A beautiful, temperate Saturday in July. Roses are in bloom, the groom wears white, and the bride boasts her grandfather’s cufflinks. All their nearest and dearest raise a glass of champagne to toast their undying love before a three-tier lavender saffron cake gets cut while the live band plays Sade. But wait, you might be thinking…in this economy?
While the high cost of throwing a wedding is nothing new, post-COVID pressures of economic uncertainty and high inflation place renewed stress on these celebrations, both for the betrothed and their guests. With the average cost of a wedding in Canada sitting somewhere between $30,000–$42,0001, it’s no wonder so many young people are skipping the milestone. A recent survey found that two in five Gen Z/Millennials think marriage is an “outdated tradition.” 73% feel it’s simply too expensive to get married in the current economy.2
