Planning a wedding in Canada comes with countless moving parts—but with the right roadmap, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dreaming of a vineyard ceremony in Kelowna or a downtown Toronto soirée, this month-by-month timeline will guide you through every key decision, with expert insights from professional wedding photographers to keep your day on track.

12+ Months Out: Lay the Groundwork
- Create your wedding vision: Think about style, vibe, and priorities.
- Build your wedding budget and understand where your money actually goes with our Canadian Wedding Budget Breakdown.
- Should you hire a planner or coordinator?
- [Draft your guest list] so you have a working number for venues and caterers.
- Choose your date with local weather, travel, and vendor availability in mind.
- Book your venue—many top venues book 12–18 months in advance.
- Hire your photographer early to ensure availability.
Photographer Insight: “If photography is one of your top priorities, book your photographer early—sometimes even before securing your venue.”
8–12 Months Out: Build Your Vendor Team
- Lock in your core vendors: videographer, caterer, florist, DJ or band. Consider whether you need a wedding videographer or content creator.
- Schedule your engagement session and start to feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
- Start shopping for wedding attire—many gowns and suits take 6–8 months to arrive.
- Send save-the-dates—especially for summer, destination, or long-weekend weddings.
- Reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests.

6–8 Months Out: Design the Day
- Finalize your theme, colour palette, and decor. Read: 5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Colour Palette
- Book your secondary vendors: makeup artist, hairstylist, cake designer, transportation.
- Choose an officiant and confirm their legal credentials. Avoid this common mistake.
- Begin planning your honeymoon.
Photographer Insight: “This is when I start working with couples to plan for light, locations, and timing—especially if golden hour portraits or a first look matter to them.”
4–6 Months Out: Get Detailed
- Order your invitations and confirm design.
- Schedule tastings and hair/makeup trials.
- Finalize wedding party attire.
- Create a photo moodboard—but skip the rigid list. Here’s why.

2–4 Months Out: Confirm and Prepare
- Send formal invitations.
- Book the rehearsal dinner location.
- Apply for your marriage licence and double-check provincial requirements.
- Finalize your ceremony structure and vows.
- Confirm logistics with all vendors and make final payments where required.
1 Month Out: Final Touches
- Build your day-of schedule with room for delays. Here’s what to include.
- Complete final dress/suit fittings.
- Submit your guest count to caterers and venue staff.
- Organize tips, gifts, and thank-you cards for vendors.
- Pack for your honeymoon.

Wedding Week: Stay Grounded
- Do a final walk-through of your venue.
- Hold your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
- Hydrate, rest, and surround yourself with support.
- Charge all devices and prep an emergency kit.
Photographer Insight:
- Build buffer time into every portion of the day.
- Choose a clean, bright space for getting ready. Why it matters
- Focus on real moments, not poses.
- Schedule time for golden hour photos.
After the Wedding: Celebrate and Reflect
- Enjoy your honeymoon.
- Your photos will typically arrive within 4–12 weeks. Here’s what to expect.
- Leave reviews for your vendors and planners.
- Begin designing your album or photobook.

Need a Photographer Who Keeps You on Track?
Explore our directory of vetted Canadian wedding photographers who do more than take great pictures—they help your day run smoothly.