By Vivian Vassos
When it comes to planning a dream wedding, one detail tends to loom larger than all the rest – the wedding budget. Whether you’re envisioning a glittering downtown hotel affair, a breezy destination celebration, or an intimate micro-wedding, knowing how to set and manage your budget is everything. We asked industry insiders to share their best advice on where to start, what to prioritize, and the clever ways to stretch your dollars without sacrificing style.
The Downtown Luxury Hotel Wedding
The Expert: Murielle Sleiman, catering sales manager and resident wedding expert at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
“The budget for your wedding largely depends on the couple’s personal preferences,” says Sleiman. “Some couples prioritize the quality of food, beverages and overall hotel service, while others may focus more on having top-tier entertainment or décor. For example, some couples might prefer hiring their favourite band and keeping the guest list smaller, with a lower minimum spend. Ultimately, the wedding budget is shaped by the couple’s specific priorities.” Plus, choosing a full-service hotel means everything – from decor to food, to even the wedding planner – is already in-house, with setup, staging and rehearsal time included.
Any other helpful tips? “[Ritz-Carlton] offers special rates for parking and hotel rooms. Couples can either provide a room block for up to 10 guestrooms with no obligation, or they can reserve a block for more than 10 guestrooms, which requires a commitment,” she adds. And the hotel provides a complimentary suite for the couple on their wedding night.
The Destination Wedding
The Expert: Marsha-Ann Donaldson, corporate director, weddings & romance,
Sandals Resorts International
“Setting a budget for a destination wedding can be overwhelming, that’s for sure, as many couples just don’t know where to begin!” says Donaldson. “That’s why consulting with a destination wedding planner can be incredibly helpful. At Sandals Resorts, our dedicated wedding planners guide couples through the process – from start to finish – helping them to understand costs, explore options and truly make the most of their wedding budget, whatever that may be.”
Any other helpful tips? One of the greatest advantages of choosing a resort like Sandals, Donaldson notes, is the flexibility and value it offers with a variety of wedding packages available to suit every budget and guest count. “Whether it’s an intimate elopement or a grand celebration with more than 50 guests, we ensure a seamless planning experience. Plus, we even have a complimentary wedding package, making it easier than ever to say ‘I do’ in paradise.”
The Expert: Sandra Prieto Robles, regional wedding manager of the Americas, Palladium Hotel Group
“I believe it’s all about prioritizing what’s most important to the couple,” says Robles. “I recommend starting by discussing the must-haves, such as the wedding venue, guest list and services, and then work backwards from there.” It’s also essential, she adds, to factor in hidden costs like travel for guests, or additional add-ons. “Once you have a clear picture of what’s most important, you can allocate funds more effectively and avoid any surprises later.”
Any other helpful tips? One thing many couples overlook is the travel logistics for guests, Robles says. “It’s easy to get caught up in the wedding details, but ensuring that your guests have everything they need – like group rates for flights, accommodations and transportation – can make a huge difference.” An experienced advisor, she adds, will help coordinate these details so your loved ones can enjoy the celebration without any travel stress.
The Micro Wedding
The Expert: Melissa Parent, sales manager for weddings, Fairmont Le Château Montebello
“The best way to begin planning a micro-wedding is by first creating your guest list,” Parent says. “Once you have a clear idea of how many people you’ll be inviting, the next step is to find a venue. Be mindful that some wedding locations have minimum guest counts or minimum food and beverage spend requirements, so it’s important to choose a venue that can accommodate a smaller guest list without incurring additional costs.”
Any other helpful tips? Consider the vision for your event. Do you want to keep things intimate and celebrate at a local restaurant? Or are you dreaming of a destination wedding, whether it’s a tropical getaway or a resort just a few hours away? Many couples also choose venues with personal significance – such as a place where they shared their first trip together, a childhood vacation spot, or the location where the proposal took place. The key is to select a setting that feels meaningful and aligns with the intimacy of a micro-wedding.
The Expert: Lauren MacColl, regional sales manager for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts + Rim Rock Resort Hotel, Canada’s Western Mountain Collection
“Begin with a solid wedding budget, select your dream location, then immediately partner with a wedding planner,” says MacColl. “Choosing a planner after securing your venue, particularly for destination weddings, ensures you benefit from their local knowledge and support throughout the entire planning journey.”
Any other helpful tips? Create two lists – List A and List B. Send invitations to those on List A first – many may RSVP quickly, and if some are unable to attend due to prior commitments, you’ll have the opportunity to extend invitations to those on List B. This approach allows you to maintain a more intimate and manageable guest list.
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