Elinor Zucchet, Author at Bridebook

How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost in Canada?

Wedding flowers are a major part of the day for most couples: it’s one of the big questions you get from family and friends alike. Have you set the date? Have you got your dress? What flowers are you going to have?

However, the flowers you have at your wedding will often go much further than the bridal bouquet. There are also flowers for the bridesmaids, table centrepieces, gifts for the new in-laws, corsages, flower girls…

But how much do wedding flowers cost? In this post, we’re going to discuss everything from bouquets to boutonnières, including the average cost of wedding flowers, what’s included, and the cost of the most common wedding flowers.

What’s the average cost of wedding flowers?

While not one of the biggest costs to think about during your wedding, in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown you can discover that the average cost of wedding flowers in Canada is between $1,000 – $2,000.

Of course, this figure can vary dramatically depending on what you’re looking for. The bigger and bolder you go, the more you might expect to pay. Similarly, if you’re looking for less flora and more fauna at your wedding, the cost of your flowers will be much lower.

Regardless of your budget, there are plenty of options to get stunning flowers for your wedding. The budget levels can be broken down as:

Affordable – From $200
Moderate – $1,200 – $2,200
Luxury – $2,200 – $3,200
Super Luxury – From $3,200

These ranges provide a flexible guide, considering regional flower prices and seasonal variations. For example, opting for local, in-season flowers can help save costs, while luxury arrangements often include custom installations and premium flower choices.

What does this cost include?

What exactly is included in the cost of your wedding flowers depends on the vendor, so go in with the right questions to ask your florist before making your final decision.

The average cost will be made up of a package that likely includes:

1 x Bridal Bouquet
2 x Bridesmaids Bouquets
6 x Buttonholes
2 x Large Vase Arrangements for the Ceremony
1 x Arrangement for the registrar’s table
8 x Reception Flowers for 8 tables

Also included in that overall cost will be:

Consultation
Design
Conditioning and prepping the flowers
Accessories (for example, vases and mirrors)
Delivery
Installation

What’s the average cost of a wedding bouquet?

The average cost of a wedding bouquet is around $140. Generally, the most affordable option is a hand-tied bouquet (perfect for a rustic wedding), as it doesn’t require intricate wiring from the florist. Hand-tied bouquets use flowers with longer stems, which are easier to arrange. In contrast, a cascading bouquet requires specialized wiring to achieve that stunning waterfall effect, which can significantly increase the cost.

Why do wedding flowers cost so much?

When it comes to choosing your wedding flowers, you’re not going to want the same kind of arrangements you’d have at home day-to-day – it’s your wedding day after all. Whereas usually you might be happy with a bunch of supermarket flowers – or perhaps something from the local florist when you’re feeling fancy – your wedding flowers will be big, bold, beautiful and in keeping with the rest of your day. There are also a lot of individual arrangements needed to fit a very specific brief – which ‘off the shelf’ arrangements might not meet.

Wedding flowers cost so much because:

You’re receiving a bespoke, personalized service
They take florists a long time to design
Delivery and setup can be time-consuming
Flowers are often fairly pricey anyway

This is all not to say that, even if you have a budget below the average, your flowers won’t be stunning – far from it. However, there are reasons why your specific choices might bump up the price.

What factors affect the cost of wedding flowers?

Almost three-quarters of all couples hire a professional florist when planning their wedding. Flowers may be an expensive part of the big day, but for many couples they’re imperative. However, many factors can affect the cost of your wedding flowers that, if you’re mindful, can keep you within your budget.

Seasonality

Depending on the time of year you’re getting married, certain flowers may be more readily available than others. The more in-season your flowers are, the more affordable and eco-friendly your wedding arrangements will be. Choosing local, in-season blooms helps support Canadian growers and reduces the carbon footprint associated with importing flowers.

Here are some great seasonal flowers in Canada:

Spring: Tulips, Peonies, Lilacs
Summer: Sunflowers, Dahlias, Irises
Autumn: Roses, Hydrangeas, Asters
Winter: Carnations, Amaryllis, Orchids

The type of flowers

Roses may be the traditional wedding flower, but they’re also some of the most expensive, particularly if you’re keen on unique colors. Alternatives, such as hydrangeas offer stunning, colorful blooms but can be more budget-friendly.

Skill and experience

It may seem obvious, but a skilled and experienced florist with decades of experience will cost more than someone new to the industry.

Flower blooms

Believe it or not, another factor that can affect the cost is the physical appearance of your chosen blooms. For example, orchids only have a two-inch stem and will require a faux stem if you want to add them to your bouquet. This is intricate, time-consuming work that can bulk up the price. They do look beautiful though…

Sources

Are your chosen flowers available from Canadian suppliers? Importing flowers from other regions, especially during off-seasons, can drive up costs due to shipping fees and supply chain complexities. In contrast, Canadian-grown flowers are typically more affordable and readily available, particularly if you choose blooms in season.

Accounting for delicate flowers

When you order arrangements that include delicate flowers, there is always going to be the risk that they’re damaged, not open, or past their prime. If you ask for a bouquet that includes a dozen roses, your florist will have to over-order to make sure to account for these issues.

What to consider when choosing your wedding flowers

Choose a bouquet that fits the size and shape of your dress (if you’re wearing one). For example, the bouquet should be in proportion to the dress – the bigger the dress, the bigger the bouquet. You don’t want a slender, figure-hugging dress to be hidden by a large bouquet, after all.

Another option to consider is silk flowers. While silk flowers were once significantly cheaper than real ones, advances in manufacturing have brought their prices in line with, and sometimes even higher than, fresh blooms. The upside is that modern silk flowers can look incredibly lifelike. If you’re seeking a natural touch without the perishability, preserved flowers are a fantastic alternative. They’re real blooms that have been specially treated to last, giving you the authenticity of fresh flowers with the longevity of silk ones.

Opting for silk or preserved flowers can be a great choice if you’re concerned about unpredictable weather, have allergies like hay fever, or want a lasting keepsake from your wedding day. However, keep in mind that artificial and preserved flowers won’t offer the natural fragrance of fresh bouquets. To capture that special scent, consider choosing a floral perfume that will always remind you of your big day.

Plan your wedding today with Bridebook

Are you starting your wedding planning journey? Sign up to Bridebook and begin planning your wedding today.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding flowers, we’ve got plenty of budget-friendly ideas and inspiration to help you keep costs down.

Happy Planning!

Everything You Need to Know about Page Boys

The role of a page boy at a wedding is an honorary position typically given to a young boy who plays a special part in the wedding ceremony. Because the role of a page boy is relatively small, they’re not necessarily imperative, but if you have a boy of appropriate age in your family, asking them to be a page boy is a thoughtful and loving gesture. Plus, it allows you to get a few ‘ahhs’ from your guests before the tears start to flow as you exchange your vows.

In this post, we’ll take a look at what a page boy is, what they wear, and their responsibilities as part of your big day, as well as some helpful tips for ensuring everything goes down without a hitch.

What are page boys?

A page boy is typically a young boy, often a relative or close family friend, chosen to take on a special role in the wedding ceremony. His responsibilities can vary, from carrying symbolic items to assisting the bridal party, depending on the couple’s preferences and cultural traditions. However, the role is mainly symbolic, so there’s no need to stress if the page boy gets a bit restless or if you don’t have someone of the right age. It’s all about adding a touch of charm to your big day!

‘Page’ is a medieval word that refers to a male attendant or servant to noble figures or knights. A page would work in a castle or home from between the ages of 7 to 14 in exchange for food, lodgings, clothes and a basic education.

Today, the term has evolved to mean a young boy who has a small role at a wedding, and will help in a small, token way, such as by helping to hold the train of the bride’s wedding dress, throw flowers or petals, or simply look adorable in a little suit as they walk down the aisle.

How old can a page boy be for a wedding?

Typically, page boys are aged between 3 and 10. This is because boys younger than 3 can be much harder to give instructions to, and boys older than 10 may be given responsibilities much closer to that of an usher (if in fact, they want to play a role in your wedding at all).

Is there a difference between a page boy and a ring bearer?

Yes, there are differences between a page boy and a ring bearer. At modern weddings, because there isn’t as much need for someone to help the bride with a long train on her dress, the role of a page boy is far more honorary than it used to be. Meanwhile, a ring bearer has an important role to play, as they carry the ring pillow down the aisle so the happy couple can exchange rings during the ceremony.

Do you need a page boy at your wedding?

Page boys are traditionally seen at weddings, especially if you’ve invited a lot of guests and would like to include younger family members in the ceremony. However, if your wedding is small, there are no boys under the age of 10 in your family, or you simply don’t want one, there’s nothing to say you need a page boy. As we highlighted above, it’s more of an honorary position these days and is seen more as a loving gesture than giving someone in your family a job that could make or break the big day.

Can you have 3 page boys at your wedding?

Unlike the ring bearer, who is typically limited to one, you can have as many page boys at your wedding as you like. If you come from a large family, you might opt for up to three page boys to keep things manageable, as having a group of young boys can sometimes lead to playful chaos. However, there’s no rule stopping you from including more if you want everyone to have a role — just be prepared for a bit of lively energy on your big day!

What does the page boy do on the morning of the wedding?

On the morning of the wedding, the page boy can do whatever they feel comfortable doing as everyone prepares for the day ahead. If close to the groom, the page boy might enjoy getting ready with the groom and his family, as well as the best man and ushers. This might depend on whether or not the page boy’s parents will be close by and how well they know others who will be there.

Speak to the page boy’s parents and talk to them about what they think their son would prefer to do. If they’re very young, you don’t want to scare them or make them feel anxious, and they may want to be close to their parents. If this is the case, then fine. Remember, when it comes to modern weddings the page boy isn’t likely to have a major role in the ceremony itself.

What is a page boy’s role?

Traditionally page boys are in charge of carrying the bride’s train down the aisle, but nowadays, with fewer brides choosing to have long, flowing trains, their responsibilities have evolved. That being said, if you do have a dress with a long train, asking the page boy to uphold this traditional part of the job should be something they can do without any issues.

Today, the page boy might have a dual role where they also carry the rings down the aisle. However, this depends on the age of your page boy and if you trust them to safely hold on to the rings. What a responsibility for the little man! If you’re worried about your precious rings disappearing, you may like to replace them with replicas and have your page boy carry those down the aisle instead. You can squirrel your actual rings away with one of your bridesmaids or ushers so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Other things you might ask your page boy to do could be:

Hold a symbolic object – The page boy may be tasked with holding a symbolic object, such as a ring cushion, a bouquet or a special item that represents the couple’s love or cultural traditions. The page boy presents this object during the ceremony to the appropriate person.
Escort the flower girl – In some cases, the page boy may accompany and walk down the aisle with the flower girl or another young member of the wedding party. This adds a sweet and charming touch to the procession.
Scatter petals – If you don’t have any little girls in the family or you know a page boy would enjoy it, why not have them scatter petals down the aisle as an adorable and romantic gesture?
Carry a sign – You might ask your page boy to carry a sign down the aisle that says something like, ‘Here comes the bride’ or ‘Please stand’, which gives them an important but very cute thing to do.

Do page boys throw flowers or petals?

Petal scattering isn’t just for flower girls! Both page boys and flower girls can be given this lovely task, symbolizing joy and blessings for the bride as she walks down the aisle. Whether you choose just one, both, or even multiple children to scatter petals, it adds a sweet touch to the ceremony and creates some fantastic photo opportunities. And if you decide not to include petal scattering at all, that’s perfectly fine too — your ceremony should reflect what feels right for you.

What does a page boy wear?

Page boys are a fantastic combination of elegant and cute, so you’re welcome to dress them in any style that’s in keeping with your wedding. This could be a tuxedo or a suit with a waistcoat and tie.

Do page boys need to match the groom?

It’s common for the page boy to wear an outfit similar to that of the groom, but that’s not something set in stone. So, be as adventurous as you like. But, when it comes time for photos, the groom, best man, ushers and page boys will all look equally as fabulous if there’s some cohesion.

Do page boys wear buttonholes?

Yes, along with the groom, dads, best man and ushers, the page boy will usually wear a buttonhole. Just make sure the page boy understands it might be delicate and become damaged if fiddled with.

Do you buy the page boy a gift?

Like you might do for other members of the wedding party such as the bridesmaids and mums, you might also want to show your page boys and flower girls how much of a great job they did by giving them a small gift. It doesn’t have to be something big and expensive (and definitely not a bottle of wine) but a small toy, game or teddy bear would likely be hugely appreciated.

5 tips for a successful page boy experience

Excited to have a close friend or family member take on the role of page boy at your wedding? Just bear in mind these five tips so it all goes exactly as planned:

Make sure your page boy attends any wedding rehearsals to familiarize them with the ceremony proceedings and their specific role. Encourage them to ask questions, listen to instructions and practise their tasks so they can feel confident on the wedding day.
Make sure the parents of your page boy know exactly what the page boy has to wear and where they’re going to get ready on the morning of the big day. It’s often a miniature version of the groomsmen’s attire or a suit that matches the wedding theme. Make sure the page boy’s clothes fit well and are comfortable to wear throughout the day (which will prevent fidgeting).
Make sure everyone knows what time to arrive at the wedding venue, allowing ample time for preparation and to get dressed. Being punctual ensures stress and anxiety are kept to a minimum, which can otherwise rub off on your page boy.
Be thoughtful and understanding towards your page boy, but remind them to be on their best behavior throughout the day. Make sure they know how important their role is and that they can ask you questions at any point if they’re not sure about something.
While it’s your day and you or your wedding planner will be in charge, keep your page boy included so they don’t feel like yet another grown-up is telling them what to do. Ask them what they’d like to do and let them make some decisions to help them feel included.

When choosing a page boy, keep in mind that younger children may get overwhelmed, throw a tantrum, or even refuse to participate during the ceremony. To avoid this, consider selecting an older boy or skipping the role altogether — page boys are not a necessity for weddings. If the little one does get restless on the day, offering small treats like candies or toys might help (but let’s keep that between us!).

Lastly, to show appreciation and boost confidence, consider a small “thank you” gift.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

Planning your wedding is a wonderful and exciting time, so hopefully this guide has helped answer your questions about page boys. Sign up to Bridebook today to access our range of tools and resources to make planning your wedding simple and stress-free.

Happy Planning!

100+ Inspiring Love Quotes for Your Wedding Day

A wedding speech, or wedding message, should always be written from the heart and in your own words.

But if you’re feeling stuck or your words aren’t flowing as easily as you’d like, there’s no harm in borrowing a little inspiration from others. You can do this by sprinkling your speech or message with love quotes or wedding day quotes.

Love and marriage quotes offer profound insights into the beauty and complexities of relationships. They bring timeless wisdom and elegance to your words, adding that perfect finishing touch.

Looking for some ideas? Check out our post featuring 110 love quotes for your wedding day. Whether you’re after a classic love quote, a heartwarming Disney line, a lyric from a song, or a memorable quote from a book or film, we’ve got you covered!

What makes a good love quote?

A good love quote is anything that touches your heart. If it resonates with your love story, has a specific significance to you and your partner, or simply summarizes how you feel perfectly, then it’s a good love quote.

Our advice is to read lots of different love quotes from different sources. There will be one or two that fill your heart with love or just capture your feelings perfectly. You’ll know them when you read them, and they’re the ones you should pick.

How can I incorporate quotes about love in my speech or message?

We suggest adding love quotes to your wedding speech, vows, or readings for a meaningful touch. While most quotes are too brief to replace full vows or readings, such as love poems, they work beautifully when sprinkled throughout a pre-written speech or set of vows to add a little extra charm and emotion.

Try opening or closing your wedding message with a quote for maximum impact. For example, you could end with something like: “Thank you for listening to my speech today. I’d like to sum everything up with the immortal words of Nicholas Sparks, ‘I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had’. Thank you.”

General love quotes

“Love is friendship that has caught on fire” — Ann Lander
“Love is a force more formidable than any other” — Barbara de Angelis
“Love is bigger than a tsunami, stronger than any fear” — Bethany Hamilto
“Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze” — Elinor Glyn
“You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back” — Barbara de Angelis
“To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven” — Karen Sunde
“I love you” begins by I, but it ends up by you — Charles de Leusse
“To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life” — Elizabeth Gilbert
“For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love” — Carl Sagan
“Our love cannot be measured, it just is” — John Paul Stevens

Inspirational love quotes

“Where there is love there is life” — Mahatma Gandhi
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope” — Maya Angelou
“Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet” — Plato
“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies” — Aristotle
“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart” — Helen Keller
“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction” -— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend” — Martin Luther King Jr.
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” — Audrey Hepburn
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive” — Dalai Lama
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage” — Lao Tzu

Love quotes by famous people

“I would rather spend one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone” — J.R.R. Tolkien
“The real lover is a man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space” — Marilyn Monroe
“You know it’s love when all you want is that person to be happy, even if you’re not part of their happiness” — Julia Roberts
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” — Audrey Hepburn
“My blind eyes are desperately waiting for the sight of you” — Richard Burton, in a letter to Elizabeth Taylor
“I would find you in any lifetime” — Kanye West
“My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me” — Winston Churchill
“I think the perfection of love is that it’s not perfect.” — Emma Stone
“Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear” — John Lennon
“Love is a verb. It’s an action requiring your involvement and your active participation” — John Legend

Love quotes from Disney films

“I’d rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you” — John Smith, Pocahontas
“It’s there, I know it is, because when I look at you, I can feel it. And I look at you, and I’m home” — Dory, Finding Nemo
“Some people are worth melting for” — Olaf, Frozen
“All at once everything looks different, now that I see you” — Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Tangled
“People do crazy things when they’re in love.” — Meg, Hercules
“You are my greatest adventure.” — Mr. Incredible, The Incredibles
“To infinity and beyond!” — Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story
“Love is not an emotion, it’s a choice” — Maui, Moana
“I wouldn’t have nothing if I didn’t have you.” — Mike Wazowski, Monsters, Inc.
“My dream wouldn’t be complete without you in it” – Princess Tiana, The Princess and the Frog

Love quotes from songs

“Love is old, love is new. Love is all, love is you” — The Beatles, Because
“With our love, we could save the world, if they only knew” — The Beatles, Within You Without You
“I could make you happy, make your dreams come true. Nothing that I wouldn’t do. Go to the ends of the Earth for you” — Adele, Make You Feel My Love
“You’re still the one I run to, the one that I belong to, you’re still the one I want for life” — Shania Twain, You’re Still The One
“Cause all you need is love, love. Love is all you need” — The Beatles, Love Is All You Need
“I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart” — The Lumineers, Ho Hey
“You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be, and I don’t wanna go home right now.” — Goo Goo Dolls, Iris
“Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can’t help falling in love with you” — Elvis Presley, Can’t Help Falling in Love
“You’re my end and my beginning, even when I lose, I’m winning” — John Legend, All of Me
“And isn’t it just so pretty to think all along there was some invisible string tying you to me?” — Taylor Swift, Invisible String

Love quotes from plays, theatre shows, and musicals

“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none” — William Shakespeare, All’s Well That Ends Well
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind” — William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
“Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime. Let me lead you from your solitude. Say you need me with you, here beside you. Anywhere you go, let me go too” — The Phantom (Erik), The Phantom of the Opera
“She loves me and to my amazement, I love it, knowing that she loves me” — Georg Nowack, She Loves Me
“Tonight, tonight, I’ll see my love tonight. And for us, stars will stop where they are” — Tony, West Side Story
“Love will stand when all else falls” — Moses, The Prince of Egypt
“Love is like oxygen. Love is a many-splendored thing. Love lifts us up where we belong” — Christian, Moulin Rouge
“I saw you and the world went away” — Tony, West Side Story
“When someone needs you, you love them so” — Nancy, Oliver!
“Can it be us and only us? And what came before won’t count anymore or matter” — Evan Hansen, Dear Evan Hansen

Love quotes from books

“I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul” — Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you” — A. A. Milne, Winnie The Pooh
“I know I am in love with you because my reality is finally better than my dreams” — Dr. Seuss
“You don’t love someone because they’re perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they’re not” — Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper
“I love her, and that’s the beginning and end of everything” — F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
“I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once” — John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
“I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had” — Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same” — Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
“You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought” — Arthur Conan Doyle, The White Company
“Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone” — Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

Love quotes from poetry

“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides” — David Viscott
“Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired” — Robert Frost
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride” — Pablo Neruda
“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever” — Alfred Lord Tennyson
“Love is an endless mystery, for it has nothing else to explain it” — Rabindranath Tagore
“You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars” — E.E. Cummings
“If my lover were a comet hung in air, I would braid my leaping body in his hair” — Djuna Barnes
“Love is not consolation. It is light” — Friedrich Nietzsche
“Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation” — Rabindranath Tagore

Love quotes from films

“You had me at ‘hello'” — Dorothy Boyd, Jerry Maguire
“Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide, but I love you until the end of time” — Christian, Moulin Rouge
“What I’m trying to say, very inarticulately, is that, um, in fact, perhaps despite appearances, I like you, very much. Just as you are” — Mark Darcy, Bridget Jones’s Diary
“To me, you are perfect” — Mark, Love Actually
“I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is” — Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump
“I think I’d miss you even if we never met” — Kat Ellis, The Wedding Date
“A marriage is a promise. With the ceremony and ring, you’re saying to one another, ‘Every experience I am going to have, I want to experience with you'” — Diane Keaton, The Big Wedding
“You’re my air” — Dre, Brown Sugar
“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard, and we’re gonna have to work at this every day. But I wanna do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever. You and me. Every day” — Noah Calhoun, The Notebook

Love quotes from TV shows

“It’s you. It’s always been you” — Fitz Grant, Scandal
“You make me happier than I ever thought I could be, and if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way” — Chandler Bing, Friends
“You’re my one in five billion” — Fox Mulder, The X-Files
“Some love stories aren’t epic novels. Some are short stories, but that doesn’t make them any less filled with love” — Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City
“I love our story. Sure, it’s messy, but it’s the story that got us here” — Ted Mosby, How I Met Your Mother
“I love you, in a really, really big pretend-to-like-your-taste-in-music, let-you-eat-the-last-piece-of-cheesecake, hold-a-radio-over-my-head-outside-your-window, unfortunate way that makes me hate you, love you” -— Meredith Grey, Grey’s Anatomy
“I love you and I like you” — Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation
“I love you more than words, and I am a big fan of words” — Buffy Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
“You are the love of my life. Everything I have and everything I am is yours” — Chuck Bass, Gossip Girl
“I love you even when you’re sick and look disgusting” — Jim Halpert, The Office

Love quotes from the Bible

“We love because He first loved us” — 1 John 4:19
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves” — Romans 12:10
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Let all that you do be done in love” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” — 1 Peter 4:8
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” — 1 John 4:16-18
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love” — John 15:9-10
“Do everything in love” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly” — Colossians 3:14
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves” — Romans 12:9-10

The bottom line on wedding love quotes

Love quotes are a timeless way to express your feelings and show your partner what your big day means to you. Or, if you’re a guest, they’re a lovely way to share well-wishes with the couple and inspire them about their marriage.

Don’t worry about being unoriginal or cliché by including these quotes. Instead, let them inspire your wedding speech or message, tying your personal vows to a broader, shared understanding of love. People enjoy hearing familiar quotes in speeches, and you can even use them as a fun inside joke with your spouse or guests. For instance, referencing a quote from your favorite book, movie, or TV show is sure to bring a smile to their faces.

So, feel free to use love and marriage quotes in your wedding speech or message. Embrace the timeless nature of the phrases and pepper them throughout your speech or message like the seasoning in a good dish.

If you need some more guidance, browse our wedding speech examples to help you craft the perfect wedding speech.

Happy Planning!

How to Start and End a Wedding Speech

Wedding speeches are surely the highlight of the wedding reception. They have the power to make a room roar with laughter or bring a tear to every eye.

However, crafting the perfect beginning and ending to your wedding speech can be tricky. The opening is your first impression, and you want it to be memorable for all the right reasons. On the flip side, nailing the conclusion to a speech means guests will remember it for years to come. Nervous about getting it right? Don’t be. We’ve got your back.

In this post, we discuss the ins and outs of how to start and end a wedding speech. We talk about what you could use to kick off your wedding day toasts and how to end a wedding speech in a genuine and memorable way. Ready to start? Let’s dive in.

What is a wedding speech?

A wedding speech, also known as a wedding toast, is a heartfelt dedication to the newlyweds on their big day. Wedding speeches usually follow a specific speech order, and are traditionally made by the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man. However, as it’s your big day, you can ask anyone you’d like to make a speech and have them in any order you prefer!

Wedding speeches typically last about 30 minutes during the reception, usually following the main course but before dessert is served. Guests are often provided with a glass of prosecco, champagne, or a non-alcoholic sparkling drink to raise a toast to the newlyweds, creating a celebratory atmosphere as they listen to heartfelt speeches from family and friends.

How to start a wedding toast or speech?

The opening of your wedding speech or toast will engage your audience, set the tone for what’s to come, and create an emotional connection between you and the audience. But it can also be the hardest part to write as there’s a lot of pressure to get it right.

But don’t let that overwhelm you! Remember that your opening should reflect your genuine feelings for the couple and your joy to participate in their special day. Speak from the heart, and you won’t go far wrong. If you’re still feeling unsure about how to open your wedding speech, the following guide will help you.

Introduce yourself

Starting your speech by introducing yourself is a standard and effective approach. It helps guests understand your connection to the couple and sets the tone for the rest of your speech. Even if many attendees already know you, introducing yourself creates a sense of formality and helps you feel more confident. Whether the groom is your brother or you’ve known the bride for years, taking a moment to state who you are and your role in the day’s celebration ensures everyone is on the same page and ready to listen to your heartfelt words.

Start with a quote or compliment

If you’re feeling stuck about where to go next, a quote about love, a compliment to the beautiful bride, or a comment on the gorgeous venue are all solid options. A well-chosen quote can add depth and wisdom to your speech, while a sincere compliment will bring a smile to the bride’s face or show your appreciation for all the work that went into planning the wedding. Either way, these opening elements will set a positive tone for your speech and make the audience more receptive to your words.

Use a funny story or anecdote

If you’re feeling confident, a funny story or anecdote about your relationship to the bride or groom is a great way to open your speech. It not only adds a touch of humour and light-heartedness to the atmosphere, but also instantly connects you with the audience through shared laughter.

But remember that humor can be a double-edged sword, so be sure to keep it light, respectful, and in good taste. The goal is to make the audience smile, not cringe. If your joke is a little risqué, consider running it past the bride or groom first to ensure they’re okay with it.

Say thank you to everyone present

If all else fails, say thank you to everyone present. Thank you to the couple for inviting you to their special day, thank you to the venue staff who have worked so hard to make it all possible, and thank you to everyone else for coming. Everyone likes it when their contributions and efforts are acknowledged, so thanking the wedding party and staff and guests is a fool-proof speech opener.

How to end a wedding speech or toast

Often, the only part of a speech the guests remember is the beginning and end. You’ve nailed the opening, and now it’s time to wrap up on a positive note. Try using the below tips to help you craft a memorable conclusion to your wedding toast.

Recap your key messages

A great way to round up your wedding speech is to recap the message from the body of your speech. This reinforces the central point you wanted to convey and leaves a lasting impression.

For example, if your speech was all about how perfect the happy couple is for each other, consider rounding off with, “We can all see how happy [couples’ names] make each other, and if I find a love that’s half as perfect as theirs, I’ll be a lucky, lucky person.”

This reiteration brings your speech full circle and highlights the love and happiness that radiates from the newlyweds. This will leave a heartfelt and enduring message to share with everyone.

Share your advice and thoughts

You could also round off your speech by giving your thoughts on love and marriage and any advice you may have for the newlyweds. If you aren’t in a position to offer any advice, a quote about love, a wedding reading, or a line from a song are also great ways to end your speech.

This approach not only imparts wisdom and reflection, but also serves as a thoughtful and fitting conclusion to your wedding speech.

End on a positive note

As with any part of a wedding speech, end on a positive note. This could be a final blessing, one last thank you, or even a warm smile. You’ve done the hard part; all that’s left is to seal the speech with a final dose of love and warmth.

Cheers to the couple

The best part of any speech— it’s time to raise your glasses of fizz to the sky and toast the happy couple. Invite the rest of your guests to join you in a toast to the happy couple’s good fortune and good health. Cheers!

The bottom line on wedding toasts

Wedding speeches can be challenging, especially when it comes to starting and finishing strong. With thoughtful preparation, genuine emotions, and a celebratory toast to close, you can deliver a speech that not only captivates the audience but also leaves a memorable mark on the newlyweds’ special day.

A friendly introduction, expressing gratitude to the couple, venue staff, and guests, a heartfelt quote about love, and ending with a smile and a toast are simple yet effective elements that will ensure your speech is heartfelt and well-received. These steps provide a solid structure for creating a memorable wedding speech that shines.

If you’re still sitting there wondering how to start your own wedding speech, or how to end it, we’ve got plenty of fabulous wedding speech examples right here on Bridebook. We have brilliant examples of father of the bride, groom, and mother of the bride speeches that you’ll love!

Credits for hero image: Photo © Kari Bjorn Photography (https://www.karibjorn.com)

Happy Planning!

The Ultimate Canadian Wedding Budget Breakdown

Don’t know what you should spend money on for your wedding? Well, luckily for you, Bridebook is home to the most powerful wedding budget planner available.

Simply enter your total wedding funds, give us a few basic details, and in one click you’ll have your very own expert breakdown of your wedding costs. You’ll know exactly where to spend your money for your special day – and the real fun of planning can begin!

Find out how you should allocate your wedding funds!

Want to get started with ballpark figures? Below you’ll find a complete wedding budget breakdown, based on the average total costs of Canadian wedding suppliers. The average amount spent by Canadian couples on their wedding comes to $30,000.

Now, let’s break it down…

The Average Total Cost of a Wedding = $30,000

The expert wedding budget video course: learn how to break down your wedding budget

Creating a wedding budget breakdown is one of the most important steps to tick off on your wedding planning checklist, whether you’re planning a more affordable DIY wedding on a budget or a more extravagant celebration. In this video course, Bridebook founder (and qualified wedding planner) Hamish Shephard explains how to set and manage your wedding budget, and reveals how you could save thousands on your wedding venue, catering and other suppliers.

Average cost of a wedding venue:

$8,000-$9,500

Your wedding venue is easily the single most important part of your planning – so it’s no surprise that it’s also the most expensive part of your wedding budget! Choosing your wedding venue really is step one of your wedding planning journey, and it affects every aspect of your big day.

Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing your venue? Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you! We don’t mean to brag, but we’ve got the largest wedding venue directory in Canada.

With our wedding venue search tool, you and your partner can find your dream venue faster than you can say, “I do!” If you know exactly what you’re looking for, you can kick things off by searching by name, location or style. If you’re just getting started with your venue search, try using filters such as “barn” or “city” and “budget” or “luxury” to get an idea of what’s out there.

Average cost of wedding catering:

$7,000-$8,500 (varies on the number of guests)

As you might expect, the total cost of your catering will be 100% dependent on the number of guests you invite to your wedding. Your guest list will have a big impact on what you’ll spend on your wedding overall as well, so we recommend making some rough decisions about the size of your guest list as early as possible in your wedding planning if you can.

Since caterers usually charge by the head, cutting some co-workers or +1s from your guest list might be your first move if you’re looking to save a few hundred dollars on your wedding. Another easy way to cut costs is to go for food trucks, sharing plates or a buffet over a set menu or traditional sit-down meal. Not only is this a great option for couples planning a wedding on a budget, but it’s also ideal for those wanting a more relaxed atmosphere on their big day.

Average cost of wedding photography:

$1,500-$2,500

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, so it’s important that those memories last forever. That makes choosing the right wedding photographer one of your key decisions. After all, you’ll be looking at their photos for years to come, so it’s absolutely worth the investment!

How much you pay will depend on the photographer, the service you want and the specific package you choose. If you want to cut costs and make your budget go further, ordering a digital album instead of a hard copy can save you some serious cash.

Average cost of wedding videography:

$1,500-$2,500

You might be asking yourself, “Why do I need a wedding videographer when I already have a wedding photographer?” Well, while a photographer can capture the key moments and highlights in a few snapshots, we’re betting you’ll want to remember every second of your wedding day – and having a designated wedding videographer will allow you to do just that.

As with wedding photographers, some videographers cost more than others. If having an absolutely jaw-dropping video is a priority for you, consider cutting back on some of your other suppliers to make room in your wedding budget.

Average cost of wedding flowers:

$1,000-$2,000

How much do wedding flowers cost? Well, that depends on the type of flowers you want at your wedding. Though, in our opinion, our best bet is to go with seasonal flowers. It’s a great aesthetic, can mean big savings if you’re on a budget, and can even bag you some sustainability points! But whatever you do, never, ever underestimate how much flowers can transform your wedding!

Average cost of wedding decor & furniture hire:

$500-$2,000

Decoration isn’t just about the flowers! Don’t forget that many venues require you to hire all your furniture and other decorative features (especially “blank canvas” venues). This might be from the venue itself, your caterer, or a third party – but either way it’s an additional cost to factor in.

Something that can also eat up a big chunk of your wedding budget is marquee hire. If you’re hiring an outdoor venue for a winter wedding, you’ll definitely need one. If marquee hire isn’t included, this extra cost will add quite a few hundred dollars to your budget. So, our top tip? Aim to book an all-inclusive venue which offers a two-in-one decoration and hire package. That way, you won’t have to worry about extra costs later on!

Average cost of a wedding cake:

$500-$700

The wedding cake is one of the best bits of any wedding (or at least, we think so!). There are two main things that will affect the cost of your wedding cake. The first is the number of tiers you go for. This comes down to how many people you’re trying to feed and what kind of look you want. At the end of the day, more cake means more money…but one sneaky way to cheat the system if you’re on a budget is to order a cake that uses dummy layers.

The second factor is whether you want a traditional fruit wedding cake or a more modern sponge with fresh fruit. While the former can be made further in advance, the latter will need to be baked the night before or even the day of the wedding itself, which makes them that bit more expensive.

If you have a baker in the family, why not ask them to bake your wedding cake? They might offer you “mates rates” or even make it for free as their wedding gift to you. Then you can use the money you save to invite a couple more guests…or put it towards your honeymoon!

Average cost wedding music:

$500-$1,500

With a million-and-one amazing options to choose from, deciding on your ideal wedding music is no easy decision. You’ll want to think carefully about three things. Firstly, what do you and your partner want? Do you see yourself and your partner swaying to a romantic live band, or is techno not something you’re giving up on your big day? Secondly, what will your guests enjoy? And finally, what will fit in with the style and vibe of your wedding?

When it comes to pricing and budgeting, the first question is whether or not you have your heart set on live music. A DJ is almost always cheaper than a live band and can be just as good.

Average cost of a wedding dress:

$1,500-$2,500

There’s a breathtakingly beautiful wedding dress out there for everyone – and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg! Many large online retailers now have a bridal section, where you’ll find lovely, more affordable wedding dresses. Brides that are looking for affordable and more sustainable options may also opt for a vintage or second-hand wedding dress.

Average cost of wedding beauty (hair & makeup):

$300-$1,000

The way a bride envisions her wedding is simple: she looks drop-dead gorgeous next to her prince or princess. And who makes all of this possible? Trick question! All you need to look absolutely stunning is a beautiful, happy smile…but yeah, a little hair and makeup will help too!

With thousands of fantastic hair and makeup artists all across Canada, we’re sure you’ll find your dream wedding make-up artist and hair stylist no matter your budget.

Average cost of wedding suit:

$500-$1,000

When it comes to figuring out how much you should spend on each part of your wedding, most couples overlook the groom’s attire and menswear. But the groom and groomsmen will want to look gorgeous on their W-Day just as much as the bride and bridesmaids will.

Our top tip? Communication. Make sure both your ushers and your bride are comfortable with what you choose to wear. You don’t have to be all “matchy-matchy”, but when your wedding comes together as a whole, the groom will be one of its central pieces…so keep that in mind!

Average cost of wedding rings (incl. engagement ring):

$4,500-$7,500

As small as they are, don’t forget your wedding rings! They might just be the most significant detail of your wedding. After all, they’re a lasting symbol of your love and commitment to your partner, and will be with you both for the rest of your lives. Just like engagement rings, they’re also an added cost to your overall wedding budget…but definitely one you shouldn’t cut!

Average cost of wedding stationery:

$300-$600

Wedding stationery includes everything from save-the-dates and invitations to programmes and place cards to consider. Therefore, the money you spend on this can vary widely depending on your unique needs and preferences.

While both DIY or online invitations can cost next to nothing, bespoke and handcrafted stationery can cost closer to $800 or more.

Average cost of a celebrant:

$500-$1,000

If you’re looking for a less traditional and more personalized wedding ceremony, you’ll want to hire a celebrant. They’ll give you the freedom and flexibility to truly personalize how you celebrate your love with your partner.

Average cost of wedding favours:

$250-$750

Who doesn’t like wedding favours? They’re a great way of giving your guests something to remember your special day by. Favours can be as big or as small as you like, depending on your budget and preferences (and how many guests you have).

And remember, you don’t have to give favours at all! A lot of couples wonder whether or not wedding favours are a necessary cost – and honestly, it depends! For many of your guests, attending your big day will have been enough of a gift. But if you have money left in your budget…go for it! We actually get this question a lot on our Bridebook Instagram page, which you should follow immediately if you want wedding tips, inspiration and a little bit of Bridebook silliness.

Average cost of wedding transport:

$500-$1,000

Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you organize taxis for your entire guest list! But whether you’re thinking of making a low-key arrival or even planning on flying down the aisle (no, seriously, it’s been done before!), don’t overlook your own wedding transport. From vintage cars and carriages to tandem bikes and trucks, there are lots of options to make your transport fit the vibe of your wedding.

When making decisions about your transport, a key consideration is how far your ceremony is from your accommodation and the reception venue. So maybe don’t choose to make your entrance on a tandem bike if you’re getting married five kilometres away from your wedding venue! And if you’re looking to cut this cost completely, why not ask a friend or relative if you can borrow their super cool car? Not only will they be flattered, but you’ll also save some $$$!

Average cost of a honeymoon

$5,000-$8,000

The honeymoon is understandably a big post-wedding cost. Trends suggest older couples are more likely to stay in Canada, while younger Gen Z couples are looking to travel more, favouring the beaches of the Maldives, Caribbean, Greece and Italy for their honeymoons.

Plan your dream wedding on Bridebook

So, that’s how a wedding breaks down for the average Canadian couple. Now it’s time to find out what your personalized budget breakdown will be, so you can get cracking with your planning!

See your personalized wedding budget breakdown now!

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding, we’ve got plenty of cost-cutting hacks, so you can have your dream wedding without going over your budget. From venue saving tips to guest list considerations, we’ve got you covered.

How Much Does a Wedding Venue Cost in Canada?

When it comes to planning your wedding, there will be plenty of important choices to make – ranging from the enormous to the teeny tiny. Many of these choices will be optional, but one of the biggest will be making sure you choose the right venue. After all, it’s where you and your guests will spend the entire day and can’t be changed once the big day arrives.

As you work out your wedding budget, you’ll need to make sure you dedicate enough toward your ideal venue. Whether it’s a hotel, a golf course, a vineyard, a village hall, or anywhere else you want to marry that special someone, you’ll need to budget accordingly.

Below, we’re going to take a look at the average cost of a wedding venue, what’s included in that cost, and any unexpected fees you should look out for.

How much does the average wedding venue cost?

Married couple at Algonquin Eco-Lodge, Canada — Photo © Algonquin Eco-Lodge | See their Bridebook profile

With the average total cost of a wedding in Canada rising to $30,000 over a third of that cost is likely to go towards the venue. In 2024, the average cost of a wedding venue is around $8,000-9,500. Of course, this figure can vary dramatically depending on different factors, including the type of venue and where in the country the venue is located.

For example, on average, venues are $2,000 to $3,000 more expensive in Vancouver than in Montreal. However, that’s not to say that one is better than the other – it’s all a matter of taste, what’s right for you, and how far you and your guests want to travel.

How can the cost of a wedding venue vary?

Average wedding venue prices in Canada — Data gathered from the average venue costs of Canadian couples on Bridebook in 2023 and 2024.

There’s a range of wedding venues available across Canada, so whatever your budget you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something to your taste:

Affordable: $3,000 – $8,000
Moderate: $8,000 – $15,000
Luxury: $15,000 – $22,000
Super luxury: $22,000+

How does the type of venue affect the cost?

Wedding venue prices in Canada per venue type — Data gathered from the average venue costs of Canadian couples on Bridebook in 2023 and 2024.

The type of wedding venue you choose affects the price, with certain types of venue costing significantly more than others on average. According to our 2024 Wedding Reports, couples are more likely to spend the most on venues for weddings at castles, stately homes and country houses, and the least on registry offices, places of worship and restaurants.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost depending on the venue type, based on data gathered from couples planning their wedding on our platform in 2024:

Castle: $20,000 – $25,000
Stately home: $18,000 – $22,000
Country house: $16,000 – $20,000
Golf course: $14,000 – $18,000
Event venue: $9,000 – $13,000
Hotel: $11,000 – $14,000
Barn: $9,000 – $12,000
Outdoor: $9,000 – $11,000
City venue: $10,000 – $12,000
Restaurant: $8,000 – $10,000
Place of worship: $7,000 – $9,000
Registry office: $2,000 – $3,000

What does the cost of a wedding venue include?

Caledon Valley Estate wedding venue, Canada — Photo © Caledon Valley Estate | See their Bridebook profile

The cost of the venue will include rental of the space itself, however, it can also include additions and the use of certain facilities, such as:

Tables and chairs
Linens, such as tablecloths, napkins and chair covers
Lighting and sound
Wine and bubbles for the tables
Bar services
Catering
Coordination and setup

Exactly what’s included in the cost of the venue is something that you’ll need to confirm with the venue. For example, some venues won’t have catering facilities and will require you to arrange your own vendors.

Why are wedding venues so expensive?

Wedding at the Forest and Stream Club, Canada — Photo © The Forest and Stream Club | See their Bridebook profile

“Couples benefit from being “one-time customers” that venues are trying to attract and therefore price is a key lever. The venue market has become extremely competitive with diminishing margins. So many features at the top of couples’ lists come with high maintenance costs. For example, listed and historic buildings, extensive grounds. Remember you are paying such that the venue is maintained in a way to be at its best on your big day – and every other couple has the same expectation.”

“Exclusivity on your day means you are the sole revenue stream for the venue. So when faced with budget challenges, take time to prioritise what is most important. Is it exclusivity on the day for your wedding, is it the historic setting, is it the extensive grounds, is it having it for multiple days to set up and clear up, is it having lots of staff support from the venue for planning it all – they all drive the price point that the venue needs to continue to operate.”

What factors can affect the cost of a wedding venue?

Millbrook Cathedral wedding venue in Canada — Photo © Millbrook Cathedral | See their Bridebook profile

We’ve already highlighted how the type and location can affect the cost of a venue, but there are plenty of factors that can contribute towards how much you might pay for your dream venue.

Size

Naturally, the higher the number of guests you’d like to invite, the larger the venue will need to be. Of course, it makes sense that a venue with a 30-person capacity will usually be more affordable than one that can accommodate several hundred.

Region

Where you are in Canada significantly affects how much you’ll pay for a wedding venue. For example, couples in major cities like Vancouver or Toronto tend to pay around 30-50% more than the national average. In contrast, venues in smaller towns or rural areas, like those in the Prairies or Eastern Canada, are typically much more affordable.

Dates

As you might imagine, venue prices vary depending on the season. When it comes to choosing a wedding date, spring, summer, and even fall dates are more popular than winter. As a result, you’ll likely find that it’s more affordable to secure a date in January or February than it is in July or August.

Similarly, Fridays and the weekend – particularly Saturday – are more expensive than weekdays, as well as specific dates like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve.

It may be possible to grab a bargain if you’re open to a last-minute booking during off-peak times or based on a cancellation – though this risks you missing out by catching vendors and guests off-guard. Here at Bridebook, we offer late availability deals at many of our partner venues – just filter by ‘Special Offers’ when searching for a wedding venue.

Packages

The majority of wedding venues will have packages that can include anything from a glass of bubbly for the guests on arrival to a free stay for the newlyweds on the night. If you definitely don’t want one of these, you can ask your chosen venue if they can exclude some items to give you a lower price.

Catering

According to recent data on Canadian weddings, a significant portion of couples prefer venues that include catering as part of their package. For example, in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, many popular venues offer all-inclusive packages that bundle catering, often resulting in a higher overall cost. Venues that include catering can increase the total spend by several thousand dollars. In Canada, couples typically spend $10,000 to $15,000 on venues with catering, which is significantly more than choosing a venue-only option where external catering is brought in. Venues without catering are often the cheaper option if you’re only considering the venue cost.

Exclusive use

Exclusive use of the wedding venue means that you and your guests will be the only ones on the premises during your special day, so you don’t need to worry about anybody accidentally stumbling in and helping themselves to the buffet. Normally, venues that offer exclusivity will charge slightly more, but it’s definitely worth it.

What are some unexpected costs or fees at a venue?

Rustic wedding venues with ambiant lights

When speaking with the venue, you should clarify early on what is and isn’t covered, otherwise you may find yourselves being hit with one or two (or six or seven!) surprise costs that can cause your budget to spiral.

Some potential hidden fees to be mindful of include:

Taxes
Gratuities
Security deposit to cover loss and damages
Cleaning fees
Insurance
Overtime fees
Corkage fees

How much does it cost to decorate a wedding venue?

W Event Boutique wedding venue — Photo © W Event Boutique | See their Bridebook profile

Once you’ve chosen your venue and signed on the dotted line, there may be additional costs to bear in mind to make sure it’s decorated to perfectly match your tastes. Decoration hire, such as unique lighting and features, may not be included in the cost and is another cost to factor into your budget.

Have you discovered your dream venue?

Are you planning your wedding and umming and ahhing over the perfect venue? Bridebook’s wedding planning tools provide you with everything you need to plan your wedding stress-free!

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding venue, we’ve got plenty of money-saving tips to help you stay firmly within your budget.

Happy Planning!

How to Write the Perfect Engagement Party Speech

An engagement party is a brilliant way to celebrate your engagement and surround yourself with your family and friends. Whether you choose to have a formal bash at a countryside hotel or an intimate barbecue in your back garden, everyone will be there to celebrate your engagement and talk about your future wedding plans.

As part of the celebrations, it’s common for there to be speeches at an engagement party to thank everyone for coming. It’s also likely that other members of your family, friends and future wedding party will want to say a few words as well, and offer you love and encouragement for the journey you’re about to take.

But what do you say in an engagement party speech? Should it be long? Funny? Lovey-dovey? Who should give a speech and do you have to give one even if you don’t want to?

In this post, we’re going to dive into everything you need to know about how to write the perfect engagement party speech so you can approach your speech with confidence and say exactly the right things.

Who gives a speech at an engagement party?

Traditionally, you should be prepared to give a short speech at your engagement party. This could be one of you or both of you, depending on who feels confident enough to stand up and speak in front of your family and friends.

If someone is hosting the party, such as the father of the bride, then it’s also common for them to thank everyone for coming.

Depending on your guests, anyone else is also more than welcome to say a few words. This could be any of your parents, a member of your wedding party (such as the best man or maid of honor), your siblings or your friends. There are no hard and fast rules at an engagement party, so if anyone would like to wish you well and congratulate you, it should be encouraged.

Do you have to give a speech at your engagement party?

While giving a speech at your engagement party isn’t mandatory, it’s a thoughtful way to thank your guests. The type of party you host can influence expectations. For a formal celebration with a full meal, DJ, and dancing, a speech will likely be anticipated. However, for a more casual gathering, like a game night with pizza and drinks, it might not be expected — but it’s still a nice touch to express your gratitude for everyone attending.

What if you’re too nervous to speak at an engagement party?

If you’re really not happy to give a speech at your engagement party, then there are no rules stating that you have to. There’s always the option to have someone do it on your behalf, such as your mom or your best man.

If you can find the courage to do so, your guests would love it if you could give a very short speech. It doesn’t have to be a 20-minute stand-up routine, just 30 seconds to thank everyone for being there to celebrate with you.

When do you give a speech at an engagement party?

Unlike a wedding, there aren’t strict rules about when to give a speech at an engagement party. It depends on the event’s tone. For a casual gathering, you might want to offer a quick thank you early on, once everyone has arrived. At a more formal affair, it’s best to give your speech either just before or after dinner, as that’s when guests are already gathered together.

Is an engagement party speech the same as a wedding speech?

Engagement party speeches and wedding speeches have a lot of similarities, but they’re not exactly the same. Read our article on wedding speech examples to see the sort of thing they include. There are a few subtle differences that mean they’re not exactly interchangeable. These include:

The tone is more relaxed and informal in an engagement party speech. You may not even choose to write a speech, and instead speak from the heart to thank your guests for coming.
Wedding speeches are often a lot more sentimental and emotional.
Unlike a wedding speech, you might not choose to talk about your relationship at all and save that for the wedding. However, if others choose to speak, don’t be surprised if they talk about you a lot.
Engagement party speeches are short, sharp and to the point, whereas wedding speeches can last a comparatively long time.

Can an engagement party speech be funny?

An engagement party speech can take any shape you like. If you want to keep it light with a few jokes, that’s great. If you prefer just a short, simple thank you, that works too.

Expect a variety of tones if others speak. The best man might go for laughs, while parents may be more sentimental. For a humorous touch, share fun anecdotes about how you met, but keep things light and avoid too many inside jokes. Balance the humor with sincerity and always finish by expressing your gratitude to the guests.

How long should your engagement party speech be?

Unlike a wedding speech, which could be as long as 10 minutes (or more, depending on the speaker) an engagement party speech is usually far shorter. Generally, you wouldn’t want to speak for more than a couple of minutes so you can save most of what you have to say for the wedding itself. The main point you should get across is how glad you are that your guests could make it to be there to celebrate with you.

What should you include in an engagement party speech?

Depending on who’s giving an engagement party speech, there’s different information you might want to include:

You’re giving a speech at your own engagement party:

Thank everyone for coming and how much it means that they’re there to celebrate with you and your new fiance.
Acknowledge your loved ones and the loved ones of your fiance.
You might want to talk about the proposal and how it felt. Highlight anything funny that might have happened and make a joke out of it.
Reference how you feel about your partner and how you’re excited to take this next step in your relationship together.
Talk about what you have in store for your wedding. If you haven’t secured a date yet, keep this part relatively vague.
Raise your glass and thank your guests again for being there.

You’re giving a speech at someone else’s engagement party:

Introduce yourself and how you know the couple.
Congratulate the couple and how excited and happy you are for them.
Share something personal, such as an anecdote. This is a great opportunity to be funny, but keep things as positive as you can.
Offer compliments about the strength of the couple and how great they are together.
Express your support for the couple and offer to help them should they need it throughout their wedding planning journey.
Acknowledge friends and family, and thank everyone for being there.
Wish the couple luck for the future and raise a toast.

Whether you’re giving a speech at your own engagement party or someone else’s, aim to keep it light, brief, and heartfelt. Save most of your material and top jokes for the wedding itself — after all, the engagement party is just a warm-up for the big day!

Tips for writing the perfect engagement party speech

Before you sit down to think about what to say in your engagement party speech, think about these tips:

Don’t forget to let the guests know who you are. There might be some guests you haven’t met which can be quite confusing for them.
Don’t be afraid to be truthful and honest. You might not want to shed a tear in front of people, but it’s about two people falling in love and getting engaged – tears are practically expected.
Don’t outstay your welcome – no one expects an engagement party speech to go on longer than two minutes or so.
Make notes about what you want to say, and learn your speech by heart. That way, it’ll come across as more natural and not like you’re reciting lines.
Practice, practice, practice.
Avoid too many in-jokes. If you have to include one, try to give the rest of your guests some context.
Short is most definitely sweet.

Engagement party speech examples

Ready to start writing your engagement party speech but need a little more inspiration to help you get started? Here are a couple of engagement party speech examples you can use as a starting block for your own.

Example 1: the humorous yet heartfelt one (for those who don’t mind public speaking):

Good evening everyone. I’m Jackson, and on behalf of my beautiful new fiance, Rebecca and I, I’d like to thank you all for coming to our engagement party. We’re so happy you could all be here tonight to celebrate with us. You all get to spend the next few hours in my company, which is a shame for you all, but you can at least be thankful you’re not Rebecca, who now gets to spend the next fifty plus years with me.
For those of you who don’t know, I proposed to Rebecca in Toronto, in the shadow of the CN Tower. Yes, cliché, I know.
Rebecca, I just wanted to say that I’m so excited about our future together. You saying yes was one of the greatest moments of my life and I know what we have in store will continuously top it. We’ve already started browsing venues and you’ve already made what will be a long and difficult challenge so much easier by just being yourself. You make me a better person and I can’t wait to undertake this journey together.
Thank you so much, everyone, for being here, it means the world to Rebecca and me. So, I’d like to raise a glass to say you’re all fantastic and we both love you all very much. Cheers!

Example 2: the short and sweet one (for those not fond of public speaking):

I just want to take a moment, on behalf of myself and my new fiance, to thank you all for coming tonight. We really appreciate everyone taking the time to come and celebrate our engagement with us. So I’d just like to raise a glass in appreciation for you all being here tonight. Thank you!

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

After your engagement party, the real fun begins as you and your fiance dive deep into planning your perfect wedding. Sign up to Bridebook and use our helpful tools and resources to plan your wedding with ease.

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Happy Planning!