Get Organized for Wedding Planning!

You've had friends to your home for dinner. Maybe you've hosted a Super Bowl party or two. But have you ever planned and coordinated an event for 50-300 guests?

If you haven't, then welcome to the world of wedding planning.

Caterers, florists, and other wedding-related companies will be banging down your door to get your business. Friends and relatives will offer advice, phone numbers, and web sites for you to check out. How will you juggle the multitudes of research and information from those who want your day to be special? The key to smooth and stress-reducing wedding planning is...

Being Organized

Being organized is the art of having the things you need when you need them whether it is a brochure, a phone number, or a picture of your ultimate bridal bouquet. And no one recognizes the need to be organized more than someone who is planning a wedding. A few organizing techniques you can use to help you plan your wedding are the consistent use of a calendar/PDA and making 'to-do lists.' But what about all of those wedding-related papers you've accumulated? Estimates from caterers, song sheets from bands, and all of those pictures you tore out of magazines--how are you supposed to keep them all organized?

The Wedding Binder

The top tool for organized wedding planning is a 'Wedding Binder.' Besides your future spouse, your 'Wedding Binder' will be the closest thing to a best friend you'll have during your engagement period. The wedding binder is essentially a 'home' for all wedding-related information. Each topic will have a specific area in the binder allowing for quick referencing and retrieval.

How should you build your wedding binder to work best for you?

The size of your wedding and how many 'extras' you incorporate into your wedding day (ex. ice sculptures, doves) will determine the size of your binder. If you are having a small, simple gathering or you're not doing much research, you may not need more than a 1" spine. Large gatherings with many 'extras' will probably require a binder with upwards of a 3" spine.

Besides the binder itself, you will need:

• three hole punched, two-sided pocket folders

• extra wide dividers or self adhesive divider tabs for the pocket folders

• three hole punched, zippered pocket for pen/pencils/paper clips (optional)

One, two-sided pocket folder is usually enough room for the paperwork of one vendor. One side of the pocket folder is for ideas and research and the other side is for estimates and contracts. Keeping these different types of information separate will allow you to locate them and retrieve at a moment's notice.

Examples of some categories for your pocket folders are...

• Catering

• Photography

• Bridal Gown

• Transportation

• Ceremony/Officiant(s)

• Honeymoon

Assemble the pocket folders in order of importance to you. If you are constantly making calls to your caterer, place that folder towards the front of the binder. Already know what favors you want to give out? Place that folder towards the back.

What other information can be stored in your wedding binder?

• Guest lists/gift lists

• E-mail/phone list of bridal party members

• Seating charts

• A print-out of your registry

Benefits to using a wedding binder

• Money-saving benefit: You're always prepared when a vendor wants to talk about price. If someone quotes you a price in writing and you can't produce the paper it's written on, they could try to charge you more money for their services.

• Time-saving benefit: Since all of your information has a 'home,' you won't be wasting your time printing duplicate information off the internet or repeatedly asking for the addresses of your guests.

• Sanity-saving benefit: All of your wedding information is in one place. No need to take apart your living room looking for what you need.

Tips for keeping an organized wedding binder:

• Label the pocket folders clearly

• Place new papers/information in the correct pocket of your binder as soon as you receive them.

• Sort and purge your binder once a month. Toss any information that is no longer relevant in the trash or in a folder for a friend or relative who may need it in the future.

Always bring your wedding binder with you when meeting with your vendors. You'll have all the information you need to compare prices and make educated decisions. You will be organized, prepared and in control of your special day.

About The Author

Stacey Agin Murray, professional organizer and owner of Organized Artistry, LLC, transforms mess into masterpiece with patience, organizing know-how, and a sense of humor. For a free e-list of 'Top Ten Tips for Organized Living,' or to order your copy of '7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note' visit http://www.organizedartistry.com.

stacey@organizedartistry.com

---

10 Valentines Day Tips for Spouses Who Want to Improve Their Marriage

The best and most valuable gifts are often not material... Read More

Faulty Expectations: 4 Essential Don?ts

The more realistic you are as you prepare for marriage,... Read More

Wedding Favors, a Special Thank You for Your Guests

Wedding favors are as unique and varied as the couples... Read More

Planning A Backyard Wedding

So many couples are planning to have their wedding at... Read More

How to Select a Wedding Photographer

Selecting a wedding photographer can be a daunting task. Not... Read More

Create Unique Wedding Invitations That Only Look Expensive

Save a substantial amount of money on invitations, without sacrificing... Read More

The Charm of Homemade Wedding Favors

Homemade wedding favors come from a centuries old tradition of... Read More

What Is A Destination Wedding Favor?

Have you heard of destination wedding favors? I haven't either,... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No.1

Henry Vlll and Elizabeth Taylor, who between them had fourteen... Read More

Discount Wedding Dresses ? Elegance and Style that Won?t Blow Your Budget!

If you're planning your wedding day then you'll be all... Read More

Wedding Planning

Depending on your personal preferences and the preferences of your... Read More

Unique Beach Wedding Receptions

The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by... Read More

Planning Your Outdoor Wedding Reception

An outdoor wedding reception can be host to an almost... Read More

Marriage and the Election

Dear Friends of Marriage,There is a lot of talk on... Read More

Flower Girl Flowers

There are many options available to adorn your flower girl... Read More

Unique Beach Wedding Themes

If you are considering a beach wedding, the ideas are... Read More

Top Wedding Fitness Questions (and their answers)

As a Personal Trainer for brides-to-be, I often get asked... Read More

Wedding Flower Ideas

Your wedding flowers cover all button holes, all the bouquets,... Read More

6 Ways to Save Money on Wedding Invitations

Inviting your possible guests on your wedding day can be... Read More

Conquer the Five Most Common Fears About Your Wedding Ceremony

It's safe to say that of all the important events... Read More

Choosing your Wedding Favors

How do you give thanks and make a lasting impression... Read More

Wedding Budget - What Can You Do To Shave It, Yet Still Have A Memorable Wedding?

OK, so you have your heart set on the top... Read More

Cancun Honeymoon Vacation - Pleasure Unlimited!

The Cancun honeymoon vacation comes with its bagage of sweet... Read More

Wedding Insurance ? Peace of Mind for Your Perfect Day?

With the average cost of a wedding around £17,000 you... Read More

Help is Here for Your Wedding Ceremony

When it comes to your wedding services, nobody wants to... Read More

10 Common Wedding Reception Mistakes

Every bride wants a fairytale wedding. Therefore, this article is... Read More

Mexico Honeymoon Vacations

Mexico, a country rich in arts and ancient cultures and... Read More

Wedding Extravaganza

The extravagance of weddings is a popular topic. We blame... Read More

Replacing Your Lost Wedding Ring

Imagine it's Halloween evening and you've just gone to the... Read More

Have a Garden Theme Dream Wedding

You've found the perfect venue: old oaks, a stone wall,... Read More

Shopping For Elegant Mother Of The Bride Dresses

There are many places to shop for elegant mother of... Read More

Requesting the Presence of Your Presents

For better or worse, in people's minds weddings and wedding... Read More

How to Plan Your Wedding and Honeymoon

1. Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or... Read More