Organization: Keeping Things Straight and On Track

Planning a wedding is a serious undertaking. There are literally hundreds of details to attend to, not to mention myriad ideas, questions, considerations, and what-ifs. For this reason, it's wise to be as organized as possible.

The Spreadsheet: For your wedding budget, a spreadsheet can be a lifesaver. It helps you keep expenses in order, while visibly telling you what you can and cannot afford. Create one with a bottom line – both a maximum and minimum – and try and remain within that range.

The thing about numbers is, is that there's only so many ways to crunch them. If they go over-budget once, they'll go over-budget again unless some changes are made. A spreadsheet gives you something to look at and consider together. The compromises that a wedding typically requires – begin with the budget.

The Expanding Phone Book: Speaking of numbers, you'll be bombarded with contact information as you plan your wedding, from email addresses to phone numbers to website URLs. And you'll want to keep it all together, organized in one convenient place that can be accessed with ease. Need confirmation on a delivery? Visit the website. A quick change to the centerpieces? Call the florist. Guest list expanding by five? Alert the caterer.

As for what the “phone book” should be? It's more so simply a contact sheet that contains all the numbers and addresses you need to ensure communication goes as smoothly as possible. During wedding planning, changes can happen daily. On the hour! Thus, it's important to be able to act quickly. The people you're working with need to be at the ready and as informed as you are.

The Notebook: In this day and age of the modern gadget, perhaps the best “planner” is a trusty old notebook. It's tangible, lightweight, and familiar. Carry it with you always so that you have a way to jot down anything and everything that comes into your head. With such an organizer, you can brainstorm during your spare time, write down numbers once forgotten, and make notes or reminders.

It's amazing how many things you'll need to keep straight, and with them constantly swirling in your head, it's best to have a way to “capture” them all before they fly out of orbit!