TD survey finds one third of Canadian
Millennials go over budget when tying the knot
TORONTO, May 18, 2016 /CNW/ - While the months leading up
to a wedding are an exciting time for couples, they can also take a
toll on their finances and relationship. A recent TD survey found
that one third (31 per cent) of Canadian Millennials spent more
than they expected on their wedding receptions. On average,
Millennials in general went over budget by 55 per cent. "Till debt
do us part" also rings true, as one in five Millennials (21 per
cent) say they went into debt for their weddings and more than four
in 10 (43 per cent) say the financial aspect of their nuptials
caused stress between them and their partner.
"Planning a wedding is often one of the first times couples
budget together on a significant expense, which can add stress to
an already stressful time," says Shirley
Malloy, Associate Vice President, Every day Banking, TD
Canada Trust. "To keep spending – and stress – in check, work
together upfront to determine how much you're comfortable spending,
then build a budget and track all wedding-related expenses against
it to avoid a surprising total after your big day."
The TD survey found that Millennials that went over budget are
splurging on food and beverage (52 per cent), venue and décor (31
per cent) and wedding attire (28 per cent). Malloy and wedding
planner Rebecca Wise, offer the
following tips to help Millennials save this wedding season:
I vow to set a budget: The first step is to set a
realistic budget with your partner that includes all possible
costs, including attire, photography, catering, venue, décor and
more. TD offers online saving and budgeting tools that can help you
plan out your expenses.
I vow to track my spending: Nearly one quarter (23 per
cent) of Millennials don't know what they spent on their wedding
reception. Tracking expenses on a regular basis is critical to
staying on top of your spending. TD's new money management mobile
app, TD MySpend, is an effortless way to help you see where your
money goes.
I vow to shop around: Don't feel pressured to book the
first venue or buy the first dress. Check out trunk shows and
sample sales to find savings on attire, and consider renting a
tuxedo or suit instead of buying new. Accessories like
cufflinks or jewellery can also count as "something borrowed" while
keeping costs down.
I vow to save where possible: Wise suggests saving on
décor by alternating between elaborate and tall floral centrepieces
and simple, low centrepieces. Not only does this give variety to
your space, it's also cost effective. In addition to décor, couples
often splurge on food and beverage. Wise suggests opting for a
reduced bar during cocktail hour by serving only beer and wine or a
passed signature cocktail.
I vow not to compare myself to others: While social media
can be a great tool for wedding inspiration, it can also lead to
unrealistic expectations and the temptation to overspend. Wise
stresses that every couple is different and if you are going to
splurge, do it on elements that really personalize your wedding,
like a late night food station featuring your favourite dish or
acoustic guitarist to play your favourite song while you walk down
the aisle.
I vow to think ahead: While a wedding is a monumental
occasion, the marriage that follows is full of big financial
decisions. Commit to being open and honest with each other about
finances, and 'unpack' any financial baggage together.
"There are many ways to cut costs while still making your
wedding day special," says Wise. "Some of my tricks of the trade
include renting a cake pedestal to increase the height of your cake
without increasing the price, and selecting in-season flowers that
don't need to be imported."
TD's Malloy adds, "Weddings are one of life's biggest milestones
and can come with a big price tag, but through smart budgeting and
savings strategies it's possible to celebrate the big day and start
a new life together putting the right financial foot forward."
About TD Wedding Save vs. Splurge poll
TD Bank Group
commissioned Environics Research Group to conduct a custom survey
of 6,337 Canadians aged 18 and older. Responses were collected
between February 25 and March 17,
2016. Canadians and a subgroup of 379 Millennials who have
had a wedding reception are included in this report.
About TD Canada Trust
TD Canada Trust offers personal
and business banking to more than 11.5 million customers. We
provide a wide range of products and services from chequing and
savings accounts, to credit cards, mortgages and business banking,
plus credit protection and credit travel medical insurance, as well
as advice on managing everyday finances. TD Canada Trust makes
banking comfortable with award-winning service and convenience
through 24/7 mobile, internet, telephone and ATM banking, as well
as at over 1,100 branches, with convenient hours to serve customers
better. For more information, please visit: www.tdcanadatrust.com.
TD Canada Trust is the Canadian retail bank of TD Bank Group, the
sixth largest bank in North
America.
SOURCE TD Canada Trust