The dream of homeownership is reshaping wedding traditions in Canada. According to a new Royal LePage survey, 79% of Canadians would consider asking for cash contributions toward a down payment on a home instead of traditional wedding gifts.
Of those respondents, 37% said they would definitely make this request, while 42% said they might. Among those already married, 57% said they wish they had asked for down payment funds instead of gifts. 10% did request money for their wedding.
Looking back, 55% of married respondents said they would have scaled back or skipped their wedding entirely to put the money toward a home. 82% said they would do the same today.
Respondents in British Columbia are most likely to request financial contributions for a down payment. Those in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec are less likely.
This trend comes as Canadians took on nearly $2 trillion in mortgage debt in 2025, up 2.6% from the previous year. A separate BMO survey found couples now believe they need $1.7 million in savings to retire comfortably, up from $1.54 million last year.
An H&R Block survey also revealed that 73% of Canadians believe many people stay together for financial reasons, and 80% said life is more affordable as a couple.