Let’s have fun with Canadian weddings!
As someone who is both Canadian and American, I’d like to set the record straight that the weddings held each country are totally alike. Though there are some similarities between the two country’s wedding customs, there have very distinct differences as well. Not to say one is better than the other, they are just unique.
Canada is a beautiful, diverse country with a rich history and a culture all its own. Any Canadian will know how to pick out other Canadians from a crowd, just by hearing them speak. Canadians have their own quirky sense of humor, too. Canadians are known for their politeness. However, make no mistake about it. They are extremely proud of their country and will defend it and their customs to anyone who needs to hear it.
Canadian Weddings (& How They Differ From American Weddings)
Canadian wedding may have some of the same elements of an American wedding. Fathers still walk beautiful brides down the aisle. They have are similar ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions. However, there are nuances that cannot be missed. Canadian weddings have customs ingrained in them that are thoughtful, fun, and have historical significance.
This post may generalize Canadian wedding customs. It’s important to be aware that not all of Canada is the same when it comes to weddings. Canada is the second biggest country in the world. Customs in British Columbia (the western-most province) may differ from customs in Ontario (in the eastern half). The same is true for Ontario compared to Newfoundland (the most eastern province). So, if you’re Canadian and think – “hey, we don’t do that!”, or “we don’t call it that!”, keep in mind that other parts of Canada may be the ones that celebrate the custom.
Another thing to note is that this post is about mainstream Canadian wedding customs. It does not take into account customs that immigrants to Canada bring with them. Canada has a very large immigrant population. It is entirely probable that wedding customs from an immigrant’s country of heritage mix with Canadian practices at many weddings. While I would love to get into the customs that come from other countries, in this post the focus really is on weddings that are purely Canadian.
Let’s get into it, eh!
PRE-WEDDING PLANNING
In my research for this post, I came across some info on Canadian couples and also the events that take place before weddings.
While Canadians do celebrate events like bachelorette parties and bridal showers, and tend to behave a lot like their American counterparts, there are some differences and notable pre-wedding events that most Americans have never heard of.
The Canadian Couple
Canadian couples tend to wait until they are a little older to get married, on average. As of 2015, the average age of a Canadian bride was 30 years old. Perhaps because women in Canada wait until they are a little older to get married, it is not as common for grooms to ask for “permission” before proposing. According to this article by Wedding Wire, 59% of couples polled asked for their parent’s input before getting engaged, compared to 71% of those in the USA. It is also very common for Canadian couples to live together before getting married.
Size and Cost of Canadian Weddings
Canadians don’t seem to have a problem splurging on their weddings, with the average cost being about $29,450. This is still less than the average American wedding, which is around $40,000. It’s a good amount to spend on one day. Many things seem to be more expensive in Canada and the taxes tend to be higher. All things adjusted, $29,450 doesn’t really seem to be as big of a splurge as American weddings.
Due to the average costs, it’s probably easily guessed that the typical Canadian wedding is fairly large, with average guest counts being about 154 people.
Time Of Year To Get Married
It may not come as a shock that Canadian weddings are often planned for summertime. The peak are held in late summer. In fact, according to this article, 20% of Canadian weddings are held in September.
For most of Canada, for most of the year, the weather can be very unpredictable and unfavorable for outdoor weddings. Spring can bring rain (or snow in many places), and Winter is most definitely going to be cold. While of course it’s possible to have a wedding inside where there are temperature controls, couples need to take into account the travel hazards that come up with difficult weather as well. It’s a fair gamble to plan weddings when you’re pretty sure that there will be no cold or icy travel conditions, with maybe only a little rain to worry about, which is why summertime is the best bet.
The interesting thing about this is that the favored time to get engaged is during cold weather months. 20% of Canadian couples get engaged in December, according to a survey by Wedding Bells.
Canadian Wedding Fundraising Party
One of the biggest differences between American and Canadian weddings is the Canadian custom of a pre-wedding fundraising event. This event is meant to raise money for the actual wedding.
The hosts of the fundraiser are usually the couple themselves, or their family or friends. In Manitoba these events are called “socials” and in Ontario they are referred to as “stag and doe” parties. The general premise of these fundraisers is that guests purchase a ticket to enjoy a party with refreshments, food, games, and entertainment. These fundraiser will often include auctions to raise additional funds as well.
The cool thing about them is that anyone who has a ticket is welcome to attend, not just those who are going to be at the wedding.
Trousseau Tea
This is an older and more obsolete tradition, but still noteworthy.
A “trousseau tea” is when the mother of the bride hosts a luncheon or dinner party. The guest list consists of acquaintances and those who are not necessarily invited to the wedding. The bride’s trousseau, or her collections of clothes, jewelry, and linens for use at the wedding, are meant to be on display for everyone to look at. Cakes and other desserts called “dainties” are served in Western Canada.
This tradition seems to go back to the politeness stereotype of Canadians as it was meant to include those who were not invited to the wedding so they could enjoy the marriage as well.
CANADIAN CEREMONY
A typical Canadian wedding ceremony is a lot like the ones you will see in the USA.
Guests will arrive, music will play, the couple and their wedding party (if they choose to have one) will walk down an aisle. An officiant will marry them, and they will have their first kiss. There may also be some Canadian nuances throughout the ceremony as well. Please read on to learn more.
Religion
While the signing of the marriage license is considered sacred and special, religious weddings are going out of style for Canadians. According to this article from Wedding Wire, only 33% of Canadian couples want a religious ceremony. Much like American weddings, Canadian weddings that do not take place in a church are often non-denominational. They may not reference religion at all.
Canadian Vehicle Processional
There is a tradition in parts of Quebec where the couple will meet before the wedding at the bride’s location and travel together with their families in a procession of cars.
The processional cars are often decorated with bells, ribbons, and signs. While driving, the procession will honk and make lots of noise to let others know about the wedding. As the procession makes it’s way to the ceremony location, the participation the community grows. Those who get to see it from the sidelines help the couple gather more support and encouragement. This tradition reminds me of a New Orleans Second Line, where those treated to the processional shout out their well wishes and offer support to the couple as they parade down the streets together.
Canadian Marriage License Signing
Another big difference between American and Canadian weddings is that in Canada the couple typically signs their marriage license during the ceremony.
There is usually a table and chairs set up by the ceremony so the couple can sign their license right away. Music typically plays during the signing. The ceremony signing solidifies that the couple is officially married and “seals the deal”. This practice is rarely seen at American weddings. Typically American couples often wait until after the ceremony to take care of the paperwork. For my wedding, we actually signed the license after our after party.
CANADIAN WEDDING RECEPTION
Canadian wedding receptions do have many of the same elements as weddings that take place to the south of them, but there are some notable difference.
After the ceremony, there is often a cocktail hour. The ceremony is followed by dinner, speeches, and dancing. You may also find some familiar traditions such as tossing the bouquet, cutting the cake, and first dances. A typical Canadian wedding reception is very similar to an American one. However, there are certain things you may see only if you get to go to a reception in Canada.
Length of Canadian Receptions
For whatever reason, Canadian receptions tend to be longer in time than American ones.
This may be a coastal difference, though, because many New York weddings do go into the early morning hours as well. However, on the Western coast of the USA you’ll find that most weddings end by 11pm, whereas Canadian receptions may go until 2pm or even later. As the evening progresses the event becomes much more relaxed, as you can imagine.
Master of Ceremonies
If you go to a Canadian wedding ceremony you may be surprised to find that there is an official Master of Ceremonies (MC), who is usually a friend of the couple.
The person making announcements at American weddings is most likely a DJ or some other paid professional. Canadians tend to recruit an extroverted friend for this task. As with friends who officiate, a friend who is acting as MC probably knows both members of the couple very well. They are able to tell stories and bring up history as part of the role. The MC should also be ready to announce certain things like dinner and cake cutting.
Wedding Toasts
Perhaps because receptions are longer in length in Canada, there are more opportunities for those at the wedding to speak publicly.
During Canadian wedding receptions, the bride and groom may speak about couples who have influenced them or have been there for them thus far. They also give thanks to those in attendance at the wedding. Guests will also take turns speaking to tell the couple how they feel about their union and offer future support. American wedding speeches tend to be very short and limited. Canadians make a point to take their time with this part of the reception.
The Bar
Canadians are very likely to have alcohol served at their wedding.
While the bar may may not be a totally free all night long, it is likely there will be a bar. Cash bars are more common in Canada, as Canadian wedding host will almost always surely make sure alcohol is available for those who want to drink it. In fact, about 87% of Canadian weddings serve alcohol.
Canadian Sock Dance
The Sock Dance is a variation of a Money Dance, which is often still seen at American weddings.
Guests are encouraged to dance with the bride during a Money Dance. They may also dance with the groom. While dancing, they hand them money or pin cash to their attire. In contrast to this, in some areas of Canada, it’s the unmarried siblings who do the crowdsourcing during a Sock Dance. Essentially, they wear funny socks and perform a dance while the crowd tosses money at them. The worse the dance, the better. The dancers give the the newlyweds the money afterwards.
While we’re on the topic of giving money to newlyweds, let’s go over invitations. At some Canadian weddings the invitations may include a card that says “presentation only”. This is a polite way of saying that the couple has not registered for physical gifts and would prefer money from the guests as their gift.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
While Canadian weddings are similar to American weddings, there are specific nuances that set them apart from the US. Additionally, within Canada there are differences. Just like snowflakes, no two weddings are the same no matter where you are. Canadian weddings are filled with fun and love. They also have structure and a lot of planning that goes into them.
If you ever have the chance to go to a Canadian wedding, you’re lucky! Keep in mind that you may know what to expect, but some things will be different. You’re bound to have an amazing time with the best people in the world at a Canadian wedding.
More From Hummingbird Wedding Advice:
10 Lowkey Bachelorette Party Ideas
How To Create A Wedding Health & Beauty Plan
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