What a Wedding Costs in Canada in 2027: A Line-Item Budget You Can Adjust

A wedding in Canada in 2027 costs whatever total you choose to set, and the most reliable way to stay there is to fix that number first, split costs into fixed lines and per-guest lines, and add sales tax and service charges from the start, as of 1 October 2026. Guest count is the biggest lever, because food, drinks and rentals scale with every person. Sales tax adds 5% to 15% depending on the province, such as 13% HST in Ontario and 14% in Nova Scotia, and mandatory service charges at venues are taxable too. Deposits are usually due months ahead, so the budget is also a cash-flow plan.

Start with the total and three priorities

Before you visit a venue, agree on the total you can spend without debt, and where the money comes from: savings, monthly saving between now and the wedding, and any family contributions you have confirmed. Then each pick your top three priorities, such as food, photos and music, and the things you care least about. The budget follows the priorities: spend on the top three, keep everything else simple.

If the wedding is in 2027, you have time to save monthly. A sinking fund, a separate savings account you add to on a schedule, keeps wedding money from mixing with everyday spending; see the sinking funds guide.

Family contributions

If parents or relatives are offering to help, ask early how much and when, and whether it comes with expectations, such as inviting more guests. A contribution that pays for one clear line, such as the photographer or the bar, is easier to track than a general amount. Put confirmed contributions into the budget only once they are certain, and keep a record of who paid for what. If family money comes with a longer guest list, check whether the extra per-guest cost is more than the contribution itself.

Fixed costs and per-guest costs

Every guest you add costs the per-guest amount, plus tax and service charge. Every guest you remove saves it. That is why trimming a guest list often saves more than switching to a cheaper photographer.

Sales tax by province

Ask every vendor whether quotes include tax. A $10,000 catering quote in Ontario is $11,300 once HST is added.

Service charges and gratuities

Many venues and caterers add a mandatory service charge, often a percentage of food and drink. Under GST/HST rules, a mandatory service charge or gratuity is part of the price of the service and is taxable. A voluntary tip that you choose to give is not. Read the contract to see whether the charge is mandatory, what it is calculated on, and whether it goes to staff. Budget it as its own line so it does not surprise you.

Deposits and payment schedules

Most vendors take a deposit to hold your date, often non-refundable, with the balance due in stages before the wedding. For popular Saturdays in summer and early fall, couples often book venues and photographers a year or more ahead. Write each payment date into a calendar and make sure the money is there. The vendor contracts guide explains what to check before signing.

Example with made-up inputs: 100 guests or 60

These numbers are an example with made-up inputs. They are not average wedding costs. A couple in Ontario plans a wedding with the same vendors and compares 100 guests with 60. Fixed costs include tax. Food and drinks are $150 a guest before an 18% mandatory service charge and 13% HST. Cake and favours are $10 a guest.

Cutting 40 guests saves $8,400 in this example, without changing a single vendor. Each guest costs about $210 once service charge and tax are added to the $150 menu price.

Other ways to lower the total

• Choose a Friday, Sunday or off-season date; see the winter and off-season weddings guide.
• Pick a venue that includes tables, chairs and linens, so rentals are not a separate per-guest line.
• Limit the bar to beer, wine and one signature drink.
• Book a photographer for fewer hours, covering the ceremony and key moments.
• Consider a civil ceremony with a smaller dinner.

Worksheet: your line-item budget

Common mistakes

• Booking a venue before agreeing on a total.
• Comparing quotes before tax and service charges.
• Underestimating how much each extra guest costs.
• Forgetting deposit due dates.
• Leaving no buffer; keep 5% to 10% unassigned for surprises.