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Make it a Keepsake
Any notebook will do for a wedding planner, but why not buy a keepsake book instead? Keepsake wedding planning books run the gamut from simple diary types to fabric-bound, pearl lined affairs. You can find a variety of wedding planning books online, at your local bridal shop, or you can even make your own.
Practical Measures
Another idea is to buy a three-ring binder and plenty of loose pages. Pick up separators as well (the kind with tabs and white inserts that you can write on). This is a very practical method, as you can easily add, remove and rearrange pages whenever you need to.
You can still create a keepsake book if you go this route. Simply transfer the final pages from your binder into a lovely photo album once you're through making changes.
Establish a Wedding Timeline
Once you've bought your book, it's time to get down to business. The best way to tackle your wedding to-do list is to create a timeline. A general timeline might go as follows:
9-12 months before the wedding:
- Choose a wedding coordinator if you wish.
- Inform your church, chapel, synagogue or other place of worship (if you will be getting married in one of these) of your plans and check that your wedding date is available.
- Choose a venue for your reception (and your wedding, if you will not be marrying in a place of worship).
- Decide upon a wedding budget.
- Decide upon the approximate number of guests you would like to have at your wedding.
- Choose your wedding gown; try to order nine months in advance of the wedding at the very latest.
- Fill out a wedding gift registry.
6-9 months before the wedding:
- Interview caterers; book one.
- Book your photographer.
- Book your florist.
- Select and purchase your bridesmaids' dresses.
- Choose a DJ or band.
3-6 months before the wedding:
2 months before the wedding:
- Order your wedding cake.
- Order your wedding favors.
- Send out wedding invitations.
- Obtain your wedding license.
- See your hairdresser for a hair and makeup "trial run"--don't forget to take your veil with you.
Six weeks before the wedding:
Two weeks before your wedding, you will want to make all last-minute purchases (such as the wedding ring pillow) if you haven't already. You will also want to finalize all of your bookings and go over the menu once more with your caterer or venue.
As hectic as they may seem, your wedding plans don't have to be one big headache. With your wedding planning book in hand, you'll be well on top of things for your very special day.