I'm trying to find the ultimate key to planning a stress-free wedding. I’ve created some simple wedding planning spreadsheets to help manage budget, shortlist of suppliers, inspiration, RSVP list, and seating plan plus order of the day. I find this all so confusing, hard to share and manage.
It would be great to hear thoughts on the best way to sync and streamline planning.
I'm finding this whole thing a massive struggle and super overwhelming - I'm quite sick of my bulging notebook!
Please help...
Rose xoxo
CommentAuthorGlitterfairy
Make a list of what needs paying first and what needs paying last, that will help you out. Also check out the checklist found at the top of the main forum page.
Our wedding day - 6 October 2012
CommentAuthorElinor Claire
I found a checklist on my phone really helpful. I could check it every few days, and add things as they came up.
30th August 2014 was the best birthday ever.
It was the day that I became Mrs. Dixon.
CommentAuthorEmmilou82
I use excel which links between my pad and phone.... It's handy when meeting suppliers, paying deposits and budgeting as everything updates its self. I too initially started with a folder but like you say, it gets big and heavy and it's not something I carry around every day.
Like GF says, list your suppliers perhaps in payment order or priority order and work down it that way.....
Try not to let it overwhelm you and take over (easier said than done)....
Marrying 'The One' on 30th July 2016
I am now Mrs Emma Stokoe xx
CommentAuthorEmmilou82
It's very basic but does the job....
An example of the excel I use:
image.png
Marrying 'The One' on 30th July 2016
I am now Mrs Emma Stokoe xx
My spreadsheet is more complicated than Emms. I have my budget in there and the difference, if someone has bought it us as a gift, next payment and when it's due, total left to pay and if its fully paid off. On another tab I have tables set up to work out the total cost, total cost to us (exc gifts) and how much we have left to pay.
Budget.jpg
I also have another spreadsheet with guest list and addresses. In this one I have columns as to what part of the day they will be invited to. Whether they need an invite, if the invite has been sent, RSVP received, if they are a fussy eater and ages of children. The last 2 have been a god send when working out children rates for the wedding and talking about special food requirements for certain people.
I do also have a paper folder which has every contract printed in it.
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorFlossie
edited
I run a spreadsheet and it's my life saver! Love being able to see everything in one place and it's great for monitoring the financial side of things.
My first tab is the checklist... it lists EVERYTHING we need for the wedding and has a column for estimate cost, amount paid to date, outstanding amount, total amount and whether it's been fully paid off or not. I also have a notes column where I might make a note of what website something is on, whether someone has given us the money for that particular thing etc. Also have a colour code system - everything that has been fully paid for and sorted is in green, things that have been booked but not fully paid for are amber and things that we need to do that haven't been paid for at all are in red. From this I can then see how much we are estimated to still pay out, how much we are DEFINITELY required to pay out, how much we have already spent and how much in total everything will come to.
I have a second tab that monitors finances.. Has how much we can save between now and the wedding, how much we already have saved, what contributions we have received from other people (and what for).
My third tab is a timeline of which suppliers need to be paid off first to last.
I then have tabs for guest lists, RSVPs, dietary requirements, questions to ask the venue, music song choices etc etc.
I save all our contracts on the laptop in my "Wedding" file.
xx
Happily married
18th June 2016
xx
CommentAuthorLoz K
Wow, I normally class myself as pretty organised but you're all putting me to shame!! I've just spent this evening completing spreadsheets to try and gain some semblance of organisation!! Thanks ladies, your tables have really helped :-)
CommentAuthorEmmilou82
Lol... Wow, your spreadsheets are far more complicated than mine.
I just need to know actual cost, what we have paid and what's left......
Only my mum has contributed so don't need any more than that!!!
Marrying 'The One' on 30th July 2016
I am now Mrs Emma Stokoe xx
CommentAuthorFlossie
I'm a bit of a control freak about things like this. I need everything to be super clear in my head otherwise I will just worry about it!! x
Happily married
18th June 2016
xx
CommentAuthorEmily17
For me I have to have every base covered. I have tables showing me what has been paid and when our next payment is due etc. Keeps me calm!!
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorEmily17
Its only my parents and sister who have contributed but I still like to keep track of what they have done so that I can take it away from what left to pay and what will be coming out of our bank
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorLoz K
It's useful to have a spreadsheet showing when next payments are due. You can store them on phones but somehow seeing them all set out together gives you a better understanding of where you're heading.