A new Bank of Montreal survey reveals that nearly half of Canadian millennials—49 per cent—consider attending weddings a major source of financial stress, the highest rate among all generations. In contrast, only 30 per cent of baby boomers reported similar stress, while 43 per cent of Generation X and 38 per cent of Generation Z said the same.
Wedding attendance costs by generation
Overall, about 40 per cent of the 2,500 Canadian respondents said weddings of friends or family cause significant financial strain. On average, Canadians believe they need to spend roughly $1,530 to attend a wedding, broken down into travel and accommodations ($577), clothing and attire ($446), food and drinks ($381), wedding gifts ($370) and other expenses ($401).
Millennials and Gen Xers estimated similar total costs at about $1,567 and $1,559 respectively. Boomers placed the cost lower at $1,218 on average. Gen Zers, however, projected the highest attendance cost at $1,919 per wedding.
Gen Z more likely to decline summer weddings
A separate May survey from Toronto-Dominion Bank found that nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of Gen Z respondents have already declined or are being more selective about attending summer weddings, compared to 48 per cent across all generations.
“The financial pressure of wedding season is real, especially for younger Canadians who may be juggling student debt, housing costs and other expenses,” said a BMO spokesperson in a statement. “Our survey shows that the cost of being a guest can add up quickly, leading many to rethink their attendance.”
Cost of hosting a wedding
For those planning their own weddings, the BMO survey found respondents estimate the total cost at $19,000 on average. This includes food and drinks ($4,884), venue ($4,201), attire, hair and makeup ($2,951), travel and accommodations ($2,834), decorations ($1,713), entertainment ($1,603), and photography and videography ($1,648).
Millennials set the highest estimated wedding cost at $21,365 on average, followed by Gen X at $19,368, Gen Z at $16,931 and boomers at $15,597.
Survey methodology
The BMO report is based on research conducted by Ipsos from December 29, 2025 to January 27, 2026, and is part of the bank’s Real Financial Progress Index, which tracks how Canadians feel about their personal finances and financial progress.
