Planning a wedding is an extraordinary experience and being the bride-to-be is so much fun but things can certainly get a bit overwhelming during the wedding planing process. The way I see it – you’re only a bride once in your life so you better make the best of it! It’ll be the most overwhelming, fun, crazy, new experience and you need to make sure you enjoy it! I can say that as irritated as I may get with certain aspects of wedding planning, thus far I have thoroughly enjoyed it! I’m not sure if it’s because I went to the Rosen School of Hospitality for Event Management or because I have a vision of EXACTLY what I want for my wedding but it’s not as “not enjoyable” as some friends have said it would be. Trust me when I say that staying organized will absolutely assist in keeping the wedding planning process fun and running smoothly! So let’s get into my tips for organized wedding planning!
The Binder
Before you even get started; get yourself a 1 inch binder, I put a photo of Jeff and I on the cover along with our preferred date. Remember Pinterest is your friend and there are so many pins of printable wedding packets that are perfect for wedding binders. I was able to print out a budget, sheets for bridesmaids and bridal dresses, appointments, wedding invite lists, venue sites and much more and of course I have it separated by vendor department- Venue, Ceremony, Reception, Food and Beverage, Music, Photography etc. This binder has been my wedding planning bible and will certainly be yours! Once all vendors have been settled on you can take your binder, minimize the information in it and hand it over to your day of coordinator!
Payment Schedules
You may not think about it but you don’t want to end up having to pay all your vendors within the same week- between a $10,000 venue/F&B Minimum, a photographer, floral, musicians etc things get very expensive! Payment schedules are a must and when speaking with vendors be sure to inquire on a payment schedule. Most vendors will tell you there is a deposit due at contract signing and the balance will be due within 2 weeks of the event. If they don’t provide you with a payment schedule – look at the information provided and create your own payment schedule for each of your vendors. This allows you to make payments month by month and not be hit with a giant bill the month before you say I do!
Have Your Checklist
A checklist is something you absolutely need. I printed my checklists courtesy of The Knot and they are so helpful (especially because I haven’t done this before) Between my super organized mother and my checklist I know exactly where I should be in the planning process! The checklist will assist you in knowing 12 months out you should have these tasks done, 9 months out, 3 months out etc. I’ve always been a visual person and having the breakdown in front of me in the form of a checklist makes it so easy for me to ensure things are moving along nicely.
If you’re a bride-to-be I hope this helps and I’d love to hear how you’re staying organized!
Image Credit: https://thebridelink.com/inspiration/2015/06/all-white-wedding-inspiration
