For all of you brides and friends out there planning your upcoming wedding or event, there is ONE WAY to save a bunch of headaches: BE ORGANIZED. Event planning CAN be stressful when the details overwhelm the overall event. Those details can either work in perfect harmony, creating a perfect event and lasting impression for all guests, OR they can quickly destroy an evening that a ton of time and money went into. Forget to confirm the car service or the floral delivery? Anything can be worked around, BUT why risk it when it can be avoided with ORGANIZATION? (A little inside know-how and experience can help, too.) Outside of that, we all know there will be a few headaches, bumps and bruises along the way with budgeting, but we'll get into that later....
I know, I know, you've all heard this a billion times over and if you're a Bride to Be, you've received those wedding planner notebooks from your sister, mom or best friend already. Well, the best way to get started planning is to USE IT... or you can create your own.
My preference? I like a 3-ring binder with colored tabs, folder pockets and a bunch of clear pocket pages for fabric swatches, paper samples, photos, etc... Fill with some loose leaf paper and keep a three hole punch nearby (they even have the type that goes IN a binder) and you are all set. This way, since a binder can keep expanding, you won't "outgrow" your notebook (I have seen this many times in pre-made notebooks). PLUS, you have EVERYTHING all together, from notes to swatches to magazine tears to contracts and photographs of you or your MOH in your top 3 bridesmaid dresses. PLUS, you can be organized how YOU like to be organized - by event (rehearsal, ceremony, reception, after party, day after brunch, honeymoon, etc...) OR by vendor (venue(s), coordinator, caterer, florist, baker, linens, etc...) OR whatever works for you. To top it off, add a photo of you and Your Sweetie in the clear front pocket of the binder to look at after a disagreement on selecting a BAND versus a DJ. Trust me, that last little addition will help. ;)
If you're not a bride but are planning an upcoming party or corporate event, same goes... get a notebook and get ORGANIZED. There are JUST as many details in planning a corporate affair or 50th anniversary and the details can make or break you!
Now that you've got your binder or planner all set, start pulling ideas... rip apart a handful of magazines with images of your dress, color scheme, flowers, hairstyles, bridesmaids gowns.... and if you've hired a Wedding Planner, review these ideas with her or him. BTW- even if you have hired a Wedding Planner, YOU STILL NEED A NOTEBOOK. This is YOUR wedding (or event) and it should be unique to YOU- reflecting your style and preferences. Wedding Planners can help in the creative arena and with all details, logistics, follow-up, stress relief, etc... but we can't read your mind and your idea of "blush" and "bashful" may just be a little different than your Planner's. PLUS, your notebook will double as an incredible keepsake years later. I have mine and I still look through it for inspiration or for memory's sake...
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