Sudbury, Ontario Wedding Checklist

As a Sudbury-based wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless love stories unfolding against our city’s stunning backdrops. Over the years, I’ve come to understand just how essential a well-organized wedding checklist is for ensuring that every precious moment of your special day is flawlessly captured. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a picturesque garden or dancing the night away in a rustic barn, having a comprehensive checklist can alleviate stress and guarantee that no detail is overlooked.

Pre-Wedding Preparations

Before the big day arrives, there are several key elements to consider and tasks to complete. This section of the checklist covers everything from securing your venue to finalizing the guest list.

Venue Booking

Reserve your ceremony and reception venues well in advance to ensure availability on your desired date. Check out my favorites in Sudbury!

Vendor Selection

Research and book essential vendors such as caterers, florists, and, of course, your photographer.

Guest List

Compile a comprehensive guest list and send out save-the-dates and invitations in a timely manner. Don’t forget your engagement session!

Dress Fittings

Schedule fittings and alterations for your wedding attire to ensure a perfect fit on the day.

Wedding Day Essentials

On the morning of your wedding, it’s crucial to have all the essentials in place to set the stage for a seamless celebration.

Getting Ready Locations

Coordinate getting ready locations for both the bridal party and groomsmen, ensuring ample space for hair, makeup, and pre-ceremony preparations.

Timeline Creation

Work with your wedding planner or coordinator to establish a detailed timeline for the day’s events, including photo sessions and key moments. Coordinate with other vendors to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Emergency Kit

Prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as tissues, stain remover, and safety pins to handle any unexpected mishaps.

Personal Items

Gather personal items such as rings, vows, and sentimental keepsakes to have on hand throughout the day.

Photography Checklist

As your dedicated wedding photographer, my goal is to capture every heartfelt moment and timeless detail of your celebration. This section outlines specific shots to include in your photography checklist. See what working with me looks like!

First Look

Consider scheduling a first look session to capture the raw emotion and intimacy of seeing each other before the ceremony.

Bridal Party Portraits

Plan designated time slots for capturing portraits of the bridal party, both individually and as a group.

Family Portraits

Compile a list of must-have family portraits, including immediate family members and any special groupings.

Candid Moments

Allow for plenty of time for candid photography, capturing authentic interactions and spontaneous moments throughout the day.

Sunset Shots

If possible, schedule a brief window of time during golden hour to capture breathtaking sunset shots with your partner.

Post-Wedding Wrap-Up

Once the festivities have drawn to a close, there are still a few important tasks to complete to ensure a smooth transition into married life.

Thank You Notes

Express gratitude to your guests by promptly sending out personalized thank you notes for their attendance and support.

Album Selection

Begin the process of selecting images for your wedding album, choosing timeless favorites to cherish for years to come.

Name Change

If applicable, begin the process of legally changing your name by updating important documents and notifying relevant institutions.

As you embark on the journey of planning your dream wedding, remember that organization is key to a stress-free and memorable experience. By utilizing a comprehensive checklist and enlisting the expertise of seasoned professionals, you can ensure that every aspect of your celebration is thoughtfully curated and expertly captured. As Sudbury’s premier wedding photographer, I look forward to collaborating with you to transform your vision into a timeless collection of cherished memories.

Wedding Planning Checklist

12-18 Months Before

• Set the Date
  • Decide on a wedding date that works for you and your partner.
• Determine Your Budget
  • Establish a budget for your wedding and allocate funds for each aspect.
• Create a Guest List
  • Draft a guest list to estimate the size of your wedding.
• Choose Your Wedding Party
  • Select your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of the wedding party.
• Start Researching Venues
  • Begin scouting potential ceremony and reception venues.

9-12 Months Before

• Book Your Venue
  • Finalize and book your ceremony and reception venues.
• Hire Vendors
  • Secure vendors such as photographers, caterers, florists, and musicians.
• Shop for Your Dress and Attire
  • Start shopping for your wedding dress and attire for the wedding party.
• Send Save-the-Dates
  • Send out save-the-date cards to inform guests about your wedding date.

6-9 Months Before

• Plan Your Honeymoon
  • Research and book your honeymoon destination.
• Choose Your Wedding Rings
  • Select and purchase wedding bands for you and your partner.
• Finalize Guest List
  • Confirm your guest list and gather addresses for invitations.
• Order Invitations
  • Design and order wedding invitations.

4-6 Months Before

• Plan Ceremony and Reception
  • Work with your venue coordinator to plan the details of the ceremony and reception.
• Arrange Transportation
  • Book transportation for you and your wedding party.
• Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials
  • Arrange trials with hair and makeup artists to finalize your wedding day look.

2-4 Months Before

• Finalize Menu
  • Confirm your menu selections with the caterer.
• Purchase Wedding Favors
  • Choose and order wedding favors for your guests.
• Obtain Marriage License
  • Apply for and obtain your marriage license.

1-2 Months Before

• Follow Up with Vendors
  • Confirm details and finalize arrangements with all vendors.
• Finalize Seating Plan
  • Create and finalize your seating plan for the reception.
• Confirm RSVPs
  • Follow up with guests who have not yet RSVPed.

2 Weeks Before

• Final Dress Fitting
  • Schedule and attend your final dress fitting.
• Confirm Timeline
  • Confirm the wedding day timeline with all vendors.
• Pack for Your Honeymoon
  • Begin packing for your honeymoon.

1 Week Before

• Delegate Tasks
  • Assign tasks to family members or friends to assist with last-minute details.
• Confirm Details
  • Confirm all details with vendors and the wedding party.
• Relax and Rehearse
  • Take time to relax and attend the wedding rehearsal.

On Your Wedding Day

• Get Ready
  • Enjoy getting ready with your wedding party.
• Exchange Vows
  • Say “I do” and celebrate your love with family and friends.
• Celebrate
  • Enjoy your wedding reception and create lasting memories.

After Your Wedding

• Send Thank You Cards
  • Send thank you cards to guests and vendors who helped make your day special.
• Preserve Memories
  • Preserve your wedding dress and photos to cherish for years to come.
• Review and Reflect
  • Reflect on your wedding day and consider leaving reviews for your vendors.

This checklist should help you stay organized and ensure that you have everything covered for your special day. Happy planning!