Sudbury Wedding Budget Guide

Hi there, bride and groom-to-be! As a Sudbury-based wedding photographer who has captured countless celebrations over the years, I know how overwhelming it can feel to plan—and pay for—your big day. From the dress to the flowers to the catering and beyond, costs add up quickly. But with some smart planning and prioritization, it’s totally possible to stick to your budget. Here’s my insider advice as both a wedding pro and a Sudbury local on how to set a reasonable budget and allocate it wisely.

Setting Your Overall Wedding Budget

The very first step is getting on the same page with your partner about how much you’re comfortable spending in total. According to my research, the average wedding in Ontario costs around $22,000. Of course, “average” is just a number—your unique vision, guest list size, and priorities will determine whether you want to spend more or less than that.

As you crunch the numbers, consider these factors that can majorly impact costs:

• Will you have the wedding locally in Sudbury or will guests need to travel?
• How large is your guest list? More guests = more money needed for catering, rentals, favors, etc.
• How elaborate are your decor, floral, and attire visions? Simple but chic can equal big savings!
• What’s included with your dream venue and what will be extra fees?

Be open and honest with your partner about what you can realistically afford between your combined savings, upcoming monetary gifts (if applicable), and what you’re willing to budget from your income over the next year or so.

Make sure to use my wedding checklist so nothing is missed!

Prioritizing Where to Splurge vs. Save

Once you’ve agreed on a total budget number, it’s time to allocate funds across all wedding categories so you can start booking vendors. This is where prioritization becomes so important to avoid going over budget.

The average costs in Sudbury are:

• Videography: $1,700
• Venue: $5,761
• Catering (food and drink): $8,176
• Wedding Dress: $1,907
• Wedding Bands: $1,476
• Flowers and decor: $2,639
• Hair, makeup, mani-pedi: $228
• Cake: $516
• DJ: $1,000

Check out some of my favorite vendors here!

Decide where quality is an absolute must versus areas you’re willing to economize. For example, if amazing photography is crucial to you for preserving memories, allocate more funds there and find ways to save on things like attire or decor.

Since venues and catering are usually the biggest expenses, those categories warrant extra research to find options that fit your vision AND budget. Maybe you’ll choose an affordable restaurant venue over a hotel ballroom, or host a daytime brunch wedding to save on dinner costs. Check out my favorite venues in Sudbury!

Savvy Budgeting Tips for Sudbury Couples

Throughout my career, I’ve picked up lots of money-saving strategies from smart Sudbury couples. A few of my favorites:

Limit Your Guest List

I get it, you want to celebrate with everyone…but keeping your wedding small (under 100 people) reduces your costs exponentially for catering, rentals, favors, and more. You can always throw an awesome casual party for a bigger crowd later!

Book Off-Peak

Getting married on a Friday or Sunday is much more affordable at most venues than a Saturday. Having your wedding in the “off-season” months like October or April can also mean discounts.

Use Hotel Blocks and Group Discounts

Reserve room blocks early so your out-of-town guests can enjoy discounted group rates. The same discounts can apply at some venues and caterers if you meet minimums.

Buy Your Dress Off-the-Rack

Those designer sample wedding gowns are so gorgeous and SO much more affordable than custom made! Places like David’s Bridal and local boutiques have amazing off-the-rack options for under $1,000.

Scan for Specials

Keep your eyes peeled for Sudbury vendors offering discounted wedding packages or off-season promos. It’s how many local couples I’ve worked with have scored major deals.

Prioritize What Matters Most

At the end of the day, the most important part is marrying your best friend surrounded by loved ones…not going broke! By creating—and sticking to—a reasonable budget that puts funds towards  capturing your dream memories and hosting an amazing party for your crew, you’ll be able to enjoy your wedding day with zero stress about costs. Feel free to reach out if you’d like any other money-saving tips for your Sudbury wedding, and take a look at what working with me looks like!