Even the most organized of couples can find the wedding planning process to be overwhelming. There are so many vendors to contact, important dates to keep in mind, ideas to talk through, and guests to invite…it can all be a lot to take on! While wedding planning does require a lot of time, energy, and multi-tasking, you can make the process a lot easier by staying organized. If you are looking to keep your calm as you go through the wedding planning process, follow these top event planning organization tips.
Make Your Initial To-Do List and Timeline
The first thing that you need to do is create a list of wedding planning to-dos. Sit down with your partner and brainstorm what needs to be done, and then work that into a timeline. Do a quick search online to get an idea of typical things that have to be taken care of during the wedding planning process, and consult with friends who have recently gotten married. You may realize you need to add a few more tasks along the way, but creating this initial list will help you get a better idea of what needs to be tackled.
Turn to Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets are game-changers when it comes to planning an event. They are the perfect tools for tracking guest responses, budget, wedding vendor contact information, and more. If you don’t have experience using spreadsheets, familiarize yourself with a system so that you can fully take advantage of the technology.
Create an Organization System
Creating an organization system from the get-go will save you a lot of stress down the line. This might mean keeping a physical journal dedicated to wedding planning, as well as a folder in your file cabinet to store contracts, receipts, and any other hard copy materials. You might also choose to use an online file storage and sharing service (like Google Drive) where you keep spreadsheets, written down ideas, and scans of any pertinent documents. This can be particularly helpful for collaboration since multiple people can access it at once. Or, you might combine these ideas! Whatever you choose, you’ll want to create an organization system at the start of your planning, so that digital or printed information doesn’t get lost or forgotten about. You’ll also want to make sure it isn’t too complicated—be consistent with where certain information is stored so that you aren’t confused when you have to access it down the line.
Dedicate a Calendar to Wedding Planning
You can go with either a physical or an online calendar. Whatever you choose, be sure to be diligent about putting in appointments, due dates, and any other important dates. Of course, on top of that, get into the habit of actually checking this calendar on a regular basis so that you don’t miss an important meeting! To really take your organization to the next level, consider creating a color-coded system. Most online calendars will allow you to label certain dates you put in, and many physical calendars come with stickers—or you can simply use some colored pens!
Delegate Tasks to Family and Friends
If you are a perfectionist, you may be tempted to take on everything yourself. However, it’ll make things a lot easier if you loosen your grip a bit and enlist the help of friends and family members that you trust. Note any of the to-dos that others can take on, such as stuffing and sending invites or doing certain DIY projects, and see if anyone can lend a helping hand. On your to-do list, note who is taking care of certain tasks so that you can check back in with them.
Consider Creating An Email Address Dedicated to Wedding Planning
Most of us are inundated with promotional emails on a daily basis, and sometimes messages that are actually important can get buried in the pile. In order to stay on top of all correspondences with vendors, planners, wedding party members, and more, consider creating an email address just for wedding-related information. Naturally, some friends and family members might still email your normal address out of habit, but you can at least count on all wedding professionals communicating with you through that email.
Schedule Weekly Planning Time
The best way to stay on top of your planning is to actually schedule in time for wedding-related tasks. Don’t just start the week knowing you’ll get to a certain to-do at “some-point”—actually put it into your calendar! This will help you actually get the things done that need to be done and will keep you from being left with unfinished tasks down the line.
If you are in the process of planning your wedding, come to the next Georgia Bridal Show near you. You will have the chance to meet with wedding professionals from Georgia and the Southeast who can help bring your vision to life!
Georgia wedding vendors, as well as other wedding professionals across the Southeast, can contact us about opportunities for exhibition and online marketing with Georgia Bridal Show.