TORONTO -
Even with the ups and downs in the economy, a new survey finds couples planning to tie the knot aren't shying away from shelling out big bucks on their big day.
Weddingbells' annual reader survey of more than 1,200 brides-to-be across Canada found that the average expected cost of a wedding is $20,129 - up from $19,279 in 2009.
"Given all the uncertainty in the economy, one would expect that wedding budgets would be on the decline, but instead, we have found that couples are willing to spend big dollars to make their dream wedding happen," said Weddingbells editor-in-chief Alison McGill in a release. "This means importance is placed on every detail leading up to their nuptials."
When it came to footing the bill, the survey found 47 per cent of couples planned to use their own savings to pay for their weddings, 32 per cent rely on family contributions and 14 per cent take out loans.
Brides also clearly aren't sparing any expense on their wedding day attire with an average budget of $1,093 for the bridal gown.
December ranked as the top month to pop the question with nearly one-quarter of proposals taking place during the last month on the calendar.
It may be a celebration about love, but the survey found it wasn't all roses for some couples.
The survey found 17 per cent have more disagreements with their fiance since becoming engaged; however, on the flip side, 54 per cent said the passion is up.
The poll also found nearly one-quarter of respondents may still be pining for their old flames, with 22 per cent admitting they are not completely over their ex.
A national sample of 1,241 readers took part in the online survey which carries a margin of error equivalent to plus or minus 2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
On the Net:
Weddingbells' Annual Reader Survey: www.weddingbells.ca/results.
