Ready.. Set… I’m READY!

You know, when soldiers go off to battle they have a backpack full of gadgets and things to keep them well prepared. They’ve got guns, mini-tents, water canteens, and tasers to attack the enemy. Well, in the bridal industry… we brides and bride-to-bes need to be well prepared too! We’ve got to be well armed with glitter pens, post-it stickies, and photo-clippings!

I have a few suggestions on how to keep yourself organized as you reach out to different vendors. Aside from the obvious giant wedding planning book you can get at your local book store, here are a couple extra items you can get.

1) A media storage box to hold clippings from favorite magazines, photos, and other memorabilia. I found this box at the Container Store. As you start hunting for ideas and themes you can throw them in the box to refer back to them later. It really does help solidify all the different inspirations you’ll encounter along the way. I’ve thrown fabric swatches, ribbons, photos, and clippings in here. And, given my goldfish-like memory it’s proven to be very useful!

2) A notebook journal that you can carry with you to vendors. It is helpful to jot down bits of information during the meetings. Here you can scribble down contact information, draw out plans for projects, and write down questions you’ll need to ask while you’re at your meetings.

3) A binder for a master list of vendor payment tracking. I created this Excel document for tracking payments and due dates with all vendors I am working with. The tabs are for the original contracts that were signed. This way you can easily go back and see where you’re at as far as bookings.

4) An organizing accordion that you can create your own tabbed dividers in. This is one of the most useful items to have while planning a wedding. Here you can toss in miscellaneous papers, contract copies, brochures, and photos into each specific category. Go to your local Michaels or Staples and pick up an accordion that suits your style. Then pick up about 20 colorful folders. You can use a label maker or print out labels from your computer. To help you get started, I’ve made a list of the tabs that I used in my accordion.

Overall Planning, Budget, Bridal Party, Musicians- Ceremony, Ceremony, Rehearsal Dinner, Reception, Music- Reception, Caterer, Florist, Decorations, Videographer, Photographer, Cake, Paper Needs, Invites, Bride Attire, Groom Attire, Favors, Gifts, Guest Hotel, Dance Lessons, Travel, Honeymoon

I know.. I’m a liiiiiitle OCD when it comes to being organized. But, it proves to be very helpful! I didn’t figure out these things when I first started planning and I could have made my life so much easier! Now you have the tools you need to get started! And, more importantly you won’t pull out as much of your hair as I did!