Wedding Planning Checklist: Ontario Guide by Alissa Baltazar
Plan your wedding step by step with this helpful wedding planning checklist made for Brantford, Hamilton, and all of Southern Ontario.
Congratulations — You’re Engaged!
Pop the bubbly! Whether you’ve been dreaming about this day for years or just started thinking about what comes next, wedding planning can feel both exciting and overwhelming. There’s so much to do — from choosing the perfect venue to picking a photographer, dress, and DJ. But with a solid plan and a bit of guidance, you can keep stress down and joy high.
That’s where this wedding planning checklist comes in. I’ve photographed dozens of weddings across Brantford, Hamilton, and beyond — and I know what goes into planning a celebration that’s organized, beautiful, and meaningful. This guide is here to help you stay on track, month by month, so you can focus on what really matters: the love you’re celebrating.
🗓️ Wedding Planning Checklist: 12+ Months Before the Wedding
Set your wedding date (or a few potential ones)
Create your wedding budget and discuss priorities with your partner
Draft your guest list to estimate venue and catering needs
Book your venue – this locks in your wedding date
Hire your wedding planner (if you’re using one)
Book your photographer and videographer – we often book 12–18 months in advance
Start researching other major vendors (caterers, DJs, florists, officiants)
Schedule engagement photos – this is a great way to connect with your photographer before the big day
Explore wedding venues in Brantford, Hamilton, Cambridge, and surrounding areas
👉 Need help figuring out the best time to book your vendors? Read my When Book Wedding Vendors blog.
💍 9–11 Months: Styling & Vendor Details
Choose your wedding theme or aesthetic
Pick your color palette
Shop for your wedding dress or suit (give yourself time for fittings!)
Book your ceremony musicians or DJ
Book your florist and finalize your floral vision
Start your wedding website
Register for gifts at your favorite local or online shops
Begin planning guest accommodations for out-of-town friends and family
💌 6–8 Months: Design & Logistics
Order your invitations and save-the-dates
Book rentals (tables, chairs, linens, etc.) if not included with your venue
Finalize your caterer and schedule tastings
Start planning your honeymoon
Schedule your hair and makeup trial
Book your officiant if you haven’t already
Decide on wedding party attire and place orders
Shop for accessories and shoes
📝 3–5 Months: Timeline & Touches
Finalize your wedding day schedule
Plan your ceremony and reception flow
Order your wedding rings
Begin writing your vows or ceremony script
Create playlists or work with your DJ on music
Choose or order your wedding cake or desserts
Schedule dress/suit fittings
Purchase wedding favors or small guest gifts
Send save-the-dates if you haven’t yet
📆 2 Months Before: Confirm Everything
Mail wedding invitations
Track RSVPs
Finalize your seating chart
Confirm transportation and hotel block details
Book final beauty appointments
Print programs, signage, and menus
Meet with your officiant to finalize ceremony plans
Touch base with vendors to confirm timeline and logistics
✅ 1 Month Before: Final Wedding Checklist Items
Apply for your Ontario marriage license
Finalize your guest count and send to caterer
Prepare vendor payments and gratuities
Confirm all delivery times and addresses
Create your wedding emergency kit (bobby pins, stain remover, tissues, etc.)
Share the final schedule with your wedding party and photographer
Pack your honeymoon essentials
🌿 1 Week Before the Wedding
Confirm all RSVPs and final numbers
Break in your wedding shoes
Practice your vows or speeches
Assemble welcome bags or last-minute details
Pick up attire and accessories
Enjoy some pampering — manicure, pedicure, massage
Breathe. You’ve got this!
🎉 Wedding Day: Celebrate!
Eat a nourishing breakfast
Follow your timeline, but stay flexible
Delegate any remaining tasks
Smile, laugh, and soak in every second — this is your day!
💡 Photographer’s Tip: The most meaningful moments often come from the unexpected — let go of perfection and stay present.
📥 Download Your Wedding Planning Checklist (Printable)
Want this wedding planning checklist in PDF format? Download the free printable version here or message me and I’ll send it to you!
💬 Let’s Plan the Wedding You’ll Always Remember
Still looking for a wedding photographer who’s organized, artistic, and deeply passionate about storytelling? I’m Alissa Baltazar — a Brantford-based wedding photographer serving couples across Southern Ontario. I absolutely love what I do, and I’d be honoured to capture your love story.