The OpenDates journal

Wedding planning, made a little easier

Friendly, honest advice for Canadian couples, from finding a venue that's free on your date to the paperwork after you say I do.

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A couple holding hands at golden sunset
Photography

How to get wedding photos you’ll love forever

Ten little things that make a big difference, from the morning of to the very last dance.

Outdoor sunset wedding venue with white chairs
Venues

How to check wedding venue availability before you fall in love

A simple way to stop touring venues that were booked before you even called.

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Close up of a viewfinder of a camera photographing couple
Photography

The questions to ask a wedding photographer before you book

A practical list to bring to every meeting, so you know exactly what you are getting before you sign anything.

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Dream plan by bouquet
Planning

When to book wedding vendors: a simple timeline for Canadian couples

A clear, month by month guide to booking your venue, photographer, caterer and everyone else, without the panic.

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Romantic autumn wedding in bra ov s vibrant forest
Seasons

Fall wedding ideas for Canadian couples

Autumn here gives you colour, comfort food and cooler air, and here is how to make the most of all three.

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Newlyweds together in forest in winter
Seasons

Planning a winter wedding in Canada: what to know

Snow days, early sunsets, warm guests and a budget that breathes, from someone who has watched a lot of winter weddings come together.

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Wedding budget Canada
Planning

Wedding budget Canada: where the money really goes

An honest look at the big costs, the small ones everyone forgets, and why your date changes the whole picture.

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Small wedding ideas
Ideas

Small wedding ideas that feel big

Warm, practical ways to make a short guest list feel generous, memorable and anything but small.

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Wedding decoration in hall
Venues

The questions to ask a wedding venue on your tour

A simple list to bring with you, so you leave with real answers instead of a nice feeling.

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Friday wedding
Planning

Why a Friday wedding can save you money (and a Sunday one too)

Moving your date by a single day can free up real money in your budget, and often opens doors to venues and vendors you thought were out of reach.

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Wedding rings on signed marriage certificate
Legal basics

Marriage licence Ontario: a simple guide for couples

The paperwork you need before the wedding day, from who can apply to how long your licence lasts.

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Romantic couple embracing outside a municipal building
Legal basics

How to get a marriage licence in BC

A plain English guide to the paperwork behind your wedding day, from timing and ID to cost, witnesses and what happens after you sign.

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Getting married in Quebec
Legal basics

Getting married in Quebec: a plain guide to the paperwork

From the officiant interview to the 20 day notice and the forms that follow the big day.

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