Traditional vs. Intimate Wedding : Is it Worth It?

Whether you are brand new to the idea of a non-traditional wedding, or you’ve been planning an intimate wedding for years, chances are you know how different they can be. As you flip through bridal magazines or ultra-detailed Pinterest boards, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the possibilities as you start to plan your own. And with weddings ranging from tiny elopements to grand events and everything in between, you might even be asking yourself what’s right for you? We’re going to break down what these two types of weddings are, who they best fit and how you can start planning. 

What is a Traditional Wedding?

Traditional weddings generally involve a lot more of everything –  time spent planning, the budget and the number of guests. These weddings typically take place in a larger venue, with seating charts and schedules, an organized dinner for a crowd of people and selected entertainment. Add it all up, and traditional weddings can be crazy expensive – the average Canadian couple spends $50,000 on their big day! But, if you’ve always dreamed of a wedding that follows the traditions of past generations, this may be the perfect choice for you. 

What is an Intimate Wedding?

An intimate wedding differs from person to person but are generally less expensive, with fewer guests. But that does not mean you’re getting less for your celebration. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. At Wolfville Wedding Chapel, we believe weddings can be simple and stylish without re-mortgaging your house to marry the love of your life. Intimate weddings can be deeply personal and beautiful – not to mention you can totally party after. Ultimately, it comes down to you and your loved one, so pick something that fits your style as a couple. 

How Much Does a Wedding Cost?

If you’ve gotten this far, you’re probably asking: is booking with The Wolfville Wedding Chapel worth the hype and savings? We already know our answer, but we’ll let you decide for yourself! Check out this comparison below to see traditional vs chapel and decide what’s really worth it. 

Here’s a breakdown of the industry standard wedding costs in Canada:

• Venue - $22,500 (Drink and Food Included)

• Officiant - $500

• License - $100

• Cake - $650-1500

• Photographer - $4500-8000

• Wedding Planner - $5000-15,000

• Florals - $3000-10,000

• Music/Entertainment - $2350-10,000

Keep in mind this doesn’t include wedding day attire, party favours, or the honeymoon!

Here’s what you’ll get when you book “The Whole Shebang” Package for $2350+ HST:

• Use of Chapel for 60 minutes

• Up to 20 guests

• Ceremony with a JP

• Photo coverage with an in-house photographer 

• 30 edited digital images

• Access to our retro photo booth

At the end of the day, we want couples to walk into their new lives without a mountain of debt and have the celebration they deserve and can afford. Your wedding should be chic, exciting, easy to plan and should not be financially unbearable. Whether you choose to have a traditional wedding or something in between, there is no “right option.” The choice between intimate or traditional is totally up to you. Keep love at the top of your list, and there’s no way you can go wrong!