How to keep organized | Bridal Tips

My wedding day was pretty crazy. It was small and thought I could do everything myself. I wanted to save me some money too! I had some help here and there from friends, but I was still pretty clueless. I mean it was my first wedding and event planning.

On my wedding day, I was asked to do things by everyone! My brother, my mom, my friends, my guests, while I was sitting down getting my make up on! But mid mascara, I’m running around like a chicken without a head.

The one thing I should’ve done was hire a coordinator. I had a friend doing certain things for me on my wedding day, but I know it would’ve ran a bit more smoothly than it did if I hired someone. Here’s what I think would help you stay organized for your wedding:

Wedding Timeline – I never had one! I only knew when my ceremony was and when dinner was. I didn’t even think about formal photo taking so we just stopped at Moanalua Gardens park on the way to the reception. It almost didn’t happen because I didn’t have a permit for it. I had no idea! They were nice enough to let us take photos though with a late fee. Then I was late for my reception. So now I always tell my couples to have a timeline. Make sure you ask your photographer location ideas for photo taking if you need it, you never know if you need a permit or not, but your photographer should know. Add drive time if you’re traveling around and if you need help I AM HERE TO HELP YOU =). If you need an idea of how much time to set aside for portraits, check out my post HERE
Hire a wedding coordinator – A wedding coordinator will keep things on track, make your vision happen, have aspirin, deodorant, donuts (maybe, if you ask before hand), know when the vendors are arriving, and where the cake and Photo Booth should go. They will meet up with the vendors when the cake arrive while you’re saying I DO. They can help anticipate anything that could go wrong as well. I was photographing a wedding where the makeup ran late….and NO ONE told the groom. He being right on time, he was waiting in the chapel with the music playing. Can you imagine?! Check out more reasons why you need a coordinator by clicking HERE.
Make Checklist – When do I schedule engagement photos? Did I pay the florist? Did I send the invitations on time? Checklists are so important and helpful for you to stay on task. I never used to make lists, I used to think I could remember everything. Getting older….I don’t even remember where I hid my chocolate from my kids. I NOW have a checklist and reminders for everything (thank you ToDoist, iPhone Notes, and Reminder). I have a list for kids shopping, grocery shopping, to do list for the day, kids chores, AND when to post on social media. I even have one for where I hide things, haha! There are wedding apps you can download now like Wedding Planner by the Knot, Wedding Planner, Manage my Wedding, etc. Check it out!
Designate people for certain things – For photographers, designate that one person who knows most of your guest for photo taking. Someone that can get find and get them ready for family group photos. You can also designate someone for getting breakfast, picking up parents, etc.

Hope that helps! If you have any wedding tips or questions you’d like answered, follow and DM me on instagram @pinkyphotographyhawaii Happy Planning!

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