Most helpful wedding planning books and/or planners?

[neebelung]

We went to Books a Million last night, and I thought I'd check out a few wedding planning books, planners, etc.... OMG! The selection is simply over-whelming.... Southern Brides, Perfect Weddings, Budget Weddings, etc..... It's STAGGERING....

I did pick up one, however, that was intriguing to me. The "(New and Improved) Bridal Bargains" by Denise and Alan Fields. I'm only on pg 48, but already I've got (lemme count) about a dozen post-it flags on pages and tips I've found particularly brilliant or relevant.

And amusingly enough, I spotted the companion "planner" there, too, but didn't pick it up. I'd dog-eared ads for these pretty, all-encompassing planner/organizer/binder thingies in some of the bridal mags (to the tune of $80-90).

Then I ran across something in "Bridal Bargains" that was like They suggest going to the office supply store and picking up an accordian folder and/or using a three-ring binder with sheet-protectors or pockets to organize photos, contracts, fabric swatches.... and ya know what? I'd already picked up a combo accordian folder/portfolio that I'd been saving all my pics of dresses, flowers, rings, wedding themes similar to my own...

So for another $20, I'll pick up their planner (which follows the format of the book, in terms of questions to ask vendors, pitfalls to avoid), and be done with it. There's $50-$60 saved right there (I spent $10 on the organizer I've already been using).

So what planner books, guides, organizers have you used and loved/found really helpful (or bought and DIDN'T use/didn't find helpful)??

[Heather]

I created my own from the dozens available online, using a basic Excel spreadsheet. A friend had sent me a wedding planning book, but it was hefty and I really didn't need it. I think I opened it once.

Check out this thread: http://www.pashweddings.com/weddingf...ead.php?t=7394

[NovemberGal]

You've already got the one I rave about...Bridal Bargains is AWESOME. Aaaannndd....for potential future use, they have Baby Bargains, too.

Seriously, though, I think Bridal Bargains was the best of the books I bought. Oddly, I also liked Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette book that my mom bought me. I'm not super into the "traditionally proper" ways of doing everything, but it had lots of useful info and gave me good starting points for things. Beyond those two, I pretty much just flipped though bridal magazines for inspiration, and did a lot of web browsing.

I never did get any kind of organizer or journal. I had one accordion file for the paper from our priest (who gave us a bunch of material to help us pull together our ceremony and wording and such), one folder thing that I got when I registered at BB&B that I used for all my registry stuff (pretty much the printouts they gave me, and some research and ideas), and that was it. I did keep a very detailed spreadsheet that I created, much inspired by spreadsheets from several ladies on this board. That's probably the best organizing tool of all!

[whiddle]

The free one from state farm!

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by Heather

I created my own from the dozens available online, using a basic Excel spreadsheet. A friend had sent me a wedding planning book, but it was hefty and I really didn't need it. I think I opened it once.

Check out this thread: http://www.pashweddings.com/weddingf...ead.php?t=7394

Ahhhhh, brilliant! (I'm such a spreadsheet-fiend.... I've even got one for my grocery list )....

And NovemberGal, good to know others have found "Bridal Bargains" as useful as I am... I swear, though, it makes you grow a bit frustrated with the gown industry, what with all the games some shops play, the pricing, the surcharges... Sheesh!!

[555Ann555]

I had an accordian file for all my bits & pieces and an Excel speadsheet for both the finances and the guest information.

I did have one planning book, it was called something like " Planning you wedding" I wonder how long it took them to come up with that title?! Anyway, it'd be great for anyone who needs to record their budget, but after I made the spreadsheet I didn't really need the book.

To be honest this place was my most valuable resource! It saved me a fortune, kept me sane, and kept me right on schedule too

[Marksbride]

Originally Posted by whiddle

The free one from state farm!

That's the one I used to!

[AshyBekka]

Originally Posted by NovemberGal

You've already got the one I rave about...Bridal Bargains is AWESOME. Aaaannndd....for potential future use, they have Baby Bargains, too.

Seriously, though, I think Bridal Bargains was the best of the books I bought. Oddly, I also liked Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette book that my mom bought me. I'm not super into the "traditionally proper" ways of doing everything, but it had lots of useful info and gave me good starting points for things. Beyond those two, I pretty much just flipped though bridal magazines for inspiration, and did a lot of web browsing.

I never did get any kind of organizer or journal. I had one accordion file for the paper from our priest (who gave us a bunch of material to help us pull together our ceremony and wording and such), one folder thing that I got when I registered at BB&B that I used for all my registry stuff (pretty much the printouts they gave me, and some research and ideas), and that was it. I did keep a very detailed spreadsheet that I created, much inspired by spreadsheets from several ladies on this board. That's probably the best organizing tool of all!

Bridal Bargains is AWESOME and they put out updated editions every year or so-HIGHLY recommend

[Brandonsgirl]

hmmm I'm going to have to check out this bridal bargains thing!!! I'm excited...thanks for the info!

[KaileK]

I got a binder type book from amazon.com with pockets and such that I used. It had check lists and memo areas for all aspects of the wedding and cost about $20 I believe.

As for just keeping track of guests, budgets, to do lists, etc. I use excel spreadsheets (in excel, type in weddings in the help area, it will pull them up.)

[allisonw1400]

JCPenny's gives out free wedding plans if you create a registry with 15 gifts on it. I really didn't want anything from JCPenny's but I created the registry to get the free planner. Its very nice. Its brown with a place to put a picture of you & FH. There's tons of forms to help plan the wedding. very nice & the right price

[churchmusicgirl]

I'm another HUGE fan of "Bridal Bargains." I bought it many many years ago when my best friend was getting married and after I got engaged, that was the first thing I bought!

A friend sent me a copy of Real Simple: Weddings. It's a once a year magazine/book thing by the people who publish the magazine "Real Simple." I've found the questions they list for each section interesting, and it's pretty to look at.

[Sharon Naylor]

While we're on the topic of wedding books, I just wanted to remind everyone that I'm the author of over 35 wedding books with topics on everything you'll need! Here are just some of them:

1001 Ways to Save Money and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding
The Bride's Survival Guide: 150 Mistakes to Avoid
The Bride's Diplomacy Guide: How to Handle Those Difficult Conversations with moms, bridesmaids and others
Your Special Wedding Vows
Your Special Wedding Toasts
The Mother of the Bride Book
Mother of the Groom
Home From the Honeymoon: what you need to know about the first year of marriage
What's your Bridal Style? Defining your style so you can talk to your vendors better
The Complete Outdoor Wedding Planner
The Ultimate Bridal Shower Idea Book
The Bridesmaid Guide
The Ultimate Wedding Checklists Book
It's My Wedding Too
and more...

Check them out at my site www.sharonnaylor.net/books.htm

I've answered questions here on Pash for years, and I love that I've been able to help so many of you! So please do check out my books for your wedding ideas and budget-saving!!