First, you and your fiancée should discuss your plans for the event and commit them to paper. At this time, decide on budget, size of event, location, and guests to invite. Once you have a plan, stick with it. Avoid making last minute changes.

Invest in a fax machine. It isn’t obsolete yet. Even though we live in the age of the internet, in addition you can fax receipts, send proof’s to printers and easily share ideas with others who are out of town. After the wedding, the fax will still come in handy in your new home.

Get registered as soon as possible. If you hate the “unwanted clutter” (that is a delicate euphemism for tacky gifts) you get on holidays and birthdays, imagine the time it will take to return the many unwanted presents after the wedding. Bridal registry is different today than when your parents were married. Brides can register at home stores, organizing stores, furniture stores, even gift certificates from professional organizers are available to make setting up the new home an easier process.

You do not have to do everything. Delegate! Rely on your bride’s maids, family, and friends to help. The entire family can get involved. Even younger siblings can fill gift bags for your out-of-town friends.

Most importantly, create your own Wedding Planner Portfolio. It could be a binder or convenient attaché. The idea is to keep all your information together for easy reference. Make individual folders for your attaché or divided sections in your binder to include the following categories:

Reception/Catering, Photography, Wedding Gown, Calendar/Plan, Brides Maids Dresses, Transportation, Minister/Rabbi, Honeymoon, Guest lists, Bridal Party contact info and Registry

Like with any filing system, sort categories alphabetically for easy reference. When you see an article or picture in a magazine, cut out and file the page. Don’t forget to clip the “resources” page from the back of the magazine that lists the store or source of the item in the article. Then toss the magazine. You receive a fax with a quote for invitations; file it appropriately for easy access.

Keep a “to-do” list in the front of your Wedding Planner Portfolio and cross check your wedding plan often with the calendar. This will help you to stay on schedule.

Ask recent newlyweds for advice. There is nothing like learning from the experience of others and their mistakes. But remember this is YOUR day. Although advice maybe forthcoming, ultimately it is your wedding. Be confident in your decisions.

Keep your Wedding Planner Portfolio with you at all times. Refer to it daily and you will be able to make the decisions that will keep stress out of your wedding and set the trend for a long, happy and organized marriage!