Wedding planning timeline: a 12-month countdown that works
Exactly what to do and when, from the day you get engaged to the morning of the wedding.
7 min read · By the Everest team · Updated October 2026
With 12 months to plan, lock in the big three (budget, guest list size and venue) in the first two or three months, book key vendors by month six, send invitations about two to three months out, and keep the final month for confirmations rather than new decisions.
- Budget and guest count come before the venue.
- Popular dates and vendors book first, so start there.
- Leave the last two weeks for rest and final details only.
12 to 10 months out: the foundation
Everything else depends on these decisions, so take your time and make them together.
- Agree on a total budget. Include family contributions and a buffer. Our Ontario wedding cost guide shows how to split it.
- Draft a guest list range. A rough number (for example 120 to 150) is enough to start venue shopping.
- Pick a season and a few possible dates. Flexibility gives you more venue options.
- Tour and book your venue. Ask what is included: catering, bar, decor, coordination and ceremony space.
- Start a shared planning document. One spreadsheet for budget, guests and vendor contacts.
9 to 7 months out: the key vendors
- Book your photographer and videographer. The good ones fill their calendars early.
- Book your officiant. Confirm whether they handle religious, civil or cultural ceremonies.
- Choose music. DJ, band or both.
- Shop for attire. Many gowns take several months to order plus time for alterations.
- Send save-the-dates. Especially important for winter, holiday or destination-style dates.
- Reserve a hotel block. Helpful for out-of-town guests.
6 to 4 months out: the details
- Book florist, cake, hair and makeup.
- Schedule a menu tasting with your caterer.
- Order invitations and stationery.
- Choose wedding party attire.
- Plan the rehearsal dinner (see rehearsal dinners).
- Arrange transportation if you need it.
- Start your gift registry.
3 to 2 months out: invitations and paperwork
- Mail invitations about 8 to 12 weeks before the date, with an RSVP deadline about 4 weeks out.
- Buy rings and arrange engraving.
- Book first dress or suit fittings.
- Draft your day-of timeline with your venue coordinator.
- Check Ontario marriage licence requirements with your municipal office. A licence is valid for 90 days from issue, so do not apply too early.
The final month
This month is for confirming, not deciding. If something new comes up, ask whether it is truly needed.
- Chase missing RSVPs and give the final count to your venue.
- Finish the seating plan.
- Confirm arrival times with every vendor.
- Final fitting and break in your shoes.
- Write vows and speeches.
- Prepare envelopes for final payments and gratuities.
Wedding week
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 7 days out | Send the final timeline to vendors and the wedding party |
| 5 days out | Pack an emergency kit: safety pins, stain remover, pain relievers, snacks |
| 3 days out | Drop off decor items, guest book and signage at the venue |
| 1 day out | Rehearsal, then an early night |
| Wedding day | Eat breakfast, hand your phone to someone you trust, enjoy it |
What if you have less than 12 months?
Plenty of couples plan in six months or less. The trick is to compress, not skip.
A venue that handles catering, bar and decor in-house helps most on a short timeline, because you coordinate with fewer separate businesses. Weekday and winter dates also tend to have more availability at short notice.
Quick answers
How far in advance should you book a wedding venue?
For popular summer Saturdays, many couples book 12 months or more ahead. Off-season and weekday dates can often be booked with less notice.
When should wedding invitations go out?
About 8 to 12 weeks before the wedding, with save-the-dates 6 to 9 months ahead for out-of-town guests.
When should we get our Ontario marriage licence?
An Ontario marriage licence is valid for 90 days, so apply within three months of the wedding. Check your municipal office for current requirements.
Can you plan a wedding in six months?
Yes. Book the venue and photographer first, choose a venue with in-house services, and be flexible on the date.
Planning in Chatham-Kent?
At our venue, one coordinator works with you from first tour to last dance, which takes a lot of items off this list. Visit any time to talk through your timeline.
