Realistic Wedding Budget Breakdown for Canada: High End / Luxury Wedding - Part three

If you are planning a high end or luxury wedding in Canada, you might be wondering how much it will cost and how to save money without compromising on quality. According to various sources, the average wedding cost in Canada is between $22,000 and $30,000^[2] ^[3] ^[4], but a luxury wedding can easily go beyond that, depending on your choices and preferences. Here is a list-based breakdown of the major costs and ways to save money or splurge on a luxury wedding in Canada.

Venue

The venue is one of the most important and expensive aspects of your wedding, as it sets the tone and ambiance for your celebration. A luxury wedding venue can range from a historic mansion to a modern hotel, from a rustic barn to a scenic vineyard. The average cost of a wedding venue in Canada is around $9,000^[4], but a high end venue can cost much more, depending on the location, size, amenities, and catering options.

To save money: Look for venues that offer discounts for off-season or weekday weddings, or that include some services or rentals in their packages. You can also consider having your ceremony and reception at the same place to avoid transportation costs.
To splurge: Choose a venue that offers exclusive access, stunning views, personalized service, and gourmet catering. You can also add extra touches like fireworks, live music, or a photo booth to make your venue more memorable.

, Realistic Wedding Budget Breakdown for Canada: High End / Luxury Wedding - Part three, Blooms Collection Inc. — **Venue:** Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a stunning castle-like hotel with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. It offers a variety of elegant and luxurious spaces for weddings of up to 500 guests. Photo: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Dress

Your wedding dress is another major expense that can make or break your wedding look. A luxury wedding dress can be anything from a custom-made gown to a designer label, from a classic style to a trendy one. The average cost of a wedding dress in Canada is around $1,500^[4], but a high end dress can cost much more, depending on the fabric, design, embellishments, and alterations.

To save money: Look for dresses that are on sale, sample, or consignment. You can also rent or borrow a dress instead of buying one. Alternatively, you can opt for a simpler dress and accessorize it with jewelry, shoes, or a veil.
To splurge: Choose a dress that fits your vision, personality, and budget. You can also have multiple dresses for different parts of your wedding, such as a ceremony dress and a reception dress. You can also invest in professional alterations and cleaning to make sure your dress looks perfect.

Photography

Your wedding photography is another essential expense that will capture your memories and emotions for years to come. A luxury wedding photography can include high-quality images, artistic editing, multiple shooters, albums, prints, and more. The average cost of wedding photography in Canada is around $2,500^[4], but a high end photography can cost much more, depending on the experience, style, and packages of the photographer.

To save money: Look for photographers who offer discounts for referrals, reviews, or early bookings. You can also negotiate the hours of coverage, the number of images, or the delivery format to fit your budget. Alternatively, you can ask a friend or family member who has photography skills to take some photos for you.
To splurge: Choose a photographer who matches your vision, personality, and expectations. You can also add extra services like engagement photos, videography, drone shots, or photo booths to enhance your photography experience.

Flowers

Your wedding flowers are another important expense that will add color and beauty to your wedding. A luxury wedding flower arrangement can include exotic blooms, lush greenery, elaborate designs, and more. The average cost of wedding flowers in Canada is around $1,800^[4], but a high end flower arrangement can cost much more, depending on the type, quantity, and seasonality of the flowers, as well as the complexity and size of the arrangements.

To save money: Look for flowers that are in season, local, or easy to grow. You can also reuse or repurpose your flowers from the ceremony to the reception, or from the bouquets to the centerpieces. Alternatively, you can opt for artificial or dried flowers, or use other decorations like candles, lanterns, or balloons instead of flowers.
To splurge: Choose flowers that match your theme, color scheme, and style. You can also add extra touches like flower walls, arches, garlands, or chandeliers to create a stunning floral display.

Cake

Your wedding cake is another significant expense that will add sweetness and style to your wedding. A luxury wedding cake can include multiple tiers, intricate designs, rich flavors, and more. The average cost of a wedding cake in Canada is around $600^[1], but a high end cake can cost much more, depending on the size, shape, decoration, and filling of the cake.

To save money: Look for cakes that are simple, round, or square. You can also opt for a smaller cake for cutting and a sheet cake for serving. Alternatively, you can skip the cake altogether and serve other desserts like cupcakes, pies, or donuts.
To splurge: Choose a cake that matches your theme, color scheme, and style. You can also add extra touches like fresh flowers, edible gold, or personalized toppers. You can also have multiple flavors or fillings to cater to different tastes.

Entertainment

Your wedding entertainment is another important expense that will keep your guests entertained and engaged. A luxury wedding entertainment can include live bands, DJs, dancers, magicians, and more. The average cost of wedding entertainment in Canada is around $1,500^[4], but a high end entertainment can cost much more, depending on the type, quality, and duration of the entertainment.

To save money: Look for entertainers who offer discounts for referrals, reviews, or early bookings. You can also negotiate the hours of performance, the equipment provided, or the playlist to fit your budget. Alternatively, you can create your own playlist and use a sound system or a speaker to play music.
To splurge: Choose entertainers who match your vision, personality, and expectations. You can also add extra services like lighting, smoke machines, or special effects to enhance your entertainment experience.

These are some of the major costs and ways to save money or splurge on a luxury wedding in Canada. Of course, there are other expenses that you need to consider as well, such as invitations, favors, transportation, hair and makeup, and more. The key is to prioritize what matters most to you and your partner, and to stick to your budget as much as possible. Remember that your wedding is not about how much you spend, but how much you love each other.