SIWL-Timeline

Timeline

10 - 12 Months Before

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    Announce your engagement to family and friends!

    Congratulations on your engagement! Spread the word to family and friends.

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    Plan an engagement party

    It's time to party! Your family and friends can't wait to celebrate your big news.

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    Choose a city and season and start researching venues

    Narrowing down a city and season will help you start researching venues. We recommend being flexible with your date until you find the perfect place!

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    Schedule an engagement photo shoot

    Many couples use photos from their engagement shoot for their save the dates. Use this as an opportunity to show your personality!

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    Start your guest list

    Our Guest List Tool helps you track everyone, from RSVP's to meal preferences, all in one place!

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    Search the community for advice, inspiration and friends!

    All your questions, concerns, ideas and hesitations are welcome in the forums. These are couples going through the same thing!

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    Figure out your budget

    Determine what you're willing to spend and who is paying for what. Our Budget Tool can help you stay on track of your spending!

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    Research/ book a wedding planner

    Whether you're staying local or having a destination wedding, it may make sense to hire a professional planner to help things go smoothly.

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    Research officiants

    Religious, civil or symbolic - you can find officiants of all kinds in our directory!

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    Choose a theme and colour scheme

    Finding your wedding colours can be really exciting - remember to keep in mind the type of venue you're thinking of and the season.

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    Download the WeddingWire App

    Plan and manage your Checklist, Guest List, Seating Chart and Budget Tool (plus more!) at your fingertips.

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    Select your wedding party

    It's an honour to be included in your wedding party.

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    Research venues with a few dates in mind

    Now that you've narrowed down where and when, pick a few dates and set up some appointments to tour the facilities. Also make sure to compare what each venue includes in their packages.

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    Start your registry

    Browse local and online options that best fit your newlywed needs.

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    Start collecting guest list information

    It's time to reach out for those addresses, emails and phone numbers - you can start saving all of this information in the Guest List Tool.

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    Book your ceremony and reception venues and set the date!

    It's time to reserve the space(s) you will need for the big day, and officially set the date.

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    Reserve your catering

    The way to the heart is through the stomach, right? The average couple contacts nine caterers before selecting one, so choose carefully!

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    Create your wedding website

    Share your love story, collect RSVP's and get song requests. Each site also comes with a custom guest app!

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    Start researching photographers

    Traditional, photojournalistic, portrait - what's your style? Your wedding photos will be one of the most important memories of your big day, so take plenty of time to look around.

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    Create a weather "Plan B"

    Rain, snow or whatever the weather might bring, talk to your venue to discuss a Plan B. Be prepared!

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    Download the WedShoots App

    Create your wedding-specific code and share with your guests - unlimited photos, shared instantly, so you don't miss a single moment.

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    Research music and entertainment for your reception

    Add a survey to your wedding website to start getting suggestions from your guests.

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    Meet with a few photographers

    Style, personality and budget are the three most important factors in choosing a photographer.

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    Start looking at wedding attire

    Dresses, tuxes and two-pieces, oh my! There's no one way to dress for your wedding - save your favourite looks from the Dress Catalogue.

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    Revise the Guest List

    Now that you've chosen your venue, make any adjustments necessary to the Guest List.

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    Confirm your wedding party

    Your best people will make you feel your best on the big day. 

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    Book your photographer

    Take time to schedule a follow up consultation in a few months once you've had a chance to research more angles and poses you like.

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    Create and order your save the dates

    You have your engagement photos and your date set in stone. Start designing!

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    Book your reception musician, entertainer, band and/or DJ

    Get ready to hit the dance floor!

7 - 9 Months Before

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    Start researching wedding party attire

    Bridesmaids dresses or jumpsuits, groomsmen suits or tuxes, mix and match as you please!

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    Come up with a wellness plan

    Eating right and exercise will help alleviate pre-wedding stress, making you happier and more relaxed!

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    Reserve hotel blocks for your guests

    Make sure to put hotel information on your wedding website so guests can stay in the know.

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    Start researching videographers

    Journalistic, cinematic, traditional? There are many styles to choose from!

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    Start looking at florists

    Fresh, silk or a mix of both - find some styles that go with your theme and colour scheme.

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    Start researching how to get married in your province or territory

    Requirements can vary by region - start getting informed now.

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    Book your videographer

    One wedding video, coming right up!

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    Research decorations for your ceremony and reception

    Lighting, centerpieces, balloons, vintage rentals? Look around at the vendors in our directory to get inspired.

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    Start researching invitation designers

    Whether local or online, start looking around to get some ideas - schedule some appointments, too!

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    Book your florist

    Another professional joins your vendor team - and you're one step closer to tying the knot!

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    Research wedding rings

    Gold, silver, platinum - the options go on and on!

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    Start looking at honeymoon destinations

    Tropical, mountain, beach or lake - research places to get away and enjoy being married!

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    Make a few appointments at wedding attire shops

    Bring an entourage who will support you and make you feel beautiful.

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    Choose your wedding attire and schedule your first fitting

    You said yes! Congrats on finding something that makes you look and feel your best :)

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    Update your vendor team

    You've started assembling the dream team! Add them to My Vendors to help you stay on top of every last detail.

4 - 6 Months Before

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    Book your officiant

    This is the person who helps you say, "I Do!" Go ahead and schedule a later consultation with them closer to the big day to finalize the ceremony timeline.

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    Research rentals like tents, place settings, chairs, and aisle runners

    Personalize your decorations to make your venue feel unique.

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    Research headpieces and veils

    Cathedral veils, birdcage or a wreath of fresh blooms - look around and save your favourites.

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    Update your registry

    Personalize your registry based on your needs. Make sure to include a variety of items and price points.

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    Confirm your honeymoon plans!

    Relaxing as newlyweds is just around the corner!

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    Research cake vendors and schedule a tasting

    Traditional tiers, cupcakes, pies or donuts - you name it, your guests will love it!

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    Send save the dates

    Include your wedding website URL for anyone who might not have it.

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    Order your invitations and thank you cards

    Don't forget envelopes! Sometimes couples opt to use the same designer for their menu and ceremony programs - up to you.

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    Book your ceremony musician

    Choir, soprano, violin, pianist - book your perfect entrance.

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    Book rental, decoration and lighting professionals

    Photobooth, chairs, chandeliers? Time to book!

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    Book transportation for you and for your guests

    Limousine, party bus, ferry? You name it, you can find it in our directory of transportation vendors.

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    Research rehearsal dinner locations

    Casual with a fun theme or chef's table at a trendy restaurant? Keep in mind the number of guests.

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    Start researching hair and makeup professionals

    Just like artists, beauty professionals can truly complete your wedding day look and bring out the most beautiful you.

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    Book your cake vendor

    Sweet! Get it?

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    Prepare to send the invitations - confirm guests' addresses!

    Make sure that the addresses you have are up-to-date.

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    Book your hair and makeup professionals

    Beautiful! See what we did there?

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    Use your wedding website to collect information from your guests (RSVP's, meal selections, etc.)

    Meals, songs, who needs a hotel room, and who's bringing a plus one - all of this can be collected through your wedding website.

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    Begin the first steps to legally get married

    Submit the first round of paperwork. It's really happening!

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    Buy or rent men's formalwear

    So handsome!

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    Book accommodations for your wedding night

    Check to see if your reception venue offers accommodation.

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    Schedule your ceremony rehearsal

    Practice makes perfect! Decide whether you want your officiant to attend, and make sure to communicate details to the wedding party.

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    Make sure your wedding party has ordered their attire

    Follow up with an email or phone call to make sure everyone's attire has been ordered.

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    Order your wedding favours

    Say thank you in a way that is unique (and even check out DIY options if you're crafty).

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    Think of wedding band engravings

    Quotes, dates, intitials? Maybe check the community for inspiration and input.

2 - 3 Months Before

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    Purchase fashion accessories

    Shoes, jewellery, headpieces, pocket squares - those details that really matter.

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    Address and send your wedding invitations

    One more thing accomplished! Look at you go.

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    Purchase your guest book

    Guest books come in all shapes and sizes - find one that's right for you and your theme.

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    Purchase your wedding rings

    Put a ring on it!

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    Research/book a day-of-coordinator

    Make the day run smoother and take some stress off the coordination between vendors.

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    Check on passports, vaccines and visas!

    Whether you're having a destination wedding or an adventurous honeymoon, make sure you have all your ducks in a row to travel.

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    Think of a signature cocktail

    If you're having alcohol at your wedding, personalize with a signature cocktail or two!

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    If you want a hair cut, go now!

    3-4 weeks before your wedding is ideal to give you time to adjust and have a hair trial with your new look.

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    Purchase a wedding gift for your spouse-to-be

    A small "you mean the world to me" will do!

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    Think of something unique!

    You and your partner have a one-of-a-kind love - think of something fun and special to make your wedding day true to you! Bubbles, sparklers, lanterns?

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    Sit down with your photographer again

    By now you should know if you'd like to do a first look, what kinds of shots you'd like, and confirm all timeline details.

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    Decide on hair and makeup styles

    Up, down, natural or dramatic - the choices are endless.

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    Double check with your transportation

    Make sure to communicate time, place, vehicles and if there are any guests with special needs.

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    Order any wedding party accessories

    Socks, headbands, bracelets? Think of fun accessories for your wedding party!

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    Check in with your officiant

    Maybe you have general questions about ceremony details, or are seeking a bit of advice, many officiants are trained to counsel you every step of the way.

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    Confirm meal selections and notify caterer and dessert vendor of any food allergies

    Formal, family style, buffet or food truck, your food vendors should be aware of any dietary needs.

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    Book a bartending or alcohol service, if not included in your venue or catering

    Pop, fizz, clink! If you choose to have alcohol at your wedding, now is the time to reserve it and decide on open or cash bar.

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    Hair and make up trial!

    Trials are so important - make sure to bring a friend who will give you an honest opinion and take pictures with plenty of natural light.

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    Finalize the song list for your reception

    Make sure to send this along to your band and/or DJ.

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    Make a packing list for your wedding/honeymoon

    But no need to overpack - you'll probably want souvenirs!

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    Create your ceremony and reception timelines

    Think of a start and finish time, and leave plenty of time for dancing!

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    Order ceremony programs and menu/escort cards

    Include timing, readings, participants and any additional fun details you think your guests will enjoy.

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    Make sure your wedding party knows the timeline

    When to be where, who's reading what, and how to help make everything go as smoothly as possible.

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    Buy wedding party gifts

    Think of a meaningful way to thank your wedding party for being the best entourage ever.

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    Start thinking of your vows and speeches

    No pressure here - remember, you're just reciting these in front of all your family, friends and loved ones.

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    Double check your ceremony programs and place cards

    Include timing, readings, participants and any additional fun details you think your guests will enjoy.

The Last Month

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    Pick up your rings

    Wow - it's really happening!

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    Review the guest list and call guests that haven't RSVP'd

    Give them a ring and remind them your big day is coming up.

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    Finalize vows

    Dot your I's and cross your T's!

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    Next-to-last dress/attire fitting

    Homestretch for tailoring - make an appointment to try on your attire one last time when you pick it up in a few weeks.

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    Confirm rehearsal ceremony and dinner timeline and attendance

    Confirm rehearsal ceremony and dinner timeline and attendance

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    Finalize and share the seating chart with your reception venue

    Final touches here - as soon as you're finished, send it to your venue.

2 Weeks Before

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    Start practicing for your first dance

    Many couples opt for dance classes - or even something choreographed with their wedding party!

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    Pamper yourself!

    If you want a trim, manicure or a deep conditioning treatment, treat yourself!

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    Pick up your marriage license

    Wow! It's really happening. You're just a few steps away - don't forget to bring it on your wedding day!

The Last Week

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    Pick up your wedding attire and partner's attire

    Last fitting before the big day! Bet you both look stunning.

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    Confirm details with wedding party

    Make sure everyone knows what they're responsible for and the timeline for the big day.

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    Confirm final details with all your vendors and put tip money aside

    Make sure your vendor team is paid in full and don't forget to have cash on hand to tip.

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    Pack for your honeymoon

    Wherever you go, sunglasses are a must! Don't forget your passport and any other travel documents necessary.

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    Write a sweet note to your partner

    Send a gift to your spouse-to-be while they are getting ready for the wedding.

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    Pull together any last-minute essentials

    Safety pins, tissue, ibuprofen, a pen and bottled water are just a few suggestions.

Last Day

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    Drop off decor to the venue(s)

    Drop off place cards, menus, favours, the guest book, and any other items to your venue.

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    Smile. You're finished!

    Celebrate a job well done and get some rest - you've got a big day tomorrow.

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