Canadian Wedding Trends

I saw this article in Weddingbells--a Canadian bridal magazine. Some of the results were surprising...

Weddingbells’ annual Reader Survey reveals the most recent wedding-day facts and trends from those who know best—Canadian brides prepping to walk down the aisle.

Be it balmy, breezy or on the beach, summer is still the most popular time of year to tie the knot in Canada. And according to our second annual Weddingbells’ Reader Survey, you’re all breaking into a bit of a planning sweat while getting ready for your big day.

Over 1,500 of you, from Vancouver to St. John’s, took the time to respond to the survey, offering a peek at the major trends and wedding worries of Canadian brides.

Are you wary of a prenup, concerned about your age, or stressing about sex? Is the pressure to make choices—lilies or orchids, empire-waist or A-line dress, DJ or live band—causing you more worry than joy? If you can’t decide on a wedding budget, or where you want to honeymoon, take some comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

Who is She?
Average age is 29 among engaged women in Canada
71% already live with their fiancé/significant other
Average household income after marriage is $70,036

The Big Day
Average expected cost is $17,300
Average wedding size is 143 guests
20% have 200+ guests
56% of weddings occur between July and September: July (18%), August (20%), September (18%)
44% of engagements occur between December and February: December (25%), January (7%), February (12%)

A Year of Planning
The average reader is engaged and planning her wedding for more than 10 months
Decisions related to key purchases are confirmed several months prior to the wedding:
10-12 months Ceremony Location, Bridal Gown, Photographer
7-9 months Wedding Cake, Florist, Bridesmaid Dresses, Bridal Shoes, DJ
3-6 months Gift Registry, Groom’s Formalwear, Limo Service, Hair Salon, Honeymoon Location

Show Me the Money
Funding for wedding: bride/groom savings (47%), bride/groom loans (15%), family (34%)
Budget breakdown based on anticipated costs:
Reception venue = $6,015 (will pay up to $7,200)
Bridal gown = $975 (will pay up to $1,335)
Wedding bands = $1,450 (will pay up to $1,900)
Stationery = $300 (will pay up to $400)
Wedding cake = $340 (will pay up to $440)
Florist = $805 (will pay up to $1,000)
Guest favours = $330 (will pay up to $420)
Honeymoon = $3,735 (will pay up to $4,710)
46% of engaged women plan to move to a new residence within the next 12 months
Almost one quarter expect to buy a new vehicle within the next 12 months

The Honeymoon
The average honeymoon lasts 8.8 nights away from home
67% plan to spend their honeymoon outside of Canada
56% plan to stay at an all-inclusive resort

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm…
32% find wedding planning to be more stressful than enjoyable
23% agree a prenuptial agreement is a good idea (34% between 18-24 year olds)
42% anticipate having disagreements with their in-laws
19% are having more disagreements with their fiancé since becoming engaged
37% say their sex life has improved since getting engaged
24% claim not to be completely over past relationships