Budget Weddings in Ontario

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Can you also send me these? *****************@*****.***

Weddings are SO expensive!

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Yeah, that's really tight. You'll need to make some compromises, like a more casual venue for the reception or cut the guest list. At least a March 2023 date wouldn't be in-demand so you can probably find some places that won't ask for a high minimum.

View quoted message I would say for venue, catering, photographer, tables, chairs, decorations

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Is this $10K the whole budget or just the venue/catering? If it's the whole budget, it's really tight. Even if you go really frugal, ceremony fees + wedding attire + officiant + rings + licenses will be over $1000. And that's leaving out other vendors like a photographer.

View quoted message That’s fair. About 90-100

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Prices that are two years old wouldn't be reflective of current rates, especially with inflation.

How many are you looking to host?

View quoted message Hi, would you mind sending me these recommendations as I am also looking to keep my weddings in the 10-12k range and would love ideas!

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Just DM'd you some options based on places I've been to. Hope it'll help kick start some ideas for you.

View quoted message Hoping to have everything included about $6000

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Ahh, then you should have tons of options. What's your budget?

View quoted message He’s not very picky to be honest. We are open to having any kind of food at the wedding!

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Ha, we were in the same boat as you. Her family alone is 100+ whereas mine is less than 20. I had to give up a few invites on my side so that she can have some friends.

Let me know what type of food you and your fiance likes and I can try to make some suggestions.

View quoted message Will certainly check that out as I’m open to doing the wedding anywhere in Ontario at this point! Thank you!

View quoted message I know it’s crazy! We’re trying to minimize our guest list but my fiancé’s family is huge!

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You'll find better bang for your buck if you go outside of downtown. Also restaurants not near the subway line tend to have more space (almost all places along Bloor or along Yonge are tiny).

Markham, Thornhill, Vaughan, and Mississauga have tons of big space but nice looking restaurants that often double as a banquet hall for parties. They're easy to drive to and will be cheaper than your Toronto options. You might be able to find some in Scarborough as well.

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100 people will be tough for outdoors if you're looking for cheap. Most city park permits for wedding ceremonies only allow up to 50. With 100 people, you'll likely have to rent a space, something like a golf course or outdoor resort, which is typically around $2000+ for just the ceremony.

View quoted message That sounds fantastic. I actually do want to get married outside so that is a great idea. Will look into it! Thanks!

View quoted message Unfortunately we will have about 100 people. I am interested in restaurants and will take a look into some bigger ones.

If you’re willing to get married outside in a relatively public place, you won’t have to pay for a ceremony venue. That and you can do without vendors if you have talented friends/family who can help you DIY or offer their services.
For example, the cheapest (but still really lovely) wedding I’ve been to was my aunts’. They got married in a big park (off to the side in the woodlands away from the usual crowds) by a friend who is a minister and I took the pictures. They didn’t hire any vendors and only paid for dinner at the restaurant which was for 10 people (full 3 course meal at a nice French fine dining establishment and drinks throughout the night) for $1600. Theirs was an elopement style, which was probably why they could do it for so cheap, but it worked well for them and was still one of the best weddings I’ve ever been to.

How many people are you planning to have? If it's a low number like 50 or less, have you thought about restaurants? You can set a budget per person based on what you can afford and then pick a restaurant accordingly. There's usually no venue rental fee. Restaurant weddings are common and there are lots of nice ones across the GTA that are suitable for a wedding atmosphere at many price points. For the ceremony itself, you can do it at a civic centre.