsibilities for entertainment. It might be a great option for you.
Think About Your Guests, Too
Unfortunately, with a destination wedding, you are offloading some of your costs to the guests, which means you should consider that when you’re planning. Doing a little bit of research can help you choose a location for your dream wedding that is affordable. Traditional wedding locations, such as Tuscany, Hawaii, Jamaica or Rome, are typically more expensive. Look outside the bigger cities and popular destinations for small towns that have facilities to host a wedding. With some resort sites, you might even find all-inclusive options that are affordable and reasonable, especially when you choose a not-so-popular date.
Budgeting is always difficult during a wedding, but when you look at some of the unhidden costs you and your guests might have, you can find ways to save money for the bigger picture. But remember, the real meaning of the wedding isn’t about the party, the money you spend or the number of guests who attend. It’s in the memories you make in the joining of two families.
Don’t feel as if you have to spend thousands of dollars on your wedding just to keep up with your best friend’s ceremony. Make it your own and stay within your budget by choosing the location of your wedding carefully.
The cost of a wedding can approach the expense of new car or even more, depending on any number of items. According to The Huffington Post, a wedding in Quebec can run about $8,400 for just 77 guests, but one survey found that the average amount spent on a wedding was about $23,000. That figure does not include the engagement ring or honeymoon. Today’s couples have to make sure they have budgeted for their wedding. Traditionally, families were expected to help with the expenses, but in today’s environment, that isn’t always the case. Although the lines of who pays what for a wedding are definitely blurred, there are some customary divisions.
The Groom and His Family
The groom and his family have the easier burden when it comes to the wedding. The groom generally pays for the engagement ring and bride’s wedding ring. He should also expect to be responsible for:
His attire
Boutonnieres and corsages for his side of the wedding party
Officiant’s fee, plus accommodations and transportation
Marriage license
Bride’s gift
Gifts for the groomsmen
DJ or music at the reception
Liquor at the reception
Because the groom’s family traditionally hosts the rehearsal dinner, he or his family should expect to manage all the expenses associated with it.
The Bride and Her Family
Generally, if it isn’t in the groom’s list, it’s the bride’s responsibility. This includes the ceremony and reception expenses, as well as all of the planning, invitations, and photography. Most of the big ticket items are under the bride’s purview. The bride’s family is generally the one who hosts the engagement party, and the bride’s parents are considered the hosts of the reception. This is one reason their name is listed first on the invitation. If the bride hosts a luncheon for the bridesmaids, it is her responsibility to pay for the party.
The Attendants
Although the bride and groom are responsible for most of the expenses associated with the wedding, the attendants should pay for their own attire and accessories. Considerate brides and grooms may offer to assist with costs if the attendant is not able. The bride and groom may also need to provide attire for younger attendants such as the ring bearer or flower girl who do not have discretionary income.
The attendants generally work together to host the bachelor or bachelorette party, and the maid of honor and bridesmaids may host the bridal shower. Attendants should also arrange their own transportation to and from the wedding. Sometimes, the attendants chip in together for a gift for the couple, but it isn’t mandatory.
Contemporary Views of Who Pays
More couples are waiting until they are older and settled into a career and home before they tie the knot. This lets them contribute more money to their own affairs and not ask their parents to cover any expenses. Some families are splitting the bill in thirds, where the groom’s family, the bride’s family, and the couple each pay for one-third of the wedding.
Instead of looking at traditional lists of who pays for what, it’s important to consider the abilities of each party. Adult brides and grooms who have been managing their own finances should not expect parents to cover any of the costs. If the parent offers, then consider it a blessing and don’t ask for more. Second-time brides and grooms are pretty much on their own when it comes to wedding expenses.
Instead of making your wedding about money, take the time before you ever make plans to work out a budget and know exactly what you and your future spouse can afford. Stay within your budget to get started on the right foot without going into debt and dealing with a truckload of bills in your first year of marriage.
