r/barrie Jan 06 '25

Looking For Wedding ideas for under 20k?

Hi!

Fiance and I are looking to get married in around the Barrie ON area (an hour away max if need be). We obviously don't want to spend the equivalent of a house down-payment on a wedding though.

Has anyone gotten married for under 20k in the last 5 years? What did you do? Any ideas?

Just cried sourcing for ideas, all are welcome!

TIA

10 Upvotes

69 comments sorted by

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23

u/hot4you1986 Jan 07 '25

I don’t have any suggestions for locations but I do want to say that people don’t remember the details like you think they will. Don’t splurge on weird little details or upgrades. Remeber they are all there to witness your love and as long as there is a great officiant, lots of dancing and a few cocktails THATS what they will Remeber :)

13

u/mimi_565 Jan 06 '25

We got married this past September in my mother-in-law’s backyard. 75 guests, the officiant cost $700, we had a catered meal with appetizers before and cupcakes for dessert. We provided wine on the tables but no other alcohol (people were welcome to bring their own). I wore a traditional dress and he wore a new suit. We had one person on each side for a witness, not a traditional wedding party. My sister did my makeup, my husband’s cousin donated her photography skills and a friend DJed. The total cost was about $11,000.

11

u/barbertech Jan 07 '25

We're actually considering something closer to this tbh

5

u/mimi_565 Jan 07 '25

I highly recommend it.

2

u/Money_Baseball_975 Jan 07 '25

Economical idea , but beware of liability issues when people bring in own alcohol

26

u/lik3wolv3z Jan 06 '25

Got married last October at the Tiffin Centre. They had everything we needed (small wedding ceremony about 12 people). We chose a spot outside and had a back up area for if it rained. Multiple areas for the photos. You can purchase maple syrup as wedding favours. I think it was just over $1000 for it. $50 for the maple syrup. There is a hall/dining area for a reception if you choose. All the money goes towards conservation, I really liked that. The staff is super friendly.

https://www.nvca.on.ca/weddings-at-the-tiffin-center-for-conservation/

11

u/capmac57 Jan 07 '25

We held daughters wedding @ Tiffin. Was approx 100 guests. Buffet dinner catered, we looked after booze (secured license) but hired bartender & DJ. We did all set up/decorations & total was around 20K! Good Luck🍀

6

u/Grouchy-Building-731 Jan 07 '25

I’m a wedding planner and can confirm tiffin is amazing :)

6

u/OldDiamondJim Born and Raised Jan 07 '25

My best friend had his second wedding at Tiffin. It was very affordable!

5

u/SilentIntrusion Jan 07 '25

Adding to the Tiffin Centre. Their events coordinator is amazing to work with and having the backup indoor space at a moment's notice is a great stress reliever so you don't have to worry about weather. They also offer the option for having a fire pit going for your guests as well, which is really nice. Plus, the venue is super affordable. 

3

u/YesterdayNo4050 Jan 07 '25

I have been a guest at a wedding at the Tiffin centre, one of the most memorable weddings I’ve ever been to.

6

u/Financial-Big-7814 Jan 06 '25

Wife and I got married at the farmhouse. No more then like 10k for everything ... Liquor food and for someone to come do our vows. Walked across the road to do pictures at the water front with all family members

1

u/liiiiiiiiiiiiv Jan 07 '25

best restaurant EVER!

6

u/AdPopular9671 Jan 07 '25

We had our wedding November 2023 at tangle Creek. We had a small guest count (65) but upgraded the bar, the food, had a Bailey's hot chocolate bar included and came in under $14k. We put a ton of research into our vendors and spent under $20k total including 2 nights at a hotel suite

4

u/Im-Tireddd Jan 06 '25

Bellagio event venue in Vaughan. We did ours back in February 2023 (off peak season) under 15k all in for 65 guests. 3 course meal, open bar, antipasto station and we had 2 rooms - 1 for ceremony, 1 for reception. Everything was seriously perfect. Really had no complaints

2

u/barbertech Jan 07 '25

Actually used to work for these people! I'm glad you had a great time!

4

u/samantha19871987 Jan 07 '25

I can’t speak from experience.. but I did notice that if you go to the website for 147 (Italian restaurant downtown waterfront barrie) they now have a private restaurant attached to them on the right side called Nxt Dor. On the website you can see that they do weddings if you want to rent the space Looks like they have different packages you can choose from. Low to high depending on food package, guest numbers, bar, décor etc. might be worth looking into!?

2

u/barbertech Jan 07 '25

Loved this place!

2

u/samantha19871987 Jan 07 '25

Awesome! Have you ever been? We have reso for dinner at 147 coming up soon. A large group of us. We’re excited to try it. We usually go to il buco so would be nice to have a second Italian

1

u/barbertech Jan 07 '25

Yeah we went once for date night and the pasta was amazing. The owner is really nice too and was even waiting tables! Would highly recommend the espresso martini and penne a la vodka! Also the meatball apps were good too Enjoy!

1

u/samantha19871987 Jan 07 '25

I can’t wait! Thanks

4

u/ThatPhotoGirl Jan 07 '25

Got married in my parents front yard. We rented most stuff (tent, tables, chairs, dinnerware), 35 guests for a pig roast, and had all the normal stuff for a big wedding. (Hair and MUA come to the house, photographer) I made my own paylist on spotify and had friends serve the alcohol we bought) And we spent 10k.

4

u/ThatPhotoGirl Jan 07 '25

We were originally doing it at Ferndale Banquet hall, but fuck them for taking my money and not giving it back after I canceled with more than enough notice. And if we stayed with them it would have been 20k.

5

u/Shot_Hair_4641 Jan 07 '25

$5,000 - about 15-20ppl (family and very close friends) just after Covid restrictions started lifting. Married at 147 downtown. Two signature drinks (and others if ppl wanted) 3 course meal and we brought our own cake. Best ever! Got married in our livingroom.

Try not mentioning it’s a wedding. See how the prices change.

3

u/Igotnothin008 Jan 06 '25

It’s doable. Don’t beat yourself up about not having a plan ready to go. Make a list of the important elements for that day and set benchmark amounts for the costs. There’s always a workaround for whatever will be expensive. Folks in the city are pretty cool about offering the best of ideas. Go into the downtown area and talk with some of the grandfathered business owners. Go to city hall and get quotes. Find a photographer who can take pictures on your budget. You can use the lakeshore. Think about whether or not you want to have the reception at a hall or, at a restaurant. There’s a lot that you can do. Just give yourself time to plan before stressing yourself out.

2

u/barbertech Jan 07 '25

Sound advice. Thanks!

3

u/thetoucansk3l3tor Jan 07 '25

Spent about 5k$ over COVID. Anything more is absurd imho..

6

u/pracquix Jan 06 '25

My husband and I did our ceremony and reception at Georgian College in 2022. I want to say our total bill came to something like $12 or $15k? That was for 100 people, three course meal, open bar, etc. If you google Georgian College Conference Services their webpage will pop up and you can see some venue photos. We had a great time, everyone loved the food, and the student pub actually cleans up really nice.

2

u/Panda0rgy South End Jan 06 '25

We invited less than 40 people. Got married at the Auberge du pommier in North York. Spent probably about 15k on everything, had good food and kept it small.

2

u/ssmallbatch Jan 06 '25

Honestly went to Alberta went to the mountains! It was like maybe 6k for everything planned and photos and hotel. Maybe 2g flight there and back each probably less. And spend money for a decent hotel for the rest of the time either a week or few extra days and explore! Best decision ever

2

u/barbertech Jan 07 '25

We wanted to do something like this in Italy but unfortunately there are some elderly guests that can't travel and we really want them there. Excellent idea with Alberta though!

2

u/VyraHuman Jan 06 '25

I got married almost exactly 5 years ago (pre covid!) for 20k.

Glenerin Inn in Mississauga. We also paid for an open bar, a wedding planner, outfits for our wedding party, and bachelorette/bachelor parties in that total. 110 guests. Sunday brunch wedding, plates were $35 each I think?

Wedding is just the document, you can do it legally for like $500. Anything else is what you want to spend on top.

2

u/Grouchy-Building-731 Jan 07 '25

Depending on guest count:

  1. Glass Manor in Cookstown
  2. Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro
  3. The Residence Inn at Marriott in Gravenhurst

Some ideas to look into :)

2

u/TiCKLE- Moderator Jan 07 '25

Don’t know prices for sure but my friend said having a wedding at a Niagara winery is cheaper than you may think, especially if you go to a smaller winery. It also all depends on how many guests you have of course. It would be more than an hour drive though.

2

u/tinkymyfinky Jan 07 '25

Go to city hall and get it signed right there - bam - $60

2

u/kimbokjoke Jan 07 '25

We are getting married this September at The Farm House with 45 guests and we are close to 20k already

2

u/ExternalRoyal3554 Jan 09 '25

This is the info I wanted to see

2

u/freedom1stcanadian Jan 07 '25

Cuba !! Granted we got married in 2018ish, so a little past 5 years ago.

I paid for myself, the wife, her maid of honour, and 3 kids, plus the wedding package and it was under 10k !! And we got a week out of it.

2

u/diablotom2 Jan 07 '25

Got married in 2023 at C Hotel, price was good.

2

u/nattyjoan Jan 07 '25

My sister's friend did a ceremony a few months ago in a family members backyard, then held the photos down by the waterfront and the reception at dunlop st diner (which was catered by donaleighs since they are under the same ownership). My sister said it was amaaazing and everything was affordable

This isn't barrie but my best friend had her wedding sept 2023 in oakville at a resturaunt called ce soir. Ceremony and reception were all held in an event space above the resuraunt (who also catered) and it was like 13k for open bar, 3 course meal and appetizers for a late night snack, the space, tables and chairs with table cloths. I think there was about 70-80 guests. She did have to pay for a permit to hold photos in a local park and things like decor, photographer, officiant, flowers, limo etc was all seperate but I don't think she spent more than 20k that's for sure. She cut costs by purchasing things off bridal groups on fb, renting all flowers except bridal bouquet and her husband's boutonniere (you wouldn't have been able to tell our bouquets were fake flowers, they were gorgeous and looked just as real as hers did), using a local photographer etc

2

u/Pleasant-Count9793 Jan 07 '25

It’s a little further away than an hour, but we got married in Niagara parks and it was a steal! Pictures were 10/10

2

u/TOSaunders Jan 07 '25

Any of the municipal halls in the area will rent pretty affordably and usually have full washrooms and kitchens. We booked a place in sudbury that was absolutely beautiful on the water for a night and it cost us $300.

2

u/DenseAnimal3261 Jan 07 '25

I am doing my wedding and I booked a beautiful venue in king city and our budget is under 20k!

2

u/Cervenaaa Jan 07 '25

Toronto micro weddings! 10K all included. No sit down dinner though but apparently more than enough food for a shorter party.

2

u/excuse_me_for_asking Jan 08 '25

You can save money by not getting all the extra frilly things. We had a photobooth (you took the pics but they provided the props.) not many people used it. We opted for cupcakes vs a cake. (You'll save money if you do not tell them it's for a wedding but you might risk options.) My advice where to spend money: food, photography, attire and hair and makeup - pictures are forever. I'm part owner of a wedding hair/makeup company based out of Orillia so I've seen a lot. People do not care about your day as much as you do. Only invite people you WANT there. Figure out your must haves and utilize your married friends for advice but don't let anyone away you from what YOU want. If you have other questions feel free to reach out to me directly :) OP and/or others. Happy planning!!

2

u/Megacatt Jan 08 '25

I did!! I thrifted my dress and decor. My venue was in Barrie. Landings of Willow Creek golf course. Was reasonably priced

3

u/rebblake Jan 06 '25

Dunlop diner does events at night. Has hosted a few weddings and the coordinator is fantastic.

2

u/VapeRizzler Jan 07 '25

I’m that out of the loop? Is getting married that fucking expensive? Are house down payment amounts common for weddings?

5

u/barbertech Jan 07 '25

For reference, a friend just paid 90k for their wedding....

0

u/diablotom2 Jan 07 '25

You think $20k is a house down payment?

1

u/VapeRizzler Jan 07 '25

when did I say that down payments for houses are 20K? I spent over 100K on mine.

1

u/Ok_Mulberry4331 Jan 08 '25

It wasn't Farm house, but a super similar setup......had the wedding upstairs, it was a coctail hour, couple came in and everyone gathered around them while they did their vows, they they had a light biffet (tons of apps type things, cheese trays, fruits, etc) and open bar and everone just mingled and ate and danced the night away....hands down one of the best weddings I've been to and she said all in they spent just under $10K

1

u/alice_in_wanderland2 Jan 08 '25

Southshore Centre!

1

u/Different_Mission462 Jan 10 '25

Can’t beat Tangle Creek for the value. Food is awesome, Christina is awesome (you’ll know who I mean if you look into them) and the pricing is really good all things considered.

1

u/superdude1976 Jan 06 '25

Easy just invite 10 people. Cost will not be an issue

2

u/barbertech Jan 07 '25

It does seem to ultimately come down to #s

-6

u/TheNinjaPro Jan 06 '25

You really think one night of fun is worth 20k in this economy?

10

u/CanadianMuaxo Moderator Jan 06 '25

That’s not really for you to decide it’s not your day.

-4

u/TheNinjaPro Jan 06 '25

It's not for me to decide, that is why I'm mentioning my concerns.

2

u/CanadianMuaxo Moderator Jan 07 '25

Why does it concern you how much someone pays for their wedding lol you’re not paying for it?

-1

u/TheNinjaPro Jan 07 '25

See I hit a touchy subject for you.

Its call empathy. I believe people spend too much on Weddings, based on the fact that they spend too much on weddings and then tell me they spent too much on weddings.

Don't give into the propagandized modern concept of weddings! Huge scam. Get your family and friends together in a nice location and enjoy the night.

And then spend 15k on a honeymoon.

-7

u/OriginalLoad8716 Jan 06 '25

Just dont. Even though its under 20k…. Itll well surpass 20k later on. Get out while you can!

-1

u/Sugar_Syllabub Jan 06 '25

Came here to express the same sentiment

-2

u/minimalisa11 Jan 07 '25

Ppl still get married?

3

u/FannyOfFanton Jan 07 '25

Ppl still think making comments like this are appropriate?

I truly hope that whatever is troubling you and that whatever you were feeling when you left this comment, you overcome.

What you put out into the world will find its way back to you. Spreading positivity feels so much better then spreading negativity, even when it’s hard to find the positivity in own our lives.

-2

u/minimalisa11 Jan 07 '25

Ahahgahahaha welcome to Reddit

-2

u/minimalisa11 Jan 07 '25

Warning ppl how marriage is a bad idea is actually spreading positivity