When I got engaged, the first thing that came to mind was, "How am I doing to do this?" No one is more worse than me when it comes to keeping organized and turning things in on time. And on top of that, Christmas time is always stressful by itself, try to add a wedding to the mix. So, how am I supposed to plan a decent wedding?
Kathryn Wright, an event planner from Institute for Emerging Issues gave me some advice. She gave me three things to live by when it comes to event planning: Stay ahead, be flexible and have a "go-getter" attitude.
But wait... she isn't a wedding planner, and I am certainly not a wedding planner. What does this have to do with me? Well, these three tips can be used in any situation when it comes to organization and deadlines.
Stay ahead: This totally applies to wedding planning. And especially when a wedding is being planned with an inexpensive budget like myself, planning things in advance might save you some dough.
Be flexible: Anything can happen between now and your wedding day. Always have second choices and back up plans. Don't sweat the small stuff. And I know that every woman wants their wedding day to be perfect... But are you really going to be thinking about how there's puff pastry instead of phyllo dough around the salmon puffs when you're walking down the aisle?
Have a "go-getter" attitude: When it comes to your wedding, don't be afraid to ask questions! If you're trying on a wedding dress, and everything is perfect but maybe you want to sash to be a different color, ask if it can be fixed or changed. Always go for what you want, because you are planning your special day.
Now, I don't know about you, but using planners and calenders don't always work for me. So, I started looking for things that I would actually use to help me stay organized.
WeddingWire is perfect. It's a website made specifically for organizational purposes. There's monthly checklists, a budget app, an online guest list, even the option of making your own wedding website where people can sign an online guest book and RSVP to the ceremony, reception, bridal shower and rehearsal dinner.
I have also started using the Microsoft Office OneNote. It's perfect for keeping up with random thoughts, images, or anything that needs to be remembered. I have made a notebook just for my wedding planning and have customized each section for what information I need to keep up with.
I use both OneNote and WeddingWire together, because one is online and one is offline, so no matter I am, if I have Internet access or just my laptop, I can plan until my heart's content.
And one last thing that I recommend: have support. If possible, don't do it all by yourself! Either it's planning with your family, joining an online community like OffBeat Bride Tribe, or writing a blog like me, sharing your marital stress is way better than keeping it all to yourself.
http://www.weddingwire.com/
http://offbeatbride.com/
My Twitter: XmasHubby
Wedding Website: http://www.weddingwire.com/twoheartsonelife
