Crafting A Wedding Notebook: A Guide To Making Yours

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but creating a wedding notebook can help you stay organised. Whether you're the bride, groom, or a member of the wedding party, a wedding notebook is a great way to keep all your ideas, plans, and inspiration in one place. In this guide, we'll show you how to make a wedding notebook, from gathering your supplies to customising your pages.

First, you'll need to get your hands on some supplies. Head to your local craft store or shop online for a binder, divider tabs or folders, pens, highlighters, and any other stationery you want to include. If you're feeling creative, you can even decorate your notebook with stickers, stamps, or other embellishments.

Once you have your supplies, it's time to set up your binder. Start by adding a cover page with the names of the happy couple and the wedding date. Then, use your dividers to create sections for all the important categories, such as guest lists, vendor information, and wedding party details. You can also add sub-dividers for more specific topics, like decorations, food, and music.

Now it's time to start filling up your notebook! Place the most important information at the front, such as a calendar, budget spreadsheet, and wedding planning checklist. As you gather ideas and inspiration, add them to your notebook, making sure to keep everything neatly organised.

Don't forget to include some personal touches, like photos, mementos, or even a few pages for journaling. This is your chance to make your wedding notebook unique and special.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Wedding planning can be a team effort, and your bridal party, family, and friends will likely be happy to lend a hand.

With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a functional and stylish wedding notebook that will help make your big day a success!

Choosing a wedding notebook style

• Consider your wedding theme and colours: If you have already chosen your wedding colours or theme, you may want to select a notebook that matches or complements them. This can help create a cohesive look for your special day.
• Choose a practical size: While a skinny binder might be cute, it may not be practical if you plan on storing a lot of information. Consider the amount of content you will be adding and choose a size that will accommodate your needs.
• Select a binder with a clear front cover: This will allow you to customise your notebook and make it unique to your wedding. You can add your names, wedding date, or any other special details to the cover.
• Opt for dividers or folders: Dividers can help you stay organised by separating different sections of your notebook. You can also use folders or clear sheet protectors to store important documents, such as contracts, receipts, and swatches.
• Add personal touches: Embellish your notebook with creative details that match your wedding theme. You can round the corners, add colour to the edges, or include personal information like your wedding date and contact details.
• Make it fun: Your wedding notebook should be a reflection of your personality and style. Don't be afraid to add fun elements that make it unique and enjoyable to use.

Gathering supplies

• A binder: Choose a cute binder that matches your wedding colours and/or theme. You can also opt for a binder with a clear front cover so you can customise it. Pick a thicker binder, as you will likely be collecting a lot of brochures and magazines.
• Divider tabs or folders: You can use these to create sections for different categories.
• Pens and highlighters: Get a variety of colours to colour-code your notes.
• Cover insert: Design a fun cover page that includes the names of the bride and groom and the wedding date.
• Lined paper: Add this to each section so that you can jot down notes while planning.
• Envelopes or zipper pouches: These are handy for storing fabric samples, colour swatches, and other small items.
• Clear sheet protectors: Use these to store important documents, contracts, pictures, etc.
• Calendar: Keep track of important dates and deadlines.
• Wedding planning checklist: This will help you stay organised and ensure you don't miss any tasks.
• Budget breakdown: Keep track of your wedding expenses and stick to your budget.
• Guest list and their addresses: Start by creating a wish list of guests with your partner and key family members.
• Hotel information: Book hotel rooms for out-of-town guests and include this information in your notebook.
• Wedding party contact information: Include phone numbers and email addresses for easy reference.
• Vendor information: Collect brochures, business cards, and other information from potential vendors.
• Inspiration: Collect pictures, colour swatches, and other items that inspire your wedding theme and style.
• Paper piercer or thumbtack: You will need this to punch holes in your notebook.
• Jumbo paper clips: Use these to hold the cover and pages of your notebook together.
• Embroidery needle and twine: These will be used to sew your notebook together.
• Printer: To print any online resources, checklists, or inspiration you find.

Setting up the binder

Setting up a wedding notebook or binder is a great way to keep all your wedding ideas and plans in one place. Here are some steps to help you set up your wedding binder:

Step 1: Get Your Supplies

First, gather all the supplies you'll need to create your binder. Head to your favourite craft store and pick up a cute binder, divider tabs or folders, and some pens and highlighters. Consider choosing a binder with a clear front cover so you can customise it, and opt for a thicker binder to accommodate all your planning materials.

Step 2: Set Up Your Binder

Now, it's time to assemble your binder. Start by adding a fun cover insert with the names of the couple and their wedding date, if it's been set. Use your dividers to create sections for important categories, such as:

• Wedding party contact information
• Wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Budget
• Guest list and invites
• Ceremony details
• Reception details
• Attire and beauty
• Photographer and florist details

You can also add sub-dividers within each section for more detailed organisation. For example, under "reception," you can have subsections for decorations, food, and cake. Don't forget to add lined paper to each section for notes, as well as folders or clear sheet protectors to store important documents.

Step 3: Add Important Information

Place the most crucial information at the front of your binder. This can include a calendar, a wedding planning checklist, and your budget. As you plan, continue filling your binder with details such as venue information, vendor contracts, and inspiration for décor, music, and more.

Step 4: Update and Customise

As you go along, update your binder by adding new pages and ensuring that everything is in its proper section. For example, when shopping for venues, keep all the information in the "venue" section. Once you choose a location, remove the information for the venues you didn't select. This will help keep your binder organised and manageable.

Step 5: Go Digital

Incorporate your digital inspirations into your binder. Print out your spreadsheets, guest lists, and budgets, and add them to the relevant sections. If you have a Pinterest board, choose some of your favourite pins and print them out, just like you would with magazine cut-outs. Alternatively, create QR codes that link to your Pinterest boards and spreadsheets, and add them to your binder for easy access.

Adding important information

Now that your binder is organised, it's time to start filling it up!

Place the most important information at the front of the book. Begin with a calendar and a wedding planning checklist. You can find free printables online, or on sites like The Knot.

Your budget should also go towards the front of the binder. Planning a wedding can be expensive, so keep a close eye on your budget throughout the process. This wedding budget worksheet makes it easy to outline a budget and points out how much money you can spend on each aspect of your special day.

Important Information to Include

• Wedding party contact information: Include the contact information for your wedding party, so you can easily get in touch with them.
• Wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner: Keep all the details for the wedding rehearsal and dinner in this section, including the guest list, venue, and any decorations.
• Ceremony: In this section, include venue information, decor or rental information, contracts, wedding programs, and officiant information.
• Attire & Beauty: Keep all the details for bridal gowns, groom attire, bridal party attire, hair and makeup artists, contracts, and accessories here.
• Photographer: Make a list of photos you would like and print off some pictures for inspiration. Include vendor information, business cards, and contracts in this section.
• Florist: Include pictures of inspiration or colours you like, along with vendor information, contracts, and business cards.
• Reception: Keep all the details for your reception here, such as venue information, decor or rental information, music playlists, DJ or band contact information, caterer information and menus, seating charts, and contracts.
• Guest list and invites: Keep your guest list and their addresses, wedding party contact information, hotel information, and invites in this section.
• Budget: Include your full budget breakdown and financial expectations from family members.
• Honeymoon: Make a section for your honeymoon plans.
• Registry: Keep all the details for your gift registry here.
• Hotel room blocks: If you've set up hotel room blocks for your guests, include the details and any incentives or benefits you receive.
• Vendor and details info: Keep a list of all your vendors, with their contracts and other important information.
• Day-of checklist and emergency kit list: Include a checklist for the day of the wedding, as well as a list of emergency supplies.
• Wording/etiquette guide: Keep a guide on the proper wording and etiquette for the wedding.
• Processional and recessional list: Make a list of the order of the processional and recessional.
• Cake and cake topper: Include any details about the cake and cake topper.
• Sketches of the venue and placement of decor: If you have any sketches or plans for the venue and decor, include them here.
• Flower planner and flower meanings: Keep any information about flowers and their meanings in this section.
• Escort cards, table numbers, and place cards: Include any details about escort cards, table numbers, and place cards.
• Other decor: Keep any details about other decor, such as the aisle runner and card box, here.
• Inspiration: Include any inspiration, such as colour schemes, tissue paper, or magazine cut-outs.

As you fill in your binder, make sure to put things where they belong and remove any information that is no longer needed. Stay organised and only keep the information that is relevant and useful.

Filling in the notebook as you go

Filling in your wedding notebook as you go is a great way to stay organised and ensure you're on track with your planning. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

• Use your notebook to store ideas and inspiration in the early stages of planning. As you progress, start adding more specific details and removing any information that is no longer relevant. For example, once you've chosen a venue, remove all the information from the venues you passed on.
• Keep your notebook neatly organised by putting things in their designated sections. For instance, when you're shopping for venues, keep all the information in the "venue" section.
• Add new pages and put them in their respective sections. For instance, when you are gathering ideas for your bridal gown, add these to the "attire" section.
• If you're using digital tools like Pinterest boards or Excel spreadsheets for planning, periodically print these out and add them to your notebook. Alternatively, create QR codes that link to your digital assets and print them out to save ink and paper.
• Include envelopes or zipper pouches in your notebook to carry colour swatches, fabric samples, business cards, etc.
• Use sticky notes to flag certain pages and leave reminders for yourself.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help! Delegate tasks to your bridal party or family members to take some things off your plate.
• Remember to enjoy the planning process and make it fun! Decorate your notebook, add personal touches, and use it to record special moments and ideas leading up to your big day.

Frequently asked questions