Hey everyone, guess what? I'm a newlywed! Yay! :)
And now that the planning mayhem is over, I can tell you that organization was the key to my sanity. Most bridal meltdowns occur because you're overwhelmed and disorganized. The overwhelmed part you can't control, trust me. The disorganizional part, you should be able to totally control.
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself together! Here are some tips for organizational bliss...
1. Create a Binder with Multiple Tabs
This binder is your holy grail. It should have every contract copy and to-do list inside. Here is a list of all the divider tabs I had in my binder:
• Monthly Checklists
• Budget
• Venue
• Music
• Officiant
• Flowers & Decor
• Catering & Cake
• Invitations & Stationary
• Guest List
• Photography & Videography
• Registry
• Transportation & Hotel info
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Bride
• Groom
• Wedding Party
• Honeymoon
By creating specific tabs for every category, it allows you to find contracts and notes quickly. Keep some looseleaf paper in the binder to take notes during vendor meetings. Insert your notes into the designated section, and you never have to worry about losing that little piece of paper again.
2. Create Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets can be as simple or as complex as you want. Just remember when creating each one, ask yourself, "Is this making my life easier?"
That is the point of these tools - to help you not stress out more. A simple Excel file like the one above will help you tremendously when it comes to gifts. Make one for your engagement party and bridal shower, too. Many people send gifts even if they attend the event, so you want to keep track to make sure everyone gets a proper thank you.
3. Buy a Wedding USB
Here is your excuse to buy one of those super cute USB's you always wanted but couldn't justify :) YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED...best excuse ever! Seriously, this was another one of my saving graces.
You will spend hours searching the internet for inspiration and photos. Make a Powerpoint with all your favorites and save onto your USB, so it's always on hand to show vendors. I found it to be very helpful and so did my vendors.
4. Bag It All Up!
This is the ultimate! Keep everything - and I do mean EVERYTHING - in a specific tote bag. I kept my binder, USB, small measuring tape, pens, etc. in a tote at all times, so it was always ready to go whenever I had to rush out the door to a meeting. As soon as you're done using an item that belongs in your wedding tote, put it back immediately to ensure it's always there.
As a New York City bride, I always crammed in vendor meetings and tastings during lunch or right after work, so having a tote with everything in it helped me stay organized on the go!
For more orginzational tips and tricks, check out some of our favorite posts from The Knot, The Bridal Closet and Dallas Wedding Planner Blog. All very helpful.
How did you stay organized while planning your big day? Do you have a vital tip on organization for other brides? Please comment and share with us.
Wishing you all glamorous planning!
xoxo,
-Lindsey (Nina's Newlywed)
