Wedding Planning Tools Overload!!

Step 1 - Get organized.

Step 2 - Get disorganized by accumulating all the planning tools you think you need to get organized.

Step 3 - Get organized again.

It was Christmas and I walked through an arts and crafts store for inspiration for handmade gifts. Amongst the glittering ornaments and pre-decorated wreaths I came upon a wedding section filled with elegant invitations in every color and simple yet aesthetically pleasing favors.

I couldn't resist.

And sadly enough, no one received handmade gifts from me this year. I'm sorry....

In the midst of my detour I stopped in awe at the potential a wedding could have if one really put thought and creativity into it. However, knowing myself, I knew I needed just a little (which approximately equals to a lot of) help. Could I ask others to assist in my endeavors to make my one special day, well, special? Sure thing. But apparently, according to experienced bride-to-be's, delegating a large portion of the planning to anyone other than yourself or your dog takes away from the fun (because watching a dog plan a wedding would, in fact, be very fun). Even if what they said logically either just leaves me with more work or is physically impossible, I'll take their word for it.

So the planning commences. Some of things to jump start my planning.

• Started a project on Microsoft Works





• I bought a cute wedding planner that could be read like a book but reminded me of a photo album. In addition to containing wedding planning advice, it had a lot of neat features like a grid for planning table seatings, spaces to glue in pictures that looked similar to what you wanted, an open fold budget sheet, and checklists... lots of checklists.





• Signed up for theweddingbee.com and theknot.com, which had checklists of its own





• Downloaded some free wedding apps on the iphone





• Knew I had to stop gathering planning tools and just start planning.

And so I did. The one main lesson I learned from all these great planning tools is that you need an ultimate checklist. I know everyone has differing methods, but checklists have got to be a bride-to-be's best friend. They are abundant in number in bookstores and on the internet. In short, there are a ton out there.

Right now I am trying to customize my own checklist. Your wedding is your own. Even in traditional weddings the personalities of the bride and groom shine through the customs. My checklist reflects that sense of uniqueness. For example, a major priority is the reception. I want to plan it down to the minute and fill it with entertainment and guest participation in addition to the traditional stuff. So part of my checklist will include choreographing dances, choosing songs for friends to sing, etc. I can only imagine what my dog's checklist would have looked like apart from the chew marks.

My goals regarding planning are to set my own deadlines and stick to them, delegate what I cannot handle, frequently read my checklist, and finally add to the checklist as I go along.

So overload and unload. Do what's best for you and have fun! What matters at the end of the day is that you are married to Mr. Darcy and there will be no turning back. Muahahaha!

Alright...that's a little too much fun.