In British Columbia, the way people get married has changed, with one local wedding planner saying the ongoing cost of living crisis has had a negative impact.

Everything is more expensive and these increases are creating a domino effect throughout the local wedding industry – a sector that is still trying to recover from the restrictions put in place during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Alicia Keats is a Vancouver-based wedding planner who says trends are changing as couples try to cut corners to save money.

“Getting married has definitely become more expensive. We are still suffering from the effects of the pandemic. In addition to more expensive food, flower prices have also increased. Labor is still hard to come by and therefore more expensive.”

In BC, the way people get married has changed. A local wedding planner says the ongoing cost of living crisis has had a negative impact on it. (Image credit: Sydney Aleisha)

She adds that many who previously worked in the industry left during the pandemic to find work elsewhere or left the province and moved to a less expensive region.

Keats explains that even booking a venue is costly.

“I think it’s because they have to balance the higher labor costs and all the costs they include in their packages.”

She says booking accommodation has also become more expensive since Vancouver started welcoming tourists again and availability has decreased.

“The hotels are at full capacity because we can finally welcome people back to Vancouver, which is also causing room prices to rise.”

Keats is at the forefront of this and advises all her couples to set a budget during the planning stages and stick to it. However, in some cultures this is not always possible as wedding celebrations involve many expectations and can last for several days.

“We work with a wide variety of cultures and a smaller wedding can be challenging because it’s not common and can be seen as offensive. So hosting a smaller wedding isn’t as simple as cutting down the guest list. There’s definitely a lot to consider.”

In BC, the way people get married has changed. One local wedding planner says the ongoing cost of living crisis has had a negative impact. (Source: Blush Wedding Photographers)

Nevertheless, according to Keats, there is a trend towards smaller weddings.

“You can definitely stretch the budget a little further and incorporate the elements that you might have prioritized during the day without having to do it for 200 or 300 people.”

She defines a smaller wedding today as one with 50-80 people or even just 20 people. Keats also sees more matchmakers.

She points out that those who cannot compromise on the number of guests will have to make compromises in other areas, such as decoration and flower arrangements.

Keats says that food is generally a top priority for her clients, but some get creative and time the ceremony so that people are offered appetizers but don’t have to expect a full meal.

She did not reveal how much weddings generally cost these days, as every couple is different. However, she stressed that there is a downside and that some are willing to spend up to $100,000 on their special day.

Keats says if you or someone you know is getting married and you want to figure out some of the bigger expenses like food, go to the person’s favorite restaurant, order a few entrees and drinks, add up the tip and tax, and multiply that amount by the number of guests you plan to invite.

“And then of course everything that goes with flowers, decorations, music, wedding dress, witnesses, etc.”

Keats says the key is to figure out what’s important to you before you say yes.

“I can speak for my own wedding, identify those and that will help you make decisions as you go along. For me, the guest experience was really important. We talked a little bit about how important it is to eat together and that we wanted the people who come to feel that intimacy and connection around food. Photography was really important to me.

“So if you know what those things are, it’s easier to avoid things that will blow your budget.”

Regardless of what your wedding costs, Keats advises: take a moment and enjoy your special day.