Ontario is certain to become one of the best places to live in Canada, given its diverse culture, natural beauty, as well as the modern culture that it offers. Besides these, Ontario is home to many beautiful wedding venues. But looking for them might look scary for you when you think about all the costs your wedding day brings in. Getting married in an Ontario wedding venue and worried about your budget? Look no further! Money is usually a huge issue when it comes to weddings.
There is no reason that just because you are on a limited budget doesn’t mean that you have to give up on getting the wedding of your dreams. In most cases, high quality does not necessarily entail a high price tag. As an added plus, most of the time the most unique and exciting options are available when it comes to affordable wedding venues! Here’s how you can find your dream venue without compromising on your budget!
Exactly Determine Your Budget
Before you start planning your big day, it’s essential to know your maximum budget. This should be a new budget that you and your partner decide upon together, and not something that drains you of your savings. Make sure you stick to your number, and do not allow anyone to try to talk you out of it. Plan your wedding based on your expectations and priorities to decide how much money you will be able to spend.
Identify Your Priorities
Rather than doing what others expect, do what feels right to you. Think about the topics that matter most to you. Do you need a huge and glitzy wedding cake, for instance? Or how fancy do you want your wedding catering to be? Stay focused on your priorities and those of your partner rather than letting obligations or other opinions influence your decisions. You might not want to give up on that wedding dress you’ve been wanting forever, but you may be okay to downsize the guest list!
Limit Your Guest Size
You may be tempted to invite everyone you know to your wedding, but keeping your guest list to close friends and family could significantly reduce expenses. You will save more money by keeping your guest list smaller, and you will have more money for other wedding costs, such as your dress, flowers, and photography. Intimate weddings have so many benefits you would love to have!
We limited our guests to family and family plus close friends at our wedding dinner and ceremony reception, respectively. We were glad we did. Despite the limited number, it was hard to chat with every guest.
Find the Ideal Date for You
You can also significantly reduce your wedding expenses by choosing a date outside of peak season. Generally, late summer and spring are the most popular times for getting married in Ontario, with April and August being the most popular months. If you want to have a cheaper wedding, then having a winter wedding would be an excellent option for you.
Choosing a day of the week for your wedding is just as important as choosing the season for it. Weddings are most commonly held on Saturdays in Ontario, which is a day that is ideal for everyone. Due to the high demand for venues on a Saturday, renting one will cost you more than renting one on a weekday.
Another advantage: Your party may be the only one that day. Therefore, servers have more time for your guests.
Ask the Right Questions
In order to finalize your decision, you’ll need some assurances regarding the venues you’re considering. To help you downsize your budget, here are some questions to ask potential vendors.
- Which day of the week and time is the cheapest?
- Do we need to pay a deposit to secure our date?
- Do you offer monthly payment options?
- Is there going to be a corkage fee?
- Can you have your ceremony here?
- Is it possible to bring in outside vendors?
- Can we bring our own alcohol?
Think Outside the Box
The key to planning a budget-friendly wedding is to be creative. Because traditional options might come pricey since their demand is high. Rather than following all of the traditions, you can find unique ways to express your feelings and share your love with your dear ones. The cost of the venue will certainly be lower if you choose a non-traditional venue like a gallery, museum, or vineyard as the place for your wedding. My brother and sister-in-law, for instance, chose a sports-club house, and it was a fantastic casual afternoon wedding reception without the need of (semi-)formal clothes.
In Ontario, regardless of whether you want to opt for an indoor or outdoor wedding venue, you can surely find one that suits your taste without having to go over your budget. It is just a matter of remaining out of clichés, and taking strategic steps along the way!
P.S. You may also take a look at this list of common mistakes at your wedding besides breaking the budget.
© Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved
Sounds like what my wife and I were able to do getting married in the Adirondacks…with a lot of help from her family. 😀