Who is She?
• Average age is 29 among engaged women in Canada 71% already live with their fiancé/significant other
• Average household income after marriage is $70,036
The Big Day
• Average expected cost is $17,300
• Average wedding size is 143 guests, 20% have 200+ guests
• 56% of weddings occur between July and September: July (18%), August (20%), September (18%),
• 44% of engagements occur between December and February: December (25%), January (7%), February (12%)
A Year of Planning
The average reader is engaged and planning her wedding for more than 10 months
Decisions related to key purchases are confirmed several months prior to the wedding:
• 10-12 months Ceremony Location, Bridal Gown, Photographer
• 7-9 months Wedding Cake, Florist, Bridesmaid Dresses, Bridal Shoes, DJ
• 3-6 months Gift Registry, Groom’s Formalwear, Limo Service, Hair Salon, Honeymoon
Show Me the Money
• Funding for wedding: bride/groom savings (47%), bride/groom loans (15%), family (34%)
• Budget breakdown based on anticipated costs:
• Reception venue = $6,015 (will pay up to $7,200)
• Bridal gown = $975 (will pay up to $1,335)
• Wedding bands = $1,450 (will pay up to $1,900)
• Stationery = $300 (will pay up to $400)
• Wedding cake = $340 (will pay up to $440)
• Florist = $805 (will pay up to $1,000)
• Guest favours = $330 (will pay up to $420)
• Honeymoon = $3,735 (will pay up to $4,710)
• 46% of engaged women plan to move to a new residence within the next 12 months
Almost one quarter expect to buy a new vehicle within the next 12 months
The Honeymoon
• The average honeymoon lasts 8.8 nights away from home
• 67% plan to spend their honeymoon outside of Canada
• 56% plan to stay at an all-inclusive resort
Things That Make You Go Hmmmm…
• 32% find wedding planning to be more stressful than enjoyable
• 23% agree a prenuptial agreement is a good idea (34% between 18-24 year olds)
• 42% anticipate having disagreements with their in-laws
• 19% are having more disagreements with their fiancé since becoming engaged
• 37% say their sex life has improved since getting engaged
• 24% claim not to be completely over past relationships
