$30K vs. $100K Weddings in Toronto: What You Actually Get and What Matters Most
What Does a Wedding Cost in Toronto These Days?
If you’ve Googled “how much does a wedding cost in Toronto, Ontario” and received wildly different answers, you’re not alone.
The truth? It depends. But that’s not very helpful when you’re trying to set a realistic wedding budget.
Weddings have so many moving parts, and depending on what you value or which venue you choose, your budget can take on very different shapes. So let’s dig into what couples get at different budget levels, starting with two common benchmarks we often see in the city: a $30K wedding and a $100K wedding.
Photography @northstoryweddings.ca & Venue @thearlingtonestate
Getting Clear About Your Values
The truth lies in the fact that no matter what budget you decide on, how you allocate your funds will be the true test of how your wedding comes together.
As a first step in your budgeting journey, get clear on what you and your partner value most. Do you have your heart set on a venue that’s on the more expensive side? Is it more important to you to avoid capping your guest list because you have so many loved ones to invite? Or are you and your partner die-hard floral fans and want your budget to reflect that?
This brings us to a pivotal insight: the real difference between a $30K and a $100K wedding often lies not in the scale, but in the choices and values of the couple. It’s not about one being better than the other—it’s about different priorities leading to different allocations of funds.
Side-by-Side Comparison: $30K vs. $100K Weddings
To illustrate how values influence spending, let’s take a look at a general comparison of what a $30,000 wedding and a $100,000 wedding might include.
Reflect on what aspects resonate most with you and your partner, and which elements you might choose to forego. It’s true that if you decide to go with a larger budget, you’ll have more flexibility in your vendor choices, venue options, and wedding dress selection. But we can’t emphasize enough: a well-planned, well-thought-out wedding, with a properly allocated budget, can transform any price point into a day that beautifully reflects your vision.
Photography @northstoryweddings.ca & Officiant @labuickceremonies
$30K Wedding vs. $100K Wedding in Toronto
Guest Count
50 guests vs. 150+ guests
Venue
Off-peak venue (weekday or off season) vs. Private estate, or luxury hotel
Catering
Buffet, or drop-off catering vs full-service, or a plated multi-course meal
Florals
Personal florals (like bouquets) + simple bud vase centrepieces vs Custom floral installations, and ceremony arches
Photography
Solo photographer, fewer hours of coverage vs top-tier photographer + second shooter + full-day coverage
Planner
Partial planning or month-of coordination vs full-service planning + custom design + vendor management
Design/Decor
Mostly DIY or repurposed elements vs. custom rentals, lounge setups, and lighting design
Entertainment
DJ for reception only vs live band + ceremony + cocktail hour musicians
Extras
Minimal signage, no guest favors or transportation vs statement seating wall, guest welcome bags, branded experiences, etc.
How to Build a Wedding Budget That Works for You
Photography @northstoryweddings.ca & Officiant @labuickceremonies
Once you understand the range, the real magic is building a budget that reflects your vision and your reality. We here at Claudia and Co. like to think of the early stages of any couple’s budget creation to begin with three steps.
Start by identifying what matters most to you: Is it a specific floral vendor? A high-end venue you have your eyes on? Open bar for the whole evening? Destination wedding?
Be willing to make trade-offs: You might spend less on favors and more on live music, or scale back your guest list to invest more per guest. This can be the most challenging step, but is most important so that the outcome can align directly with your vision.
Work with a planner who knows how to make the most of any budget. One important aspect of a wedding planner is that they have experience in crafting and working around budgets. They will help you save money on one thing so you can have something else that was a non-negotiable, all while staying in budget, such as smart vendor partnerships and creative design strategies.
Your budget is the foundation of your wedding planning process, but it shouldn’t feel like a barrier. With the right strategy (and the right team), you can create a day that feels intentional and completely aligned with your values. Not sure where to begin? Our team at Claudia and Co. builds custom budgets with every client, so you never overspend on things that don’t matter to you.
TL;DR
It’s not just the price tag, it’s what you value. A $30K wedding can be just as meaningful and beautiful as a $100K one, but the experience will look different based on how you prioritize. Perhaps you're more concerned about a large guest list or investing heavily in florals. Maybe your dream is a luxury venue or top-tier photography.
Here’s the bottom line: higher budgets allow for more customization, vendor options, and extras, but every wedding comes down to thoughtful planning and what matters most to you. Whether you’re working with $30K or $100K, your day can be unforgettable when it reflects your shared vision.
Photography by @paulavisco - Venue @studiobyhouse - Makeup @kromasalon
Ready to take the next step? Our full-service planning package includes custom budgeting support, vendor matchmaking, and design management so you can enjoy the entire process, from start to finish and do it all in your perfect price point.