Planning Your Dream Wedding: The Ultimate Diy Guide

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but a do-it-yourself wedding planning binder can help you stay organised. Whether you buy a pre-made binder or make your own, a wedding planning binder is a great place to keep all your vital planning information, from checklists and worksheets to contracts, agreements, and inspiration photos. You can also use your binder to keep track of important dates, such as hair and makeup trials, invitation orders, and alteration dates.

Checklists and worksheets

When it comes to organising your binder, you can divide it into two categories: permanent or rotating. Permanent wedding planner books are anchored by the personal resource network you’ve built as a professional wedding planner. Rotating DIY wedding planners should be dedicated to each specific wedding, with one binder per couple. You can then organise each couple’s binder in order of events, including hair and make-up trials, invitation orders, and alteration dates.

It is also recommended that you keep a section for the guest list and RSVPs, bridesmaids’ gown and bridal gown orders, marriage license information, honeymoon details, and all travel documents. You can also use your DIY wedding binder to keep inspiration photos torn from magazines.

Vendors, clients, and business contacts

A wedding planning binder is a great way to keep vendors, clients, and other business contacts at your fingertips. It's a good idea to classify your binder into one of two categories: permanent or rotating. Permanent wedding planner books are anchored by the personal resource network you’ve built as a professional wedding planner.

Start by creating a DIY "vendor" binder. Make a list of sections you’ll create. You could include sections for the guest list and RSVPs, bridesmaids’ gown and bridal gown orders, marriage license information, honeymoon details, and all travel documents. You could also include inspiration photos torn from magazines.

There are many online sources of worksheets, plus loads you can find and adapt from books. Pinterest and Google Docs can also be very helpful tools in the wedding planning process.

Guest lists and RSVPs

When it comes to planning a wedding, it's important to stay organised. A wedding planner binder can help you do this, and you can either buy one pre-made or make your own. If you're making your own, you'll want to classify each section into one of two categories: permanent or rotating. Permanent wedding planner books are anchored by the personal resource network you've built, while rotating DIY wedding planners should be dedicated to each specific wedding, with one binder per couple.

In terms of guest lists and RSVPs, it's important to keep a record of who has been invited and who has responded. Create a section in your binder specifically for this, and make sure to update it regularly. Include columns for the guest's name, their relationship to the couple, their contact information, and whether they have RSVP'd. This will help you keep track of who is coming and who is not.

You should also consider creating a separate section for seating arrangements. This will allow you to easily refer to the guest list and make any necessary changes. It's also a good idea to keep a copy of the floor plan in this section, so you can visualise the layout of the room and ensure that everyone has a seat.

Additionally, you may want to include a section for guest accommodation. This can include a list of local hotels or Airbnbs, as well as any group rates or discounts you have negotiated. By keeping all of this information in one place, you can easily refer to it when guests start to RSVP and ask for recommendations.

Finally, don't forget to bring your wedding planner binder with you on the day! It can be a helpful resource for last-minute changes or emergencies, and it will ensure that you have all the information you need in one place.

Travel and honeymoon

When it comes to your wedding planning binder, it's important to keep a section dedicated to your honeymoon and travel plans. This will ensure that you have all the necessary documents at your fingertips and can easily refer to your plans as you prepare for your big day and the adventure that follows.

Start by creating a list of sections within your travel and honeymoon category. This might include subsections for transportation, accommodation, activities, and any other relevant details. For example, if you're planning a destination wedding, you'll want to keep track of not only your own travel arrangements but also those of your wedding guests.

In this section, you can keep copies of your travel itineraries, booking confirmations, and any other pertinent information. It's also a good idea to include a checklist of items you need to pack, especially if you're travelling to a different climate or engaging in specific activities that require specialised gear.

As you plan your honeymoon, remember to take some time to relax and rejuvenate after the whirlwind of wedding planning. While it can be tempting to fill every moment with activities, don't be afraid to leave some downtime in your schedule. The best memories are often made during these quieter moments, whether it's a lazy beach day, a nap after a delicious breakfast, or an impromptu hike that leads to a breathtaking sunset.

If you're looking to combine your wedding and honeymoon destination, consider the benefits of reducing your travel and carbon footprint. By honeymooning in a nearby area, you can explore the region to its fullest and create lasting memories as newlyweds.

Inspiration photos

When it comes to inspiration photos, it's a good idea to have a physical wedding planning binder. You can use Pinterest and Google Docs to find inspiration photos, but it's also fun to tear inspiration photos from magazines and add them to your binder. You could also sit in a local bookstore or library with a coffee and do some research.

Your wedding planning binder should be dedicated to your specific wedding, with sections for the guest list and RSVPs, bridesmaids’ gown and bridal gown orders, marriage license information, honeymoon details, and all travel documents. You can also add in checklists and worksheets onto which you can put all of your vital planning information.

Frequently asked questions