Planning a wedding should feel exciting—not exhausting. But between inspiration boards and guest list spreadsheets, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. What matters most, and when?
A clear timeline brings structure to the process, helping you stay focused on the decisions that shape your day—especially the rings, which often take longer than expected.
If you’re planning custom wedding bands, exploring lab-grown diamonds, or incorporating heirloom details, acting at the right time can make all the difference.
Here is the Quick Answer:
Start 12–18 months ahead with budgeting, guest list, and venue booking. At 9–12 months, secure vendors and begin wedding band research. Between 6–9 months, shop for rings and finalize visual details. Invitations, jewellery, and menu choices follow at 3–6 months. The final weeks are for fittings, confirmations, and polishing the plan—leaving wedding week for calm, care, and celebration.
Wedding Planning Timeline
Planning a wedding takes more than inspiration—it takes structure. This timeline offers a clear month-by-month guide to help you prioritize key decisions, avoid last-minute stress, and stay ahead of your to-dos.
From venue bookings to ring consultations, knowing what to do (and when) lets you focus on what matters most: creating a day that feels truly yours.
12–18 Months Out: Set the Foundation
This is your runway. These early decisions shape every other detail, from your venue to your wedding rings.
✔ Set Your Budget: Establish a clear budget and divide it by category—venue, food, attire, rings, and photography. Be honest about priorities and leave room for unexpected costs.
✔ Draft Your Guest List: You don’t need exact numbers yet, but knowing your ballpark will guide venue capacity and catering options.
✔ Choose Your Date or Season: If you’re flexible, consider off-peak dates to secure preferred vendors and venues.
✔ Book Your Venue: Popular spots in Vancouver get booked fast — especially if you have a dream wedding venue in mind. Lock it in early to avoid disappointment and to anchor the rest of your planning timeline.
✔ Define Your Vision: Decide on your wedding style—formal, rustic, urban, or minimalist. This will help align all future choices, including attire and decor.
✔ Start Ring Conversations: If you’re considering custom wedding rings or lab-grown options, now’s the time to start. At DiamondNet, we help couples in Vancouver explore meaningful options through in-person design consultations and expert guidance.
9–12 Months Out: Secure the Core Vendors & Start Ring Shopping
With your venue booked and budget set, it’s time to move from big-picture plans to key commitments.
✔ Hire Your Photographer & Videographer: Top professionals in Vancouver often book a year in advance. Choose someone whose portfolio matches your aesthetic.
✔ Find the Dress (or Suit): Begin shopping early to allow time for fittings or custom adjustments.
✔ Book Catering, Music, and Planners: Secure your caterer, band or DJ, and any planning support. These vendors shape your guests’ overall experience.
✔ Begin Wedding Ring Research: This is the perfect moment to explore materials, styles, and personal preferences. Curious about mixed metals or heirloom design?
Visit DiamondNet’s Vancouver jewelry showroom to browse options or book your ring consultation to get started with a design that fits your timeline and values.
✔ Engagement Shoot (Optional): If you’re doing one, now’s a great time. It’s also a chance to test your photographer’s vibe before the big day.
6–9 Months Out: Rings, Registry & Visual Details
Your vision is now in motion. This stage is about refining details and locking in your personal style.
✔ Shop for Wedding Rings: If you haven’t chosen your bands yet, now’s the time. Whether you’re leaning toward custom wedding bands or classic gold bands, don’t delay.
DiamondNet offers tailored consultations to help couples design meaningful rings that suit their style and schedule.
✔ Build Your Wedding Registry: Select items you’ll use and enjoy together. Think practical, memorable, and maybe a few fun extras.
✔ Design Floral & Decor Concepts: Collaborate with your florist and decorator to finalize colour schemes, centrepieces, and layout ideas.
✔ Dress/Suit Fittings: Your initial fittings should begin now to allow time for tailoring. Don’t forget shoes and accessories.
✔ Transportation & Accommodation: Book wedding-day transport and reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests.
3–6 Months Out: Invitations, Accessories & Menu Details
As your wedding takes shape, this is when style meets logistics. Final touches begin to bring the event together.
✔ Send Wedding Invitations: Finalize your guest list, and mail invites 8–12 weeks before the wedding. Include RSVP deadlines, hotel info, and your registry link.
✔ Order Wedding Bands: If you’re customizing your rings or adding engraving, this is your window to finalize the order without added pressure. Early planning ensures timely delivery and a stress-free pickup.
✔ Choose Bridal Jewellery & Accessories: Now’s the time to complete your look. Select earrings, cufflinks, or bracelets that coordinate with your outfit and reflect your overall wedding style.
✔ Menu Tastings & Final Selections: Work with your caterer to lock in your menu. Finalize courses, desserts, and any special requests like vegan options or signature cocktails.
✔ Plan Seating Chart Structure: Even without final RSVPs, you can outline table layouts and decide where key guests—like immediate family or the wedding party—will be seated.
1–3 Months Out: Final Confirmations & Finishing Touches
At this point, your big decisions are behind you. Now it’s all about tying up loose ends and ensuring your plans come together seamlessly.
✔ Confirm All Vendor Bookings: Double-check the date, time, and final payments with every vendor—photographer, florist, venue, transportation, and caterer. Confirm delivery times and designate a backup contact just in case.
✔ Write and Rehearse Your Vows: If you’re writing your own, now’s the time to finalize them. Print a backup copy and keep it with your essentials for the ceremony.
✔ Get Your Marriage License: In British Columbia, marriage licences are valid for three months. Apply now if you haven’t yet—don’t let paperwork be your last-minute scramble.
✔ Pick Up & Try On Your Wedding Outfits: Ensure your attire fits perfectly, including accessories like shoes and jewellery. Try on everything together to catch any overlooked adjustments.
✔ Finalize Wedding Bands: Make sure both wedding bands fit comfortably and are engraved or resized if needed. Many couples opt for a quick polish during this time for that extra shine on the big day.
✔ Create a Day-Of Schedule: Planner or not, it’s important to outline your full timeline—from hair and makeup to transportation, ceremony, and reception. Share it with key people so everyone stays aligned.
Wedding Week: Essentials, Emotions, and Emergency Kits
The final countdown is here. This week is about staying centred and confident as your plans come to life.
✔ Pack a Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Include must-haves like safety pins, tissues, fashion tape, mints, aspirin, snacks, stain remover, and a portable charger. Think of it as your just-in-case insurance..
✔ Assign Ring Duties: Designate someone reliable—like the best man, maid of honour, or a trusted family member—to be responsible for the rings. Confirm they have the boxes and know when to hand them off.
✔ Break In Your Shoes: Wear your wedding shoes around the house to prevent discomfort. Keep a comfortable backup pair ready in case your feet need a break.
✔ Check the Weather and Timeline: Print out the day-of schedule and distribute it to your wedding party and vendors. Review your backup plan for outdoor elements and confirm all transportation logistics.
✔ Rest and Recharge: Don’t underestimate sleep. Schedule downtime, hydrate well, and allow space to be present. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s to feel grounded as you step into the celebration.
Bonus Tips: Custom Rings, Lab-Grown Diamonds & Modern Traditions
Don’t underestimate sleep. Schedule downtime, hydrate well, and allow space to be present. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s to feel grounded as you step into the celebration.
✔ Explore Custom Wedding Bands: Custom bands let you create rings that feel uniquely yours. Whether it’s matching metals, engraving a personal phrase, or incorporating a family stone, the result is something that tells your story with intention.
✔ Consider Lab-Grown Diamonds: Ethical, modern, and visually identical to mined diamonds, lab-grown options have become increasingly popular among couples looking for both sustainability and value. They allow for flexibility in size and design without compromise.
✔ Style Your Jewellery Thoughtfully: Your bridal jewellery should complement—not compete with—your overall look. Think about your neckline, hairstyle, and wedding colours when choosing pieces like earrings, bracelets, or cufflinks.
✔ Make Your Own Traditions: Don’t feel bound by outdated customs. Swap the bouquet toss for a ring warming ceremony or skip the cake cutting in favour of a shared toast. Personal touches create lasting memories.
Conclusion: Your Timeline, Your Traditions
Wedding planning doesn’t have to mean following someone else’s script. With the right timeline and a few thoughtful decisions, the process becomes more manageable—and more meaningful. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing what feels right for you.
At DiamondNet, we’re here to support that clarity. From lab-grown bands and custom designs to finishing touches like bridal jewellery, our experts will guide you through each step with insight and ease — no pressure.
Visit our Vancouver jewellery showroom to see what’s possible, or schedule your wedding ring consultation when the time feels right.
