Lost in a sea of wedding planning? Can’t seem to keep track of crucial contracts and receipts? Keep missing appointments because they slip your mind? Here are some helpful hints on how to stay organized (and sane) while planning your wedding.
First, buy a wedding planner/organizer. This little book will be a lifesaver during the next few months. Your planner should contain spots to write down crucial information such as telephone numbers and addresses for vendors and attendants, as well as have helpful tips to assist you in your planning. Most planners include sections on questions to ask vendors, worksheets and checklists, setting your budget, and name change information, just to name a few. It might also assist you in ideas to cater to the style of your wedding. There are many planners for every type of wedding and every type of bride. Smaller planners are convenient to take to appointments to write down what happened at that meeting. Larger ones often have pockets or folders included in the back to organize receipts and other papers.
Another aide in wedding planning is a sturdy three ring binder with pocketed dividers. Many brides use this as a place to keep receipts, checklists, and even pages from bridal magazines of a dress or centerpiece they might like. Just hole punch it, put it in the appropriate section, and there will be no more searching through piles of papers to find what you are looking for. Some sections to include in your binder: ceremony, reception, bridal attire, invitations, guest list, bridal party, music, photography/videography, flowers, cake, hotel reservations, newspaper announcements, programs, rehearsal dinner, registry, honeymoon, engagement/wedding rings, records/checklists, officiant, transportation, alcohol, and catering. Please keep in mind that many of these categories can be combined or deleted depending on the style of your wedding.
One easy way to keep track of the guest list and RSVP’s is to buy a small card file, 3x5 index cards, and alphabetical dividers. These items can be found at Wal-Mart or any office supply store. Make a card for each family or guest, and include the following information: name, address, phone number, email (optional), a box to check when the invitation is sent, a box to check when the RSVP is received, the number of people attending, and their dinner choice, if applicable. These cards can also be used to write down what gift was received and when their thank-you card was sent. Prepare them a few months in advance so you won’t have to make a frantic search to find Aunt Shelly’s address when you send her invitation. Just file the cards alphabetically and each guest’s information is at your fingertips.
A small calendar can also be convenient to carry with you so you can be reminded of appointments with vendors, dress fittings, and deadlines for payments. You might want to pencil in a lunch date with your fiancé every now and then if you have time, too!
Happy planning!
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