Some brides treat wedding planning like a dreaded second job: “I have to book that by when? How much is required as a down payment?” It can seem terribly overwhelming. This is where hiring a professional to help with the details can come in handy. Many people are under the misconception that only city brides with means can afford to hire wedding and event planners. Well, that is just not so. Once you have decided you want to hire someone to help with the planning and coordinating where do you begin?

First, determine how much money you are willing to spend.  Second, consider what you want help with. Next, ask around for recommendations. Before you thumb through pages or begin an online search of wedding and event planners, ask the vendors you have already hired who they recommend. Hiring a coordinator to help make your wedding day flow as it should doesn’t have to be expensive; some come free or for a minimal fee at churches and places of worship. Get to know these people well before your big day so they are better able to understand your vision.

Many rental stores, bridal shops, and florists have event planners on staff. Their services are either offered as part of a package or charged as a separate fee. If there is no one on staff, they will be glad to make some recommendations. If you are doing your own planning, that is fine too! There is no “right” way to plan a wedding; each one is unique to the bridal couple. Start with a three-ring binder and place a calendar (one you print off from the computer so it fits easily in your book) at the front. Write due dates in red and appointments and other important dates for fittings and so on in other colors to keep you organized. Insert different color folders for each category (such as Reception Location, Flowers, DJ, Photographer, Videographer, etc.) and then place several clear sleeves in each category. The binder can be organized in whichever order makes the most sense; I suggest starting with the vendors whose payments are due first, and then proceed in order. Place the contract or terms in the front in a clear sleeve so it is easily readable if you need to review the details as you go.

Keep receipts and other important information in the folders for future reference. In the back of the binder, have a separate folder for “ideas”—this keeps the ideas of what you want fresh, and being able to look back at things you want also keeps it fun. Include a list in your folder of “extras” that is prioritized by what is most important to you (ceiling draping, chair covers, etc.). If you are able to save a bit of money somewhere, or dad kicks in more money than was originally budgeted, you can go to this wish list.

Every bride dreams of her wedding day, but sometimes she cannot afford to have every aspect of her dream become a reality. Writing down these little extras may help you realize they may not all be out of reach. No matter what your budget is, your wedding is all about you and the love you have for each other. Our goal as vendors is to help you create incredible memories.