Your DIY Wedding Planning Binder - How to organize your contracts, inspiration, and details.

Are you recently engaged and not sure where to start?

Are you planning your wedding and not quite sure how to keep everything organized?

No worries. We've been there and we've got you. As a wedding & event planner & designer for 3 decades, I have always recommended this to my clients and they have always been the better for it.

While there are many planning notebooks and binders out there in the retail universe, it is super simple to create your own. You might even enjoy crafting a cute, strategic notebook in scrapbook style so it doesn't feel like school or work.

As you embark on your wedding planning journey, and I cannot stress this enough, it is essential to keep your wedding plans organized and your stress levels low. Your wedding planning binder is your go-to resource for contracts, budget, checklists, inspiration photos, timelines, vendor info, day-of checklists, calendars, guest lists, and more.

In this post, I guide you how to set up and organize your binder so it works for you.

Below are the suggested sections to label in your wedding planning binder to keep your wedding planning fun, strategic, and stress-free!

LOGISTICS:

• Timeline Development

• Production Schedule

• Venue & Setup

• Floor Plans

• Transportation & Logistics

• Vendor Coordination & Contact List

• Wedding Budget

• Emergency Contacts

• Hotel Blocks

• Transportation & Parking

• other general information should go here.

CEREMONY:

• Wedding programs

• Processional Information

• Wedding Party

• Officiant Information & Contract

• Officiant Notes

• Ceremony Order

• Vows

• Rings

• Special Readings, etc.

• VIP Seating

• Design Inspiration

• Marriage License Information

• Rehearsal

GUEST EXPERIENCE:

• Invitations

• Wedding Website

• Guest List

• RSVP Tracker

• Meal Choices

• Wedding Favors

• Welcome Bags

• Guest Book

• Games

• Place Cards/Escort Cards

• Signage

• Table & Seating Assignments

• Gift Card Vessels

• Tribute Acknowledgement

• Additional Guest Acknowledgements (ie. birthday, anniversary)

• anything else that contributes to your guests' experience.

DESIGN & AESTHETIC

• Inspiration

• Swatches

• Florals (including contract & invoice)

• Rentals  (including contract & invoice)

• Lighting

• Pipe & Drape/Backdrops

• Mood Board

• Design Details

• Decor

• Tablescape

• Linens

• Candles

• Receipts for purchased items that contribute to your aesthetic

• anything that helps bring your vision to life.

PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY

• Contracts

• Photo Shot Lists

• QR Gallery Codes & Info

• Content Creation

• Live Webcast

• Gallery Links

• Pose Inspiration & Advice

• Montage

  
  

ENTERTAINMENT

• Contracts

• Song Lists & Selections

• First Dance

• Performers

• Musicians

• Instrument Rentals

• Dance Lessons

• MC Script

• Live Artist

• Photo Booth

• Selfie Booth

FOOD and BEVERAGE

• Menus

• Bar/Beverages

• Signature Drinks

• Bar Signs

• Wedding Cake

• Desserts

• Contracts

• Catering/Food Providers

• Tastings/Notes

• Food Trucks & Food Carts

• Meal Counts

• Dietary Restrictions

• Vendor Meals

• Receipts

• Staffing

• Specialty Services (mobile services)

FASHION

• Wedding Dress(es)

• Wedding Suit

• Wedding Party Attire

• Traditional Customary Apparel (ie. barong, Hanbok, Kimono)

• Guest Dress Code

• Accessories

• Fittings

• Alterations

• Cleaning & Storage

• Personalization (ie. embroidered lining, monogrammed items)

• Heirlooms

• Inspiration

  
  

GLAM

• Stylist

• Beautician

• Grooming

• Hair and Makeup Inspiration

• Contracts

• Salons

• Manicure

• Pedicure

• Tanning

• Waxing

• Barbers

• Massages

• Lashes

• Halos

• Weaves, etc.

ACTIVITIES

• Non-wedding days should go here

• Meet & Greet

• Brunches/Luncheons/Dinners

• Any activities that you do during a destination wedding week or weekend