Getting yourself Organized...

Betsy Boo

Ladies.. How did you get yourself organized for your big day? I'm about 10 months out.. and I feel like it's too early to start DIY projects, but also like this time will fly & I won't get everything done. Did you make lists? Spreadsheets? Thanks!

devinandheidi

my MOH bought me the "brides book of lists" as an engagement present. i loved it b/c it fit in my purse and had pockets on both sides. I kept folded documents in it for whatever I was working on at the time. It was fab! http://www.amazon.com/Brides-Book-Lists-Questions-Lifestyle/dp/0760742316/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251211901&sr=1-1

K Byte

I actually use the knot's checklist function and have added a bunch of my own reminders and to-dos to it. I find they're sometime a *little* off in terms of when to do/book certain things (I'm apparently overdue on trying on/looking at dresses and having a pretty firm guest list, but I already booked my photographer and my DJ) but hey ... it's free.

JoeyOz

I took the things from the checklists that I would actually be needing (I took out limo rental, for instance) and put it in just a Word doc under to-do.  Then I split it up under his to-do and her to-do.  Then as things were accomplished I moved them under Done. I found it easier to see everything that needed done, rather than following those month-by-month charts.

JKohio

I set up a To Do list in Word, organized by 'date something needed to be done'. (The knot checklist is a good starting point.) We further split it up as to things I'd do vs. things DH would do. We also had an Excel spreadsheet for reception location comparison, then eventually one for our guest list (with gift/TY note info) and one detailing vendors we'd selected. During the planning process, I also kept an accordian-type folder with sections for: Reception, Ceremony, Flowers, Photography, etc. where I put any handouts, vendor meeting info, photos, ideas, etc.Whether it's too early to start DIY projects depends on the project, IMO. Something like decor (pew decor, centerpieces, etc.) could be done early if you're planning on using silks. You could also rough out your program or invitation layout, if you'll be DIYing those.

vmcelhan

excel became my best friend...i was on excel more than i was on the internet, and that's saying a lot for me! i used it for seating arrangements, guest list, gifts manager, address lists, vendor contact info, week by week and day by day schedules, payment/budget tracking, picture lists, DIY project schedules, wedding day timelines, and the list goes on and on. and it's never too early to start DIY, there were several things that i had to cut out at the last minute because i ran out of time.  i DIY'd my flower girl baskets a year before my wedding, but if i hadn't done it then, i never would've found the time to do them.  started my DIY invites nearly five months before they went out, and i still had to push back my send out date by a week because they just weren't ready.  if you've got the time now, i highly recommend you use it, because it rapidly disappears the closer you get to wedding day :)GL!

jessicarabbit501

I'm pretty early in on in my planning process (getting married in Oct. '10) but putting all of the information I've gathered thus far into a binder (one section for the dress, another for the venue, etc.) and then organizing my to do lists as the cover sheet for each section has helped me keep everything in perspective.I've also found that if you google "Wedding Templates for Excel" or "Wedding Templates for Word" a whole bunch of (free!) templates will come up for you to use and customize.  Happy planning!

Emily99

Advice- Don't get anything too big and bulky for organizing. My friend bought me a cute ( but HUGE) wedding planning book and I didn't use it because of the size. Also I think if you have the time now to start DIY projects then I would because more and more things will get added to your to do list. You would rather have more done early. Believe me. You always think you have plenty of time and it catches up to you. Some of my hings got axed right before the wedding because there just wasn't enough time for it all.