That's it! You have decided to elope!
One of the first questions that will come to your mind will probably be: How much? How much should you budget? It is quite a tricky question - even if it may seem super simple at first. It's even more complex if you don't have a lot of expertise in the wedding industry - which is the case for many engaged couples.
Choosing to get married can be very simple - with an all-inclusive formula, for example - or can be more complex if, on the contrary, you want to think outside the box, do what you really wish to, innovate, or drop traditions. If you take the second route, the possibilities are endless and can quickly make your head spin! Fortunately, most professionals in the field will be able to guide you and give you valuable advice.
You'll find here a basis to establish your budget for your elopement in Quebec. A small disclaimer before you actually start; Of course, you can undoubtedly get married for less - the reverse is just as true, for that matter, than the rates mentioned here. This article is based on the average wedding budget of my clients who opted for this formula. I also find it essential to note here that the priority of my couples is quality, and they are willing to pay the right price to get it.
No matter your budget or your priorities, the information here is good to take. At least you will know what to expect!
How much to plan for the celebrant?
The cheapest option is to choose a one-day celebrant. This relative will have to take a short online course to obtain the right to unite you. Price: A bottle of vino to thank him.
Pros: Inexpensive, knows you well, and already shares a special relationship with you.
Disadvantages: If you plan to marry only the two of you, having a loved one as a celebrant may not be well received by some family members. In this case, choosing a professional would really be ideal.
The professional celebrant charges a higher rate, but you will have peace of mind and the confidence that everything has been done as it should. More and more celebrants are offering the ceremony service in the heart of nature, on a mountain, in a city park; in short, they will follow you wherever you go!
On average, you will need to plan between $ 500 and $ 700 for this type of service, according to inclusions and the package chosen.
Benefits: Peace of mind, expertise.
Cons: You have to shop well for your celebrant to have the best connection possible. It is essential to choose someone with whom you can be yourself for this experience.
How much should I plan for my bridal makeup?
I've never experienced professional makeup - I know, shame on me. So I had to ask Mary Kolivas - of Makeup by Mary K -, based in Montreal, how much a bride can expect to pay for her elopement look. She then explained to me that, elopement or not, her rates could not be more straightforward: $ 130 for the bride, $ 90 for family members, procession, and friends. In her prices, Mary takes care to include masks, all the products necessary for your skincare, as well as high-quality cosmetics for everyone. If your elopement is outside the island of Montreal, you will also have to think about adding travel costs.
Of course, the prices mentioned above may vary from one artist to another, but from a general point of view, a budget between $ 110 and $ 200 would be reasonable for a complete bridal look, in addition to applicable travel costs.
How much to plan for our outfits?
The clothes and accessories are without a doubt the most exciting point of all. It's what makes you feel beautiful and utterly irresistible in the eyes of your partner.
Contrary to some popular beliefs, there is no dress code for an elopement. Getting married on top of a mountain doesn't necessarily mean you have to choose a simple dress. Just so you can wear whatever you like, I always drag my portable tent to the top. That way, you can hike at your ease and slip into your dream outfit once at the top. The important thing is choosing the dress/suit that will make you feel like the most special person in the universe. Because this day is yours. In every detail.
I've had couples who chose to wear simple cotton pants from Simons - with a price tag of $69.99 - to match their favorite shirt and walking boots. Other bride and groom opted for complete tailor-made sets from Suitablee with personalized embroidery inside. Personally, I love everything that is texture! If you don't know where to start, take a look at the textures - or my Pinterest boards. Velvet - my absolute favorite - corduroy, woolens, and linen are classic and trendy starting points available in all price ranges.
For dresses, it is much easier to average prices. Justine Alexandre, the owner of Espace Blanc de Blancs, has noticed that brides who opt for an elopement generally have a larger budget envelope to devote to the dress of their dreams. The best-selling dress models for this type of wedding are priced between $ 2,800 and $ 3,100.
What about the videographer?
Some videographers will offer a price especially for elopements, but this is far from being the majority. As with photographers, this type of wedding requires as much time and resources as a more traditional wedding. The hourly rates are then somewhat similar. On the other hand, most couples will opt for a shorter video, as there is little or no speech in an elopement.
Fleurs Sauvages explains that their go-to package for intimate elopements and weddings is their Essential package, which covers 10 hours of video and gives a final film of just over 3 minutes. Prices start at $ 2,699.
Roughly speaking, depending on the length of the finished product, the number of hours on your day, and the videographer you choose, you can set aside between $ 2,000 and $ 4,000. The scale here is quite vague because there are so many variables to take into account.
And if I want a wedding planner?
Again, the prices vary considerably depending on the expertise, specialization, and the type of service chosen. You can select A to Z accompaniment - that's what most of my couples do - or same-day only organization.
For full support, you should plan for at least 15% of your total budget, according to Jodi, the planner at Simply Perfect. The average is around $ 3,000 to $ 3,500.
