the B word

the budget is something that will definitely be a big part of wedding planning for us. We are just starting out and there are a lot of things that we are saving for, not just a wedding. So i think that 10,000 is the max-i-mum i would like to spend on a wedding. I've read of brides doing weddings for $4000 which would be just peachy, but that usually involves a backyard wedding and i just don't have access to a beautiful, large backyard so there you have it. However, today i am making a guesstimated budget and can't believe what i found. According to a survey by weddingbells.ca this is the average budget breakdown for Canadian brides.

• Reception Venue = $6,922
• Bridal Gown = $1,093
• Bridesmaid Dress = $263
• Bridal/Bridesmaid Shoes = $112
• Wedding Bands = $1,761
• Photographer = $1,727
• Videographer = $754
• Stationery = $302
• Wedding Cake = $324
• Florist/Decor = $821
• Transportation/Limo = $533
• DJ/Musicians = $824
• Guest Favours/Gifts = $343
• Honeymoon = $3,448 

Bringing the total AVERAGE cost to $20,129!!! Really? it just seems like sooo much money for one day. one really great party... $20 000?!? I have definitely rolled my eyes more than once after hearing some celebrity spend $20 000 on a dinner party. But essentially, that's the same thing as a wedding, minus the lifelong commitment part. I can't believe it. I have a sneaking suspicion that there's a lot of things i haven't thought of yet....