Canadian weddings feel less affordable in 2026. Here's what that means for you two

If you've been planning lately and thought, "Wait, when did everything get so expensive?", you're not imagining it. This year, two of Canada's big banks asked Canadians about weddings, and the answers say a lot about how people are feeling.

The short version: couples know weddings cost a lot, and guests are feeling it too. Some are starting to say no to invitations because of the cost.

That might sound a little gloomy, but stay with me. Knowing the numbers is actually a gift. It helps you make choices on purpose, and there are lovely ways to have a beautiful day without stretching yourselves thin.

In July 2026, BMO shared a survey (done by Ipsos with just over 2,500 Canadian adults) asking people what they think a wedding costs. Their average estimate was $19,000.

Here's how that estimate broke down. Food and drinks came in highest at about $4,884, followed by the venue at about $4,201. Attire, including hair and makeup, was about $2,951, and travel and accommodations about $2,834. Decorations were about $1,713, photography and videography about $1,648, and entertainment about $1,603.

One small but important note: these are what Canadians *estimate* a wedding costs, not a tally of real receipts. Your own costs could be higher or lower depending on your city, your season and how many people you invite. Prices really do vary across the country, so the best numbers are always the ones you get straight from the venues and vendors you're considering.

The same survey found that 63% of Canadians said being married involved more financial planning than they expected. So if money conversations feel like a big part of this season, you're in good company.

02

Guests are feeling it too

This part caught my attention. BMO also asked what guests expect to spend to attend a wedding, and the average was $1,530. That covers travel and accommodations (about $577), clothing (about $446), food and drinks (about $381), a gift (about $370) and other expenses (about $401).

Two in five Canadians (40%) said attending weddings of friends or family is a major source of financial stress, rising to 49% among Millennials.

A TD survey from May 2026, done with Leger, found something similar. As reported in the news, 48% of Canadians who were invited to a wedding this summer said cost affected their decision to attend. 18% had already declined at least one invitation mainly because of the cost, and 30% said they were becoming choosier about which weddings they go to. Among Gen Z, 64% said they had either skipped a wedding or were being more selective.

None of this means your people don't love you. It just means that the people on your guest list are juggling their own budgets, and a few thoughtful choices on your end can make it much easier for them to say yes.

If there's one thing I'd love every couple to know, it's this: your date is one of the biggest money levers you have.

Saturdays in summer and early fall are the most wanted days of the year, so they're often the priciest and the first to book.

Fridays and Sundays can open up so much more choice, and many venues and vendors price them differently. Our guide to Friday and Sunday weddings walks you through the pros and cons, including how to make it easy for guests.

The quieter months (think November through April in much of Canada) can be cozy, candlelit and often better value. Have a peek at our winter wedding guide for ideas.

Pricing always varies from business to business, so ask each one directly. But the simple act of being open to a few dates instead of one gives you room to compare. Our piece on how to choose your wedding date is a nice place to start.

04

Think about your guest list with kindness

Since food and drinks and the venue made up the biggest pieces of BMO's estimate, the number of people you invite tends to shape your budget more than almost anything else.

A smaller wedding isn't a lesser wedding. Many couples find that an intimate day feels warmer, more relaxed and more *them*. If you're curious, our small wedding ideas are full of inspiration.

And remember those guests who are feeling stretched. Choosing a spot that's easy to reach, sharing hotel options early, and giving people plenty of notice can make a real difference to someone deciding whether they can come.

It's so hard to budget when you don't know what things cost until you've sent ten emails and waited a week. Real prices, from real businesses near you, are worth gathering early.

Start by setting a rough budget together. Our free planner, Ever After, helps you see where your money is going and keep track as quotes come in. Our wedding budget basics guide is a gentle walk through the big decisions.

Then compare a few options in each category before you commit. Ask what's included, what costs extra, and whether tax is included in the price you're seeing. If something isn't clear, it's always okay to ask.

06

Book the big things at the right time

Booking in the right order saves both money and stress. Venues and photographers tend to book furthest ahead, especially for popular dates, while other things can wait a little.

Our guide to when to book wedding vendors lays out a calm timeline, and these questions to ask a wedding venue help you spot hidden costs before you sign.

This is exactly why we built OpenDates. Planning is so much easier when you can see who is actually free on your date, and what things cost, before you start reaching out.

On OpenDates you can search by date to see which venues and vendors have it open. Many businesses share their prices up front, so you can compare without the back and forth. You can browse photographers and videographers, florists and décor, caterers, music and entertainment, officiants and wedding planners, plus many more kinds of wedding businesses across Canada.

If you're flexible, try a few different dates and see how the options change. It's a lovely way to discover a Friday in October or a Sunday in May you hadn't considered.

How much does a wedding cost in Canada in 2026?

In a July 2026 BMO survey, Canadians estimated the average wedding costs $19,000. That's an estimate rather than an average of actual spending, and real costs vary a lot by city, season and guest count. The best way to know is to gather prices from venues and vendors near you.

How much do guests spend to attend a wedding in Canada?

The same BMO survey found guests expect to spend about $1,530 on average to attend, including travel, accommodations, clothing, food and drinks, and a gift.

Are people really declining wedding invitations because of cost?

Some are. In a May 2026 TD survey, as reported in the news, 18% of Canadians said they had declined at least one wedding invitation mainly because of cost, and 30% said they were becoming choosier about which weddings they attend.

What's the easiest way to lower our wedding costs?

Being flexible with your date and keeping your guest list to the people who matter most usually make the biggest difference. Friday, Sunday and off-season dates can offer more choice and, at many businesses, different pricing. It varies, so ask each venue and vendor directly.

Can we see wedding prices before contacting businesses?

On OpenDates, many venues and vendors share their prices up front, and you can search by date to see who's free. That way you can compare before you reach out.

Photos from Pexels.