As a work-from-home mom, I have to be extremely organized. It’s ongoing; as my business has grown, I need to keep up with it from a filing and storage standpoint, in a 1500-square foot house that must act as home for a toddler and a husband, as well as separate office space for said husband. All I can say is, Ikea Expedit bookshelves are the best thing ever – they’re furniture that also has a very specific function: Storage. Ikea sells all sorts of baskets and bins that fit in the bookshelves to attractively hide your stuff.
My Expedit bookshelf, hard at work
Organization for the bride can be a huge time saver, and is no doubt a big-time stress reliever. Sometimes, it seems daunting to create an organization system – and keep it up – but when you do, you feel secure in the planning process.
My clients have found success by doing the following:
- Don’t procrastinate. Planning is stressful; planning at the last minute is SUPER stressful. Which do you prefer? Don’t wait to get stuff done!
- Excel is your best friend. Organize simple spreadsheets with fields for bridal party info, vendor info (including payments due, arrival times, contact info, etc.), and a basic timeline. (A coordinator will complement your spreadsheet with his/her own, and take over the timeline after you hand over your basic schedule.)
- Office Supplies. I must admit, I’m obsessed with office supplies. Some clients prefer a binder; others like the ease of an accordion file folder. Receipts, records, contracts, all can be sorted clearly in either.
I luurrrvvee Staples' "M" line of stylish office supplies. Their file folders are my favorites.
An organized bride is a happy bride…make that your mantra!