The average wedding in Manitoba costs $30,000

You may know people who had a wedding for under $10,000 and others who spent over $50,000. The amount of guests, the venue and the vendors you hire will all play a part in your overall budget. There are a few preliminary things you will want to determine when you begin planning your big day. Where do you want to have your wedding? What time of year will your wedding take place? Do you want to throw a Wedding social to help with costs? Other things to keep in mind is how far ahead you need to book certain vendors. Venues, Photography and Caterers should be some of the first things on your list to book where other vendors such as a DJ or choosing a wedding cake can be booked later on.

Guest List - $100 per guest

We always recommend by starting with your guest list. The amount of people you invite to your wedding can dramatically effect your overall cost. You will likely be paying for food and drink for each of these people which can be $100 per guest on average. Served plated meals, buffet style, appetizers, a food truck, late night snacks, dessert tables are all options that you should discuss with your caterers. Some catering companies offer plates, cutlery and linens in their cost while others require you to provide this yourself. Knowing your guest count in the beginning will help you determine your catering costs when talking to caterers. The size of your guest list will also determine the size of venue you will need.

Venue - $3,000 - $30,000

Manitoba’s venue options are growing each year. Depending on the type of wedding venue you want, this cost can make up a large portion of your budget. Some venues do in-house catering, drinks, linens and decor which can cost $20,000 - $30,000 depending on your guest count while other venues offer only the space. Some of the most affordable and intimate wedding venues we have seen are simply a rented tent in your own backyard however you will likely need to factor in a washroom option in that case. Some venues offer cheaper options for Sunday weddings or weddings that take place during off season (October-May). Be sure to book your venue 1-2 years in advance as dates are limited for a lot of these choices.

Photography/Videography - $3,500 - $7,500 each

We’ve lumped these two vendors in the same category but don’t be fooled, they are not the same thing. More and more couples are opting to hire both a photographer and a videographer for their wedding and the average cost for each service can vary a lot based on experience.

Photographers will offer a wide range of packages that may or may not include a second photographer, an engagement session, albums and other add-ons you may want to take advantage of. Our average client will spend approximately $5000 for full day wedding coverage with two photographers, their engagement session and an album. Contact us here if you’d like to more info.

Videographers also offer many options. Do you want a short highlight video or a full length feature of your entire day? Most videographers will offer both but this may impact your overall cost.

Your photos and video will be the only tangible items you have once your wedding day is all over so investing in a professional for both of these services is highly recommended.

Florals - $3000 - $6000

Florals on your wedding day are some of the most beautiful details and will essentially give your Wedding its style. If you’re planning to have a bridal bouquet for each bridesmaid, a centre piece for each table and a bridal bouquet for yourself, you should reserve 10-20% of your overall wedding budget for florals. The time of year the flowers are grown and the kinds of flowers available will also affect price. Book a consultation with your local florist at least 1-2 years in advance in Manitoba to know all of your options.

Wedding Planners/Coordinators - $1,500 - $10,000

If planning a wedding seems overwhelming or just something you don’t have the time to do we highly recommend looking into a professional planner. We’ve seen a lot of couples who opt for the DIY planning method but the last thing you want to be doing on your own wedding day is worrying about anything going wrong. You should be focusing on marrying the one you love and having fun! Planners and coordinators offer different options such as full service planning, month of coordination and hourly consultations for a lower rate. Manitoba has some great options that should be booked 1-2 years in advance.

Music - $750-$10,000

Hiring an experienced professional DJ or band is extremely important to set the tone of your reception. Good music equals good times.

Other Costs

There are many other things such as invitations, signage, a cake, transportation, wedding favours, dresses and suits but once you have the building blocks of your wedding in place you can take your time and get creative with everything else.

Do your research, set a budget and remember that planning a wedding should be an enjoyable experience.