Wedding Checklist - Get Organized (Part 1.1)

As with all wedding planning sites, the first step always seems to be to get organized.  If you are typically an unorganized person, well...you are going to have to change your ways.  
I have found that the most helpful way of keeping organized is setting up a binder or folder specifically for your event.  Even as a planner, I use this method and it is stuffed with wedding notes, contracts, floor plans, etc.  All of the items are right at my fingertips.  My file is a boring manilla folder but there are certainly other options out there for you.
Visit the wedding aisle at your local bookstore and the organizational work is already done for you.  Some binders have pockets, helpful sections, things to think about, etc.  I will tell you that some are better than others so make certain to look through the book to see what works for you.  
Of course, if you are a DIY kind of girl, there are plenty of brides pinning their ideas on Pinterest.  To make your binder, just make certain you include some of these sections:  Guest List, Timeline, Contracts, Venue, Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Reception, Decor, Photo, Music, Invitations, Transportation, Attire, etc.
No matter how you decide to get organized, ALWAYS ALWAYS keep a copy of all of your correspondence when it comes to your wedding. I keep a file of all email correspondence with my brides and all of the vendors servicing their event.  This way, I am able to review every email (sometimes 500+) to make certain that nothing goes awry on the wedding day.  
For some additional help to get organized, check out these sources.  

• Here Comes the Guide
• The Knot
• WeddingWire Binder
• Real Simple

Tomorrow, I tackle the next item on my "to do" list blog....considering my wedding style.

There are many excellent tools to assist you with getting organized. A Charleston Event considers a wedding binder a necessity.