Canada wedding planning
Wedding Checklist in Canada (Timeline + Budget + Must-dos)
May 29, 2026•8 min read•Canada
Use this checklist as a simple timeline you can follow. It focuses on the usual Canadian planning steps (budget, vendors, licences, guest list), plus how to keep everything organized for guests with a shareable invitation link, RSVPs, wishes, and a post‑event photo gallery.
Quick checklist overview
Set budget + guest count target
Book venue + key vendors (photo, video, DJ/band)
Choose ceremony requirements and plan marriage licence
Create your invitation link + RSVP flow
Collect meal preferences / notes (if needed)
Plan timeline, seating, and final headcount
Post-event: share gallery + keep wishes visible
Planning tip: keep your invitation link as the single source of truth for guests (details, RSVP, wishes, and gallery).
12–9 months before
- Define a budget range and a rough guest count (this drives venue and catering costs).
- Pick your city/region and shortlist venues; book the venue once you find the right fit.
- Lock in key vendors early: photographer, videographer, DJ/band, planner/coordinator.
- Start a simple planning doc with your priorities (must-haves vs nice-to-haves).
8–6 months before
- Choose your wedding theme/style and finalize your core details (date, start time, venue address).
- Create your invitation link and start building your guest list.
- Decide what you want to collect in RSVPs (yes/no, plus-one, dietary notes, etc.).
- Plan accommodation info if many guests are travelling.
InviteForYou tip
Use a single link for your event details, RSVP, wishes, and a gallery. You can edit details later and keep the same link.
5–3 months before
- Send invitations and set an RSVP deadline that gives you buffer time for final counts.
- Confirm menu choices and any dietary requirements.
- Begin planning seating, day-of schedule, and vendor arrival times.
- Finalize outfits and start planning any pre-wedding events.
2–1 months before
- Chase remaining RSVPs and confirm final numbers with vendors.
- Review your ceremony requirements and plan your marriage licence timing for your province.
- Create a clear day-of timeline (ceremony, photos, reception, speeches).
- Prepare signage, playlists, and any printed items.
Week of the wedding
- Confirm vendor arrival times and contact numbers.
- Share the final schedule with key people (planner, photographer, MC).
- Pack an essentials kit (steamer, safety pins, pain relief, snacks, chargers).
- Relax: the most important tasks should already be done.
After the event (post‑event mode)
- Collect and approve guest photos so your gallery stays clean and curated.
- Keep wishes visible so you can read messages later.
- Share the gallery link with guests who want to see the memories.
Want this checklist built into your invitation?
Create your invitation link, track RSVPs, collect wishes, and approve photos for your gallery—all in one place.