Nearly half of Canadians invited to a wedding this summer say attendance costs have affected their RSVP decision, according to a new TD survey, with younger adults reporting the greatest financial pressure.
The survey found 48 per cent of respondents have either declined an invitation because of the expense or become more selective about which celebrations they attend.
Wedding Costs Affect RSVP Decisions
Among Canadians surveyed, 18 per cent said they had already turned down a wedding invitation mainly because they could not afford the associated costs.
Another 30 per cent said they were choosing more carefully which weddings to attend as expenses related to travel, accommodations, gifts and other commitments continue to add up.
The findings suggest rising wedding costs are affecting more than couples planning ceremonies. Guests are also reviewing their budgets before committing to celebrations involving additional travel and spending.
Gen Z Faces Greater Financial Pressure
Younger Canadians reported a stronger impact than the national average.
According to the TD survey, 64 per cent of Gen Z respondents who received wedding invitations said they had either declined an invitation or become more selective about attending weddings this summer.
Gurpreet Kaur, a 21-year-old college student, echoed the broader concerns reflected in the survey when asked about the financial pressures associated with attending weddings.
“When you receive a wedding invitation, the expenses begin long before the event,” Kaur said. “From shopping for an outfit and accessories to buying a gift and covering travel costs, everything adds up quickly. As a student, attending multiple weddings in one season creates real financial stress and forces you to be selective,” she said.
The Gen Z figure stands 16 percentage points above the national average, highlighting the greater affordability challenges affecting younger Canadians during the summer wedding season.
As wedding-related expenses continue influencing guest decisions, couples planning celebrations may face more selective attendance from invitees balancing social commitments with household budgets.
