The Complete South Asian Wedding Planning Checklist for Canada (2026) | Ivora

Planning a South Asian wedding in Canada involves more moving parts than most couples anticipate — and the timeline is longer than you'd expect. A multi-ceremony celebration in the GTA typically requires 14 to 18 months of planning if you want the best vendors and the venues you actually want.

This checklist is built for Canadian couples, with Ontario-specific legal requirements, GTA booking timelines, and the full range of South Asian pre-wedding events.

12–18 Months Before

Secure your anchors first.

Set your wedding budget — total, and per-category
Agree on the approximate guest count
Decide which events you're hosting (Mehndi, Sangeet, Baraat, Ceremony, Reception — all or some?)
Book your ceremony venue (Gurdwara, mosque, temple, banquet hall) — this fills up first
Book your reception venue
Book your photographer — GTA's best South Asian wedding photographers fill up 12–14 months out
Book your videographer

10–12 Months Before

Core vendors and legal groundwork.

Book your caterer (or confirm venue's in-house catering)
Book your decorator / florist
Book your DJ or band for reception and Sangeet
Book your Granthi, Pandit, or officiant — especially important if you need a specific one
Begin researching bridal wear — many designers require 8–10 months lead time for custom pieces
Begin groom's wear research
Book your makeup artist and hair stylist
Book your mehndi artist(s)
Start your guest list — collect full names, mailing addresses, and dietary needs

Ontario marriage licence (start the process):

In Ontario, you apply for a marriage licence at your local city hall or municipal office
The licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue — do not apply more than 90 days before your wedding
You'll need: government-issued photo ID for both partners, divorce decree if previously married, and the $150 fee (approximate, varies by municipality)
Your officiant (Granthi, Pandit, or civil officiant) must be licensed to perform marriages in Ontario

8–10 Months Before

Invitations and attire.

Finalize your guest list (final headcount for catering minimums)
Design and order wedding invitations — allow 6–8 weeks for printing and mailing
Place your bridal wear order (lehenga, saree, or anarkali)
Order or purchase bridal jewellery — custom pieces require 3–6 months
Arrange accommodation for out-of-town guests (block hotel rooms)
Book your honeymoon (if travelling internationally, check passport validity — Canadian passports need 6 months validity beyond return date)
Book hair and makeup trials

6–8 Months Before

Details and vendors for pre-wedding events.

3–6 Months Before

Logistics and legal.

Send invitations (South Asian wedding invitations are typically sent 6–8 weeks before, earlier for destination/international guests)
Confirm all vendor bookings with a follow-up call or email
Apply for your Ontario marriage licence (within the 90-day window before your wedding)
Schedule final bridal wear fittings
Purchase wedding bands
Create a detailed day-of timeline for all events
Book rehearsal space if needed
Finalize ceremony program and order of events with your Granthi or Pandit
Confirm Sangeet song list with your DJ

1–3 Months Before

Final confirmations.

Chase RSVPs for anyone who hasn't responded
Give final headcount to caterer (most need this 2–4 weeks before)
Confirm all vendor arrival times and logistics
Prepare vendor payment schedule — know who needs to be paid when and how
Create a seating chart for reception dinner
Prepare a packing list for the wedding day (bridal emergency kit, touch-up makeup, safety pins, etc.)
Delegate day-of tasks to trusted family members or a wedding coordinator
Pick up your wedding outfits and store carefully
Confirm accommodation for wedding night

1–2 Weeks Before

Deliver any decorations or materials to venue coordinator
Give vendors their final payments if due before the event
Confirm final headcount with all catering vendors
Test run your bridal accessories with your outfit
Write your vows or prepare anything you need to say
Rest and take care of yourself

Wedding Week

Mehndi night — apply mehndi 48 hours before the ceremony for deepest colour
Rest day between Mehndi and Sangeet if your schedule allows
Sangeet night — enjoy it, you planned this
Ceremony morning — eat breakfast, stay hydrated, don't rush
Reception — trust your vendors, trust your planning, be present

After the Wedding

Change your name on government documents if applicable (Service Ontario: name change on licence, health card, etc.)
Mail or send thank-you cards within 3 months
Submit your marriage registration — your officiant files this with the province
Order wedding album from your photographer
Write a review for your vendors — it helps other couples and means a lot to small businesses

A well-planned South Asian wedding in Canada takes time, but it's entirely manageable when you break it into stages. Start with your anchors — venue and photographer — and everything else falls into place.

Use Ivora's free planning tools to track your checklist, manage your budget, and keep your guest list all in one place.