Wedding Wednesday: Planning Essentials for the Bride-to-Be

Wedding planning is definitely NOT easy. There’s important dates and appointments to keep track of, a never ending list of to-do’s, vendors to work with and more. I’m exhausted just thinking of it all!

I’m kicking off this Wedding Wednesday post by sharing a few planning essentials that every bride-to-be needs to keep in her back pocket in order to successfully plan a wedding. Keep reading>> 

Wedding Planner

 bought a large wedding planner from The Knot when I first got engaged  to help me stay organized and keep track of and plan for my upcoming wedding. The only problem? It’s so large that it’s hard to take on-the-go! This is where the Erin Condren Wedding Planner stepped in to help me plan more efficiantly.

The EC Wedding Planner is the same size as their cult fave LifePlanner but not as thick. I’m able to take this with me and carry it in my bag on-the-go and it has been such a lifesaver  Each Erin Condren wedding planner contains 12-month monthly spreads, “I Do” list section, a scrapbook section, lined note pages, grid note pages sticker sheets and more. I use the planner to schedule appointments, write-in to-do’s and keep a check list of everything that needs to get done that month. This is a must-have tool for brides-to-be and I highly recommend using one if you are currently engaged and planning a wedding. 

Not only does the planner help you keep track of to-do’s and appointments, but it has some useful wedding planning tools as well. I love that there is a budget tracker to help me keep track of costs, wedding tips sheet, music list, seating arrangements sheet and even a section on when to send out thank you’s after the wedding. 

 

While Erin Condren offers adorable pre-made covers, you also have the option of uploading your own images and creating your own for a custom wedding planner! I went this route and used a couple photos from our engagement shoot– it turned out so cute! I also bought some sticker and note packs so I could decorate the planner and give it some pizazz. What’s a planner without a little pizazz, right? 

To-Do Lists

Wedding to-do lists have been my saving joy. No joke! These lists have helped keep the planning process moving and help me figure out what needs to be done. I love that the Erin Condren Wedding Planner contains a checklist list section with a timeline outlining tasks that need to be done (hiring a caterer, sending invitations,  dress fittings, etc.). The to-do’s can then be assigned due dates in my planner.

I have also been using the WeddingWire.com checklist to help me keep track of all wedding-related tasks. SO helpful! 

Wedding Website

To help make it easy for guests to access all the important wedding details, we created a wedding website through WeddingWire.com. The website contains pertinent information on the ceremony and reception, hotel accommodations, our registry and even a list of things to do in the area we are getting married in. I even included some fun tips from Steve and I! 

Wedding Planning Extras

Wedding Fund Jar

I was Marie Kondo-ing my nightstand drawers one day and came across an entire baggie filled with loose change. I thought it would be fun to create a ‘Wedding Fund Jar’ to collect any spare coins from now until the wedding. We can use it to help fund something special for the wedding! 

Facebook Event Page

We’ve sent out the majority of our save the dates already and will be sending formal invitations in the next couple of months. Just in case guests need a refresher on the date, we also created a Facebook event page. We are able to add all of our guests who are on Facebook, provide wedding details and even have a link to our wedding website. Guests can easily find the information they need right on Facebook! 

If you’re not planning to send save the dates, I highly recommend you create an event page so guests know to hold your date. 

Support

Having a supportive bridal party and family behind you in everything. Between my mom, aunt, sister (AKA matron of honor) and my bridesmaids, I always have someone I can turn to for advice, help, and ideas. I am extremely grateful and appreciative to all their help along the way! 

Psst– see how I proposed to my bridesmaids! 

Have you planned a wedding? What were some of your essentials or must-have tools to help you plan your wedding? 

A huge thank you to Erin Condren for providing the wedding planner for review. All opinions are my own; no monetary compensation has been provided. Thank you for supporting brands that support A Good Hue!