One of the key elements to wedding planning is organization. There are numerous wedding planning books or, if you prefer to keep track of everything using your computer, wedding planning software. Most are available for a reasonable charge; a few are even free.
Or, the other option of course, you can easily make your own wedding planner, quite inexpensively—personalized just for you. See instructions below.
It's a good idea to take your wedding planner with you everywhere you go. Keep everything regarding your wedding in it, such as:
- names
- phone numbers
- business cards
- swatches
- receipts
- pictures you've seen of things you like (wedding gowns, headpieces, flowers, reception setup, etc.)
- notes
- ideas
- etc.
If you’re out one day and see something that seems like it would be perfect but you're not sure if the color is right, you can check it against a swatch. It may come in handy when you least expect it and a wedding planner makes a great keepsake of your special day!
Instructions
Here's what you'll need to make your own wedding planner:
- Big 3-ring binder—2½" or 3". (You might want to buy a binder with clear plastic on the front/back so you can insert a picture of the two of you, picture of your wedding location, honeymoon destination, etc.)
- Zipper pouches (or sheet protectors) for swatches & receipts.
- Business card sleeves. (We found Avery's 3-ring Business Card Pages that hold 20 business card per page and fit standard 3-ring binders online at both Staples and Office Depot.)
- Paper hole punch to put all of your contracts in the binder
- or -
Sheet protectors to hold contracts without punching them; so you don't punchthrough any of the text.
- Tabs to divide the sections of your binder.
- Paper to record your notes and other.
- Imagination and your own decorations—pictures, glitter, stickers, etc. (Make your wedding planner as attractive and fun as you want as you will be looking at it from the start of your planning until your wedding day. You might even want to keep it as a momento of your wedding planning.)
The tab dividers in the binder can be set up any number of ways. The number of sections depends on what you want for your wedding. Below is an example list of categories from which you can either choose or use your own. Include subdivisions in the categories to help you take care of all details. As you browse through our website you will find worksheets, tips and articles to print and include in your customized planner.
- Engagement
- Annoucements
- Engagement Party
- The Budget
- Who Pays For What?
- Budget Spreadsheet
- General Planning
- Wedding Timeline
- Bridal Attendants Details
- Groomsmens Details
- Useful Phone Numbers
- Task List
- Bridal Consultant/Planner
- Marriage License
- Rings
- Guest List
- Invitations
- Calligrapher
- Postage
- Wording
- Programs
- Save the Date Cards
- Thank You Notes
- Maps To Ceremony & Reception
- Parties
- Bachelor Party
- Bachelorette Party
- Bridesmaids Luncheon
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Brides Trousseau
- Bridal Gown
- Jewellery
- Brides Emergency Kit
- Other Wedding Attire
- Bridesmaids
- Flower Girl
- Groomsmen
- Ring Bearer
- Ceremony
- Ceremony Music
- Officiant
- Other Ceremony Details
- Vows (if you’re writing your own)
- Ceremony Ideas
- Reception
- Seating Chart & Placecards
- Decorations/Rental Items
- Favors
- Miscellaneous: Toasting Glasses, Disposable Cameras, Cake Knife, etc
- Other Reception Details
- Speeches & Toasts
- Reception Ideas
- Guestbook Ideas
- Entertainment & Music
- Band, DJ or other
- Formal Dance Selections
- Bouquet & Garter Toss
- Kissing Games
- Caterer
- Wedding Flowers
- Bouquets and headpieces.
- Boutonnieres & Corsages.
- Ceremony Flowers.
- Reception Flowers.
- Other Flowers (such as cake, cake table, etc.)
- Ideas
- Photography
- Videography
- Wedding Transport
- Wedding Cake
- Gifts:
- Attendants' Gifts.
- Your wedding gifts to each other.
- Gift Registry.
- Health & Beauty:
- Hair
- Make-up
- Nails
- Fitness Log
- Fitness Plan
- Weight and measurements at the beginning and end of planning
- Honeymoon:
- Details about children, pets, plants, cars, etc.
- Lodging.
- Transportation.
- Lodging (for out-of-town guests)
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