A Wedding Planner Book: Your Dream Day Companion

Wedding planner books are a great resource for couples who want to stay organised and inspired during the wedding planning process. They often include checklists, timelines, budget trackers, guest lists, seating charts, and other tools to help couples stay on top of their wedding planning. Some books also provide space for scrapbooking and collecting inspiration, such as fabric samples and magazine cutouts. Couples can choose from a variety of formats, including hardcover, softcover, spiral-bound, and binder editions, as well as customisable options.

Practicality and Inspiration

Wedding planner books are a great way to stay organised and inspired during the wedding planning process. They can be used to jot down ideas, thoughts, and inspiration on the go, and form a real connection with your notebook. They can also be used to keep track of appointments, contacts, and other important information.

When it comes to practicality, look for wedding planner books that offer structure and organisation. This might include themed sections for different elements of the wedding, such as dress inspiration, menu planning, and guest lists. Checklists, worksheets, and timelines are also helpful features to keep track of the various tasks and deadlines involved in planning a wedding. Some books even include pockets for storing paperwork, fabric samples, and other items.

For inspiration, look for wedding planner books that spark creativity and provide a space to dream. This might include beautiful imagery, real-life wedding stories, and mood boards. Some books offer colour palettes and pattern samples to help visualise your big day, while others provide blank pages for your own ideas and inspiration.

• The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer: This book includes worksheets, checklists, inspiration, calendars, and pockets for storing paperwork.
• The Little Book of Wedding Checklists: As the name suggests, this book is packed with detailed checklists for budget planning, ceremony prep, invitation coordination, and more.
• The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer: This book offers practical tips and advice for planning a wedding on a budget, with worksheets, lists, and budget guidance.
• Storied Weddings: This book offers inspiration through cocktail recipes, wedding florals, venues, and real wedding images, along with Q&As and planning tips.
• Luxury Wedding Planner Book from Etsy: This planner book features a soft grey suede cover with rose gold foiling. It includes step-by-step checklists, budget planning, and space for your own inspiration.
• Personalised Wedding Planner and Organiser from Martha Brook: This planner includes themed sections for wardrobe, timelines, and other wedding elements, with the option to personalise the cover with your names.

Online Tools and Apps

Wedding planning can be stressful, but there are many online tools and apps to help you plan your big day. Here are some of the best ones:

Wedding Websites

A wedding website is a modern-day essential. It serves as a one-stop shop for all your wedding information, from start times and dress codes to accommodation links and travel details. It is also a great way to collect RSVPs, dietary requirements, and playlist requests. Some popular wedding website builders include Riley & Grey, With Joy, and Wix.

Venue Search Tools

Finding the perfect venue can be challenging, but there are websites that can help you filter through the options. The Wedding Spot offers a regional search tool for various venues, while The Venue Report provides a curated selection of venues worldwide. For intimate weddings, you can also filter "Suitable For Events" properties on Airbnb.

Budgeting Tools

It's easy to get carried away when planning a wedding. Mint is a great app to track your spending, set limits, and stay within your budget. The Knot also offers a budget tool that allows you to create a budget and track your expenses.

Seating Charts

Allseated is a fantastic tool for creating seating charts and venue layouts. It offers flexibility and collaboration features, making it easy to work with your venue or planner.

Project Management Apps

Project-management applications such as Airtable, Trello, and Discord can be extremely useful for centralizing all your wedding details. They allow you to track vendors, payments, and tasks, and some even offer strong security features like two-factor authentication.

Google Drive

Google Drive is a familiar tool for storing and sharing documents, spreadsheets, and photos. It's easily accessible from any device and is great for collaborating with your planning team and keeping everyone updated.

The Knot

The Knot is a comprehensive wedding planning resource offering various tools such as a vendor marketplace, wedding websites, a planning app, a guest list and RSVP manager, a budget tool, and more.

Pinterest

Pinterest is a great source of inspiration for your wedding. You can create multiple boards to organize your ideas and visualize your dream wedding.

Bridebook

Bridebook is a UK-based online wedding planning resource that combines your budget planner, to-do list, timeline, and vendor search in one handy tool. It also provides average costs in your area and allows you to edit your budget accordingly.

Honeyfund

If you're planning a honeymoon, Honeyfund is a great way to let your guests contribute to your trip. They can purchase activities or contribute directly to your honeymoon fund.

These online tools and apps can help streamline the wedding planning process, making it less stressful and more enjoyable.

Checklists and Timelines

A wedding planner book will typically include a detailed timeline and checklist to ensure that you stay on track in the lead-up to your wedding. The checklist and timeline will vary depending on the length of your engagement, but there are some key tasks that you should aim to complete in the months and weeks before your wedding. Here is a general overview of the kinds of checklists and timelines you might find in a wedding planner book:

12 Months Before the Wedding:

• Research and book your wedding venue and ceremony location.
• Start researching wedding suppliers, including photographers, florists, caterers, and entertainment.
• Send out 'Save the Date' cards, especially if you are getting married during a busy time of year or if your wedding is abroad.
• Start researching your wedding dress.
• Book your band and/or DJ for the reception.
• Research and book accommodations for your guests.
• Start planning your honeymoon, including flights and accommodations.

6-8 Months Before the Wedding:

• Choose and order your wedding dress, allowing enough time for any necessary alterations.
• Choose bridesmaid dresses and rent or purchase suits for the groom and groomsmen.
• Start planning your wedding stationery, including invitations and ceremony booklets.
• Meet with your florist to discuss options and create a plan.
• Organise hair and makeup trials and book your chosen stylists.
• Start gathering guest addresses and creating a spreadsheet for RSVPs.

2-3 Months Before the Wedding:

• Send out your wedding invitations.
• Choose and order your wedding rings.
• Buy any remaining accessories, such as shoes, hairpieces, and jewellery.
• Have your final dress fitting.
• Finalise your menu choices with your caterer and organise a tasting.

2 Weeks Before the Wedding:

• Create your table plan.
• Give your venue and caterer the final guest headcount.
• Deliver shot lists to your photographer and videographer, including specific portrait requests.
• Confirm all arrangements with your suppliers and create a timetable for the day.

1 Week Before the Wedding:

• Get your hair and nails done, and indulge in any other beauty treatments.
• Pack an overnight bag for your wedding night and honeymoon.
• Do a full wedding dress rehearsal, including all accessories.
• Print off a sheet with the running order for the day and give copies to your wedding party.

The Day Before the Wedding:

• Drop off any place cards, table cards, menus, and favours to your reception coordinator.
• Rehearse the ceremony with your wedding party and officiant.
• Get a good night's rest!

Worksheets and Calendars

Wedding planning can be a stressful and time-consuming process, but it doesn't have to be. Using a wedding planner book with worksheets and calendars can help you stay organized, on budget, and ensure you don't forget anything.

Worksheets

Worksheets are a great way to keep track of all the details of your wedding planning. They can help you compare different options and make informed decisions. Here are some examples of worksheets that can be included in a wedding planner book:

• Budget worksheets: These worksheets help you plan your wedding budget and track your spending. They can include sections for the planned and actual budget, as well as individual sections for different categories such as invitations, attire, and honeymoon.
• Vendor worksheets: These worksheets allow you to compare different vendors such as caterers, photographers, and bakers. You can compare their prices, services, and styles to find the best fit for your wedding.
• Guest list worksheets: Guest list worksheets help you keep track of your guest list, including names, addresses, meal preferences, and seating arrangements.
• Timeline worksheets: These worksheets help you create a timeline for your wedding planning and ensure you stay on track. They can include monthly, weekly, and daily planners to keep you organized.
• Honeymoon worksheets: Honeymoon worksheets help you plan and budget for your honeymoon, including travel details, accommodations, and activities.
• Inspiration boards: Some wedding planner books include space for inspiration boards where you can paste pictures, quotes, or colour schemes to help you visualize your wedding.

Calendars

Calendars are an essential tool in a wedding planner book to help you stay organized and keep track of important dates. They can include:

• Monthly calendars: Monthly calendars allow you to track your progress and plan your tasks for each month leading up to the wedding.
• Yearly calendars: Yearly calendars give you an overview of the entire planning process and help you set deadlines.
• Wedding day timeline: A detailed timeline for your wedding day ensures that everything runs smoothly. It includes the schedule for the day, such as the ceremony, reception, and any other activities.
• Post-wedding calendar: This type of calendar helps you stay organized after the wedding, including tasks such as sending thank-you cards and returning rented items.

Budgeting and Costs

Determine Who Will Contribute:

Firstly, identify the financial contributors to your wedding. Traditionally, the bride's parents bore the entire cost, but nowadays, both families often chip in, and the couple may also contribute. It is essential to have open and honest conversations about how much each party can afford to spend.

Set a Realistic Budget:

The average cost of a wedding varies; in the United States, it is $33,000 in 2024, $27,000 according to one source, and $29,000 according to another. However, this can range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on location, guest count, and personal preferences. It is crucial to understand what you can afford and be realistic about your expectations.

Break Down the Budget:

The wedding budget should be allocated across various categories. While there are no rigid rules, here is a typical breakdown to serve as a starting point:

• Reception Venue, Catering & Rentals: 40-45%
• Photography & Videography: 10-12%
• Music & Entertainment: 10%
• Flowers & Decor: 8-10%
• Wedding Attire & Beauty: 7-9%
• Wedding Planner/Coordinator: 5-15%
• Ceremony: 3%
• Stationery: 2%
• Favors & Gifts: 1-2%
• Transportation: 2%
• Wedding Cake: 2%
• Wedding Rings: 2%
• Emergency/Miscellaneous: 5%

Track Expenses and Stay Organised:

It is essential to track your expenses and stay organised to avoid overspending. Use spreadsheets, budget apps, or a dedicated wedding budget planner to monitor your spending.

Negotiate with Vendors:

Remember that everything is negotiable. Be flexible and open to customising packages that suit your budget. Many vendors are willing to work with you to create a package that fits your financial constraints.

Hidden Costs and Extras:

Be mindful of hidden costs like beauty treatments, bachelor/bachelorette parties, vendor meals, overtime fees, postage, parking/transportation, taxes, and tips. These expenses can quickly add up, so it is advisable to build a buffer into your budget for unforeseen costs.

Prioritise and Make Sacrifices:

Understand your priorities and be willing to make sacrifices in less important areas. For instance, you could skip the videographer or wedding cake if they are not deal-breakers for you.

Use Credit Cards Wisely:

While credit cards can be useful for earning rewards or cashback, ensure you can pay off the balance within 30 days to avoid accruing interest.

Understand How Style Impacts Cost:

Formal weddings and those with extensive florals tend to be more expensive. Ensure that your desired wedding style aligns with your budget, and be prepared to make compromises if needed.

Happy planning!

Frequently asked questions