Keeping organised

How does everyone keep ALL the paperwork organised? I was fine in the beginning. I used a notebook, but its too small now. Last night, for example, we went to see a band and I was sure I had their songlist - couldn't find it. I have phone numbers everywhere, and we missed one appointment already. I'm thinking of moving to a loose leaf folder. Thanks

Re: Keeping organised

I have one of those accordian folders with different pockets and I keep everything in there (except for signed contracts, I keep those in my wedding planner). I like it because I can keep everything organized in different pockets, like pictures of different BM dresses I liked in one folder, the band song list in another, etc.

Re: Keeping organised

The thing is that I do a lot of stuff on the train to work, make calls at work, and then before I even get home, sometimes, we go straight to a vendor. I really don't want to carry a lot of stuff around. I guess I'm just looking for an easy way out

Re: Keeping organised

i got a really big blue binder. with huge rings. and it's filled to capacity!

Re: Keeping organised

I also have a big burgandy binder, filled with everything. I just use a 3 hole puncher (from work) and insert my info. I also have pockets that hold stuff scattering thru out the binder. Another good investment i put in the binder is business card holders. Since you know you end up with lots of those.

It may be too bulky for you train commute everyday. But you can use a small one with just necessary stuff you need to make your calls.

If is really great I know where everything is. I also look like I am going to school since I take it to work with me everyday (but I also drive).

good Luck getting organized.
kimberly

Re: Keeping organised

I was given a Bridal organizer as an e-gift. I LOVE it. They sell them on Amazon.com Make sure you get one with folders to hold everything.

Re: Keeping organised

I was also given a bridal organized as an e-gift, so I use that and I also use a regular business organized. As I went to see each vendor, they gave me a folder with their information in it, so I have those too. I keep all this stuff in a tote bag. When I was going to appointments, I would bring my bridal and business organizer.

Re: Keeping organised

Dubliner I hear you on the train thing and lugging tons of stuff around. So this is what I did and it seems to work pretty well so far...

I have three binders with folders in each which I keep at home. One is for contracts, second for pictures of things I like that I have wripped out of mags and then I have it broken down by section (dresses, favors, limos...), the third binder is for all the print outs I have from LIweddings and any other sites I have accumulated info on. The third is also broken down by section.

I have one planner that I carry with me at all times and a folder. The planner is a basic planner not a wedding one. In the planner are all my to do's listed, the appointments I have so far and any ideas I want to place on paper to file away later. I use the notes paper that was in the planner originally and I bought a packet of them to add to the planner as I finish the paper up. What I did as to not forget I have an appt, is to highlight the name of the vendor, the date and time. My planner has a place where I can keep a pen and highlighter so I have it there.

And as far as my contact list for say photographers, I have created that all in Word. So as I see a new photographer posted somewhere, I write that person name down in the list I have already. I keep this master list at work since I am here most of the time .
So when I am making appts at work I go down the list and check off those that I have mad an appt with and then write the appt into my planner. The folder I travel with all the time, serves as the holder for the master lists, my budget and any information I pick up from anywhere.

It does sound like a bit much, but it has worked so far and I am more relieved now with all the stuff I have.

Re: Keeping organised

Personally, I am also a huge fan of the accordion filoe- it is a lifesaver!

Re: Keeping organised

Thanks, I think I'll make a trip to Staples this weekend, and spend some time sorting through everything. I have soooo much paperwork, slips of paper, etc. This drives me craxy, because usually I am very organized, but I just haven't been able to keep up.

Re: Keeping organised

I have an accordian folder, a 2 year calendar/planner, a spiral notebook with folders, and a wedding planner guide.

I also have hundreds of yellow post-it notes everywhere!

Re: Keeping organised

I have a Brides Planner book I got as a gift from my Matron. I have a small notebook for jotting down notes and useful info. Also, I have a pretty wedding-decorated accordian that I use for receipts. I have a file folder for wedding info, and one for wedding contracts that I keep in my computer desk.
Finally I have created many spreadsheets and documents that I save on my hard drive and on a floppy just in case my computer conks out.

Of all of this, all I carry around with me at all times is my notebook, and my digital camera

Re: Keeping organised

i got a free binder from the knot.com
its a binder with different pockets, ceremony, reception, transportation, attire etc.
it was FREE!!!
look they may still have it!

Re: Keeping organised

Thanks everyone for the advice. I stopped at Staples, and picked an accordian expanding file, a diary, and a binder for everyday use. The file with lots of sections, all of which, surprisingly are full. My desk is clear, (the garbage is full). I feel a lot better
Thanks

Re: Keeping organised

I am supposed to be organized? Darn! thats what I have forgotten! LOL

Re: Keeping organised

I didn't see anyway to order one

Jodi