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.

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.

Explore More Wedding Planning Guides:

• What Makes a Great Getting Ready Space (According to Your Photographer)
• Things That Always Go Wrong on Wedding Days—and How to Prevent Them
• Why Hiring a Planner or Day-Of Coordinator Makes Photos Better
• The Do’s & Don’ts: Advice From a Wedding Photographer