Tips for "Working Brides"

Planning a wedding is no easy task for today’s working brides. When time runs short or office obligations pile up, take some advice from working brides who know.


Start Early


Find a wedding checklist that states what month you must do each task. Now throw it out the window. A working bride must get moving! If you’re the patient type, give yourself two years to plan the perfect wedding rather than the average 11 months. If you can’t wait that long, be sure to book your vendors and wedding site ASAP, no matter what your checklist says. Many choice vendors and locations book up a year in advance.


Starting early also assures that unexpected events in the future will not cause a setback in planning. Explains newlywed Amy: “We began registering in January, even though our shower wasn’t until June. Thank goodness we did. The closer we got to the shower, the more hectic things became with family. We were so glad we weren’t trying to pick China while we were so stressed.”


Stay Organized


A bride-on-the-go needs to stay organized at all times. Keep all your wedding information in one place that you can easily access no matter where you are. Buy yourself an accordion file folder and carry it in your briefcase. Write everything down and file it immediately. As newlywed Anne explains: “Don’t trust that you’ll remember where you stuck that scrap of paper with your dream florist’s phone number. You won’t.”


One bride suggests taking a digital camera everywhere you go so that you can later compare different versions of the same product. Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures, however, as some salespeople may not allow photos.


Do Your Research


Many working brides report that they practically lived on the Internet during their engagement. The web offers easy-access shopping long after retail stores have closed for the night. With a click of the mouse, you can order anything from invitations to garter belts online.


Pre-screen vendors by comparing their websites. Many vendors display demos and prices online. Or you can e-mail vendors for specific information. Ask recently married friends to recommend their favorite vendors.


Once you have narrowed down your list of choice vendors, do some research to determine your wedding style. Look for pictures of flowers and decoration schemes you like, and bring a copy to in-person vendor meetings. Create a list of technical questions for photographers, etc. Knowing what you want before you meet will speed up appointment times.


Visit at least one bridal show as early in your engagement as possible. Here, you can compare vendors in person, ask them questions, and schedule private appointments for the future. You may also win some great prizes that you would otherwise have to research and purchase – like a honeymoon or gown.


Every Minute Counts


Make the most of your free time – even your lunch hour can be used to plan your wedding. Says Anne: “Don’t sit around with your girlfriends having a smoke. Get yourself back to your desk with your food and get on the phone! Even if you don’t reach people, it’s a fast and convenient way to at least leave messages with your name, phone number and the date/cake/color/hors d’oeuvre you want.”


Get the maximum out of your free days by filling them with appointments. You may be exhausted come nightfall, but you will have the satisfaction of getting a lot done. If possible, see all one type of vendor in one day. Swing by your top five reception sites, so that you can make a decision that evening while everything is still fresh in your mind.


Be sure to take time for yourself and your fiancé, though, so you won’t get overworked. If you spent all day Saturday meeting with videographers, spend Sunday relaxing and enjoying some quiet time – sans wedding planning.


Know How to Delegate


When time gets tight, ask family, friends and your fiancé for help. Bride-to-be Angie points out: “Remember that the groom is an equal participant and split out the tasks. There is no reason for the bride to be doing it all, unless she wants to.”


Keep Working


Don’t allow your work to suffer because of wedding plans. Your boss will be more lenient about your online research during business hours if she can still count on you to complete your office duties on time. And when you get back from the honeymoon, be sure to thank your boss for her patience and understanding.