When to Book Your Wedding Vendors: An Ontario Timeline

The most common question from newly engaged couples in the WEVO group is "what do I book first?" The answer depends on your date, your budget and how busy your area is, but the order is fairly consistent. Use this as a starting point and adjust for your own wedding.

12 months or more before: venue, photographer, planner

Your venue sets your date, your guest count and often your caterer, so it comes first. Photographers and planners only take one wedding a day, and popular ones book up early, especially for Saturdays from May to October.

9 to 12 months before: caterer, DJ or band, videographer

Many Ontario venues have in-house or approved caterers, so check your venue contract before you shop around. Entertainment and videography also book a single event per day.

6 to 9 months before: florist, hair & makeup, officiant

Hair and makeup artists are among the most-requested vendors in the WEVO group, and the best ones fill peak dates quickly. Book your trial at the same time. Florists need your colour palette and venue, so book them once those are set.

4 to 6 months before: cake, rentals, invitations

Order invitations so they go out about two to three months before the wedding, and earlier for destination weddings or long weekends. Book rentals like linens, lounge furniture or a photo booth once you know your floor plan.

2 to 3 months before: fittings and confirmations

Confirm every vendor's arrival time, contact person, remaining balance and due date. Share one day-of timeline with all of them so everyone works from the same plan.

Booking for a busy date?

If your date is a long weekend, a summer Saturday, or a date with special meaning like 06/06, move everything earlier. And if you're booking on a short timeline, don't panic: post your date and area in the WEVO group, and vendors with openings will let you know.

Browse the WEVO vendor directory to start your shortlist.