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Go out and buy a cheap, yet pretty binder from your local supply store (CVS, Walmart, Staples, etc). While you’re there buy some page separators (preferably color coordinated ones with pockets) and some loose-leaf paper.
Load your binder up with plenty of paper (you’re going to need it), then go on and label your dividers.
- Budget- use this as a starting point and play around with it as you go through the planning process. Make sure you are being realistic and you include the groom on all the expenses.
- Calendar- keep track of the important appointments you have coming up over the next year. Dress appointments, venue meetings, cake testing, etc.
- Guest List- probably one of the more important sections. You want to start here ( at least I did) most venues you visit need an estimate of how many people may attend the wedding. Some places are limited to how many people they allow so be sure to list EVERYONE you wish to invite and add it up. This will give you an idea of how big or small of a place you’ll need.
- Vendors- You may want to divide this section up in to sub-sections so that you can keep track of all the venues you visit and store all the information they give you. This is where those pockets come in handy, you want to keep everything together so you can reference back to it easily.
- Bridal Party- Write down the names of the people you wish to ask to join in on your special day. Keep their phone numbers and e-mails in this section as well so they can all be contacted at once if needed.
- Ceremony- this sections will contain rehersal dinner plans, marriage license information as well as ceremonial readings, vows, and program ideas.
- Reception- This section will come in handy when you’re trying to come up with a seating chart (if you chose to have one). Use this section for the finer details for that evening.
- Registry- Keep track of your registries, lists of the items in your registry. I would also include a spreadsheet of items that were given to you and from who, it will make things easier when writing your thank you cards.
- Honeymoon- Keep everything pertaining to your honeymoon; destination, transportation, flights, etc.
- Decorations- Write down all of your DIY ideas and instruction (print and paste) so that you have them for later! Everything from centerpieces, table settings, candles, isle runners, and any other decorations you decide you may want on your special day. As you go to stores or search online for little knick-knacks you might like to have at your wedding, write down in this section so that you know where to find them later on.
I hope this blog helps you wedding planning brides out there! Of course you can edit these sections to fit your own needs, but the point is, you are going to change your mind plenty of times and you need a book that leaves a lot of room for error. So jot down those ideas girls!!
Cheers!