How to crowdfund to raise money for a wedding
Everybody deserves their dream wedding. However, weddings are notoriously expensive, which for many can make planning for their special day stressful and challenging.
If you don’t want to compromise on your wedding dress or miss out on the ultimate crowd-pleaser of a venue, then you may need some additional financial help to make your wedding budget stretch.
For an amazing day that you’ll cherish forever, crowdfunding can help you achieve the wedding you always wanted. In this article, we explore how to raise money for a wedding, so you can look back on your big day with fond memories.
How much does a wedding cost?
Planning your wedding should be fun, but all across the world couples are struggling to meet the rising costs of weddings, and it’s no different in Canada. In fact, it’s thought the average wedding costs between $22,000 and $30,000, with Canadian couples having to dip into their savings and investments for more than 60% of their wedding costs.
If you’re looking for a financial solution, then why not explore the wedding fundraiser ideas below for some inspiration?
Tips for wedding fundraising
Learning how to raise money for a wedding may seem daunting at first, but once you’ve received some initial pointers you’ll be well on your way to securing your first donations.
Whether it’s financial support to make your dream wedding a reality or a newlywed fundraiser once the celebrations have ended, these top tips will ensure you don’t have to rob a bank to make your wedding day special.
Fundraise as a couple
Teamwork makes the dream work – start as you mean to go on by joining forces to fundraise for the big day. As a couple, you have the opportunity to reach more people by combining both of your networks, while also being able to tell your fundraising story more authentically.
Here are some of our favourite wedding fundraiser ideas for couples:
- Take on a physical challenge, such as a marathon or long-distance hike.
- Host an event – cooking class, trivia night, or themed party.
- Create a social media campaign to distribute across both your social channels.
- Organize an auction.
Be open and honest with your fundraising story
When writing your fundraising story, it’s important to be honest and provide as much detail as possible about why you need the financial support. If you’re too vague in your description, then people are less likely to donate their hard-earned cash. Remember, compelling stories turn passive visitors into active donors and sharers.
Here are some top tips on how to write an effective fundraising story:
- Break the text up with paragraphs and bullet points so it’s easier to read.
- Bold, underline, and italicize important points.
- Be honest and direct.
- Make it clear how much money you need to raise and what the funds will be used for.
- Post pictures and videos.
Be specific in your ask
Personalize your fundraiser by thinking about what the money will be used for specifically, rather than simply stating that you’re “raising money for a wedding”.
Donors are more likely to give generously if they can visualize where their money will be going. For example, you should state whether the funds will be spent on a photographer, band, dress, venue, food, or any other wedding essential.
The sooner you get to the “why” of your wedding fundraiser and how the money raised will help, the more obvious it is why this cause is so important to you.
Get help from family and friends
Involve family and friends so they can help you to raise money. They can support you by simply sharing your GoFundMe campaign with their networks or by getting involved in some of the wedding fundraiser ideas discussed earlier, such as a physical challenge or an organized event.
Don’t be afraid to ask for support. Family and friends are usually willing to help and will go above and beyond to make your wedding day extra special. Not to mention the fact they also benefit from good food and a show-stopping band!
Wedding crowdfunders to inspire your fundraising
When discussing how to raise money for a wedding with your partner, one of the most appealing options will be to start a fundraiser. With the help of GoFundMe, you can join thousands of other Canadians who have relied on us to fundraise for their wedding.
Here, we share just a few of those amazing stories to help inspire you to follow in their footsteps.
Claire & Nathan’s Wedding Fundraiser
Claire and Nathan are raising money to have a destination wedding in 2025. With a big price tag, they have turned to GoFundMe for donations to make their wedding happen. All donations will go towards paying for the venue, the travel to get there, and the stay at their chosen destination in Canmore for the duration of time they need.
Support Karina and Enrique on Their Path in Marriage
Karina and Enrique recently united in a spiritual ceremonial marriage officiated by the indigenous Yawanana Tribe in Brazil. Now that they have exchanged vows amidst the Brazilian Amazon, they are asking for donations to help empower and support them financially on their path and journey ahead.
Matt and Zahori’s New Life Together
As Zahori and Matt near the day of their wedding, they’re asking for donations to make their special day come true. Having both recently started new careers, they need financial support to help give their wedding funds a boost. The money they raise will be used for food, favours, a small honeymoon, and the necessary visa paperwork for Zahori to properly and legally enter and remain in the country.
Start fundraising for your big day
Now we’ve shared our wedding fundraiser ideas, can you start to hear wedding bells? With the help of GoFundMe, you’ll be walking down the aisle and saying “I do” in no time.
To ensure you and your partner, or a couple close to your heart, get the wedding day they deserve, kick-start your fundraiser with GoFundMe today to make those dreams a reality.