* Print out a wedding checklist. You can find these online like this option (link to: http://wedding.weddingchannel.com/planning/checklist/12-10months.asp), in your local newspaper’s wedding tab, at wedding fairs and in bridal magazines. Look for one that fits you and your wedding, and use it to help you keep track of all the vendors you are hiring.
* Purchase a travel notebook that’s big enough for plenty of information, but small enough to go to wedding fairs and vendor shops. Write down everything. Flower types, dress and tux sizes for your wedding party, times your photographer is going to show up. Phone numbers for all your vendors, as well as a backup contact. You never know what you might need to know at the last minute.
* Communicate with your vendors about other vendors you have hired or are interested in hiring. You may discover that two vendors (the flower and cake ladies for example) frequently work together on many weddings throughout the year, and can collaborate on your wedding, saving you time and energy.
* Create an Xcel document with guest names and addresses. Start this shortly after your engagement, and have your family members help you fill in the information. Use this document to track yes and no responses to your invitation, as well as gifts received so you can send thank you notes quickly and easily.
Staying organized is very important, no matter if you’re planning a backyard ceremony, a destination wedding, or a large cathedral affair.
