Planning Pointers: How to Get Organized

For most brides, one of the biggest challenges they face when planning a wedding is how to stay organized. After all, there are a gazillion details to consider from dress shopping to ordering invitations to booking your honeymoon. You’ll be making phone calls, researching vendors online, scheduling appointments, getting price quotes and constantly trying to keep track of it all. And, unless you’re really organized, planning will be overwhelming and stressful.

I may not be planning a wedding like you are, but just trying to keep track of everything in my office drives me crazy (just ask my staff!). I have folders, e-mail print-outs, books, magazines and products everywhere. So anything that can help me keep track of stuff in an organized fashion is a joy! Which is why I want to share this great item with you that I recently discovered, Clip-It USB drives that function like paper clips. Check them out:

Clip them right onto your folder/paperwork/planning notebook and you’ll never have to go wading through drawers or tote bags (like me!) trying to find a drive. Each one holds 4 GB of memory and costs $18.62 (without shipping or tax if ordered online. Go to verbatim.com). They are also available at Office Max stores.

They also come in fun, bright colors (another plus for easy locating). You can get a three-pack for $52.30 and color code all your planning notes: Blue for vendor information, green for budget breakdown and expenditures, orange for wedding day and honeymoon info.

Another tip: Keep detailed notes right from the start. Write everything down and create an organizational system that works for you whether you prefer online folders or a wedding planning notebook. Refer to it often, toss/delete anything you no longer need and keep your notes updated. And be sure to check out our detailed Countdown Calendar to help get you started and stay on track. Now, I better take my own advice and go through the piles of papers/folders sitting on my desk!

—Diane Forden