When Should You Start Building Your Dream Team?

Wedding planning can feel like juggling flaming batons—especially if you're unsure which vendors book up first. Some couples start 18 months ahead; others scramble at the last minute.

Here’s a realistic, photographer-backed timeline for Canadian couples who want to avoid regrets and secure their dream team on time.

12–18 Months Before: Lock In the Core Vendors

These vendors are the foundation of your day. They book up fastest—especially for summer Saturdays and long weekend weddings.

Venue

Your date hinges on this. Popular venues across Canada often book 12–24 months in advance. If you have your heart set on a specific location, don’t wait.
Read: How to Plan a Wedding in Canada — Month-by-Month Timeline

Photographer

Top photographers only take a limited number of weddings per season—and many are booked more than a year in advance.
Read: How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer in Canada

Planner

If you're hiring a full-service planner, secure them right after your venue. They’ll guide you through everything else.
Read: Should You Hire a Wedding Planner? A Photographer’s Honest Take

Videographer

Especially if you're hiring a boutique team or solo filmmaker—they often limit the number of weddings they take on.
Read: Do You Need a Wedding Videographer Too? How to Decide

8–12 Months Before: Build Out Your Vendor Team

Once your key players are secured, fill in the rest of your vendor list:

• Florist
• DJ or Live Band
• Caterer (if not included with your venue)
• Hair & Makeup Artists
• Officiant (especially if being legally certified)

Read: The Vendors You Need (and the Ones You Didn’t Know You Wanted)

Photographer Insight

“I’ve had couples reach out after booking their venue, only to find I was already taken. If photography matters to you, check availability before confirming your date.”

6–8 Months Before: Secure the Details

Now’s the time to lock in the visual and logistical details that bring the experience together:

• Stationery (Save-the-dates, invitations, signage)
• Transportation (limo, shuttle, classic car)
• Rentals (chairs, linens, ceremony arch)
• Cake or Dessert Vendor

Read: What to Put in Your Wedding Day Timeline — According to Your Photographer

3–6 Months Before: Fine-Tune the Experience

You’ve covered the big stuff. Now bring in the extra touches that make the day feel personal:

• Final wedding outfits & tailoring
• Custom favours or signage
• Photo booth, content creator, or audio guestbook

Read: Wedding Videographer vs. Content Creators (Pros and Cons)

Last-Minute Bookings (Still Possible!)

Planning in under 6 months? You can still find great vendors—just prioritize the following:

• Photographer
• Venue
• Planner or Coordinator
• Officiant
• Florist & Decor
• Caterer / DJ

Read: Planner vs. Day-Of Coordinator — What’s the Real Difference?

Ready to start booking? 

Explore our curated directory of top wedding photographers across Canada — many list their availability and pricing upfront, so you can start building your team with confidence.