How to Arrange a Wedding

Learn the planning basics

Arranging a wedding, no matter what the size, can be a challenging endeavor. Armed with the basics of planning and an organizational system can help you reduce the stress and headaches. After all, this is the best day of your life, and you do not want the memories of getting everything set up for it to overshadow the significance of the day itself. Everyone has heard of the term "Bridezilla"---you do not have to become one when you arrange a wedding.

Things You'll Need

• Binder Index dividers Sheet protectors Bridal magazines Vendor brochures Yellow pages Notebook

Instructions

1. Separate your planning binder into different sections. When creating one for figuring out how to arrange a wedding, the basic ones are: Establishments (for both the ceremony and reception), Bridal Party & Attire (including the bride's dress, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dress and tuxes for the groom, groomsmen and ring bearer), Ceremony & Reception activities (such as vows or other special rituals), Caterers (including a sub-section for the cake if separately going through a speciality shop), Entertainment (standard this includes bands and DJs), Decorations (or decorators if having a professional come in), Guest List (or lists if you are having a smaller ceremony but larger reception along with invitation ideas), the Honeymoon and, because things always seem to pop up, Miscellaneous.

2. Tear out any inspirational sheets for dream dresses, decorations, cakes and other items from your bridal magazines or other literature you're researching about how to arrange a wedding. Put these into sheet protectors along with a piece of paper containing your notes as to why you like them or what you would like changed to make them perfect for you.

3. Create tentative lists for the guests section, ceremony and reception activities and place them in sheet protectors in their perspective sections. Brainstorm ideas for sections you have no pictures for. This could include passages you read that you may want to write into your vows, meaningful rituals such as the lighting of a unit candle during the ceremony or fun classic activities such as the Dollar Bride Dance at the reception.

4. Make a list of local vendors to notify you are in the process of arranging a wedding. Every section of your planner needs notes and brochures added to it about your choices. Armed with the information about what you want, make phone calls, check out online sites and visit the shops in person. Take your notebook with you to jot down any important information such as prices, availability, terms, sales and perks offered by each business. This will make it easier to choose if there are two different venues you like at the end.

5. Plan in order. After you have picked the date, it's time to see if the establishments you want are available, followed by the entertainment, caterer and other people you want to hire. Going down a specific list ensures you will be easy to back track if needed to change or alter something. Stay organized and keep breathing through learning how to arrange a wedding---you will be more than prepared for your special day once it arrives.