This is a defiant essential and a life safer for the day of.
I used mine all the time and carried it around with me everywhere. You never
know when you’ll get a phone call or need to make a phone call for that matter.
The following is how I organized my folder and what worked
best for me
1.
Monthly Checklist
I found a few checklists on the internet that I used throughout the year
of our engagement to make sure I was on track with everything and not waiting
until the last minute to get started with certain important items
2.
Packing Checklist (for the night before the
wedding)
This was a lifesaver, since our venue was about an hour away from our
house it was very important that we did not forget anything. The month’s
leading up to the wedding I made checklists and instructions for how I wanted
things placed (I even drew maps of the venue, for the people that were helping
us out that day with setting up). I used the instructions to make my master
packing list for the day before. I even made sure I included trash bags, pens,
scissors, and all the little stuff you don’t think about until you need them.
Since we were leaving right after our wedding for a hotel and then off to
our honeymoon, I made instructions for the people who were dropping things off
at our house. For example, the code to our alarm system and which door to enter
in at, etc.
3.
Ceremony
Like mentioned above, I had a list of where I wanted everything to be
placed. This way it cured my OCD and helped out the workers for the day of(win win).
I also made individual check-lists for the ceremony and reception site.
For the Ceremony section of my folder, I included the music that was to
be played and when it should be played, the procession information including
which usher would walk which family member down the aisle, the ceremony
timeline, and the quotes that were to be read during the ceremony.
4.
Reception
I made a map of the reception; we had it in a barn so I labeled each
stall by a number and then organized my set-up and checklist’s by the number
listed on the map. The weather didn’t corporate with us this day so my numbers
where a little off due to us using plan B instead of plan A. If you are doing
this way beforehand it’s a good idea to include both plan A and Plan B.
5.
Wedding Party/Attire
This section was one of the most important, I mean we are dealing with
family members and men(sorry guys). I had a sheet for the girls and a sheet for
the guys. I wrote down everyone’s phone numbers and their outfit sizes. I
wanted to make sure items were not being mixed up in the chaos of the day.
6.
Vendors
This is where I kept all the contracts of my different vendors along with
a sheet that had their phone number, day of contact, when deposits were due,
etc. So important to ask each vendor when their final payment is due since some
of them do not include it on their contracts. Also include how much you have
already paid for the down payment. I had amazing vendors but I have read horror
stories about people trying to get more out of you.
7.
Checklist/List of Vendors
Here I kept my master list of vendors with their phone numbers and day of
contact. When having your final meeting with your vendors always make sure you
ask who the day of contact will be and a phone number for the person. Just in
case they get lost, etc.
8.
Misc.
In
this section I kept all my receipts, including my dress, bridesmaid’s dresses,
invitations, etc. You never know when you might need to order extra invitations
or envelopes and you want to make sure you order the same ones as before!
Staying organized during wedding planning can seem a little
over excessive sometimes but in the end you will be so glad you were!
