Wedding Tip #3 - The all important, Checklist

"Oh - I don't have to worry about that, Lucy will handle it for me." Those words are heard all too often when it comes to wedding planning. But, unfortunately - many times, they are followed by... "The wedding is tomorrow, why hasn't this been taken cared of when it was promised?"

We are so lucky to have family & friends that are not only excited but very eager to assist you with your big day. Though their hearts and intentions are usually in the right place, everyone has a life that they can get caught up in. Mistakes are made, important details forgotten (not on purpose), feelings get hurt and in the end... what ever did not get done, will be handled either during the last minute, or just thrown out the window to save time and effort. All of this can be avoided, by simply using a piece of paper (or more... depending on the size) and a pen.

"Always make a checklist. Never, EVER expect that someone else will take care of it for you!"

By making a checklist of what needs to be done and who will be doing it... you not only keep track of the items that still need to be completed, but you also make a list of who is going to be held accountable when it was not done. This "All important" Checklist can be placed in your binder that we discussed as Tip #1 and you can refer to it when ever you need. It is especially perfect to list who will be completing key wedding items like Invitations, Programs, Favors, etc. You can list the item, the date it should be completed and delivered by and then an area that lists when the item was received. Not only will this keep you organized, it will truly help when you are in need to provide a time line to your coordinator or to gauge the shipping times for other items. Excel spreadsheets that you can print out and add information to are perfect resources and can be a great template for your checklist.

Don't get me wrong... you may have a perfect wedding that goes off without a hitch... however, you NEVER want to be caught wondering on the day of your wedding if you missed anything. This checklist can be broken down into sections like: Pre Wedding (invites, etc.), Ceremony, Post ceremony & Reception. This can be useful in a crunch when you can't remember if you packed the rings in your clutch or if the flower bouquets were delivered. Though this can be tedious... it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Sit down with your wedding party or your parents to discuss important items that should be placed on this list. Yes, it's an additional thing to do... but I promise that you won't be sorry you had this little piece of paper tucked into your pocket to reflect on... not only to make sure you have everything, but for a little piece of mind. ;-)