Buy a 3-ring notebook and a 3-hole punch.
This should be a large notebook (3" wide). Get divider tabs and labels for them.  This will be for the pages you print out from your computer that are always changing.  You can start each section of the notebook with the printed chapter from this website. Then add lists and notes so that you can find them when you need them. You should also add 3-hole "pockets"to the notebook by using your 3 hole punch on 8 X 10 large envelopes. This is handy for keeping photos, magazine articles, ideas, etc.  all in the appropirate section! You'll be able to find receipts, quotes, coupons and photos in a jiffy!

A small note pad
Now that you have a mission...
Keep a small tiny notepad with you as you run errands or browse computer. Jot down every idea or realization ("spare camera, batteries, microphone for my brother who's the MC, etc). Ideas may come to you any time of the day. "The best memory is more vague than the most faded writing".

Create a section in you notebook for each chapter of this website (see left sidebar), plus any additional topics (see lower left sidebar). Print out the  "MASTER TIMELINE" . Most of the sections, such as Catering, Venue, DJ's, The Dress, should also have a 3-hole punched large envelope at the end, for keeping receipts, photos, magazine clippings, etc. That way, as you thumb through bridal magazines and find a picture of, say, a dress you like, you can just clip it out and stick it in that envelope. It'll be there when you shop for the dress.

Prepare a printable a MASTER TIMELINE ...for yourself (and perhaps mom). A simple sheet in MS word or MS Excel is fine, as long as it's easily changed and updateable. Be sure you and mom always have the same version.  Assign dated deadlines for each task.

This is a work in progress as you review this site and coodinate your tasks, call rehearsal places and get dates finalized. You will finalize this timeline 6 months prior to the wedding (hopefully!). By then all dates should be set in stone. List every task large or small. You can BOLD important tasks. You can put names next to tasks if they are being delegated to someone (like mom). Leave the last week completely free for unforeseen problem-solving. Use this calender to do your attendant's time-lines also.

This timeline should be the first page of your notebook. This is the blueprint for what you have to do and when.

Prepare a printable a GUEST DATABASE
This list can be kept on your computer. Use a spreadsheet program like MS Excel.
Begin a guest master database with addresses and checklists, rsvp column etch (see sample), gift they gave, special diet needs (veggie, diabetic), out of towners, handicap access needs, seating notes - assign numbers as to importance of guest - budget may make you crop higher numbered guests.

On guest list, leave a column for special talent. Is there a doctor in the house. Is here a guest who plays piano or does stand up comedy (comes in hand if the band is late). A great singer in the group who you might ask to get up and do a number? Have it all on your big master list so you can be reminded of it without going through scraps of paper or note cards.

ATTENDANT DATABASE
Prepare an initial attendant list database. Leave columns for clothing size, shoe size, hairpieces, floral bouquets, accomadtion arrangements, thank you gift you plan on giving them. You will be adding to this as the information becomes available. It would be good to have a printed version in your notebook to make notes on.

ATTENDANT DATABASE
Prepare a "question sheet" for each service or provider (photographer, host, caterer, venue, etc) you plan to hire (using this website is a good guide for this). Sample sheets are shown.

COMPARISON SHEETS
Print out several copies of question sheets for each category of service and put it in each appropriate section of your notebook. This will allow you to compare them after you're done interviewing them.  You will find printable compare sheets in the chapters for:
* Ceremony Venue
* Reception Venue
* Catering
* Cake Vendor
* Photographer
* Videographer
* DJ
* Musicians

It is recommended that you physically print out the checklist from each chapter and write on it as you talk with each vendor. Print out a separate copy for each vendor you speak with... This  way you can easily compare all of them at the end of the process. As you interview them, narrow the list down and then decide who are the keepers. Keep all their phone numbers.

START YOUR PROPS SHEET.
Begin a computer-based "props and reminders sheet". This is a total master-list of all things needed for the wedding day, and the source if already sourced. Print this list out and put it in the "props" section of your notebook. Add to this list as you think of things (hopefully you've been jotting them down in your little notebook).

DELEGATION OF TASKS.
List of  task assigments. On your wedding day, you'll be posing for photos and getting hair done. Who will be doing what to help you ? Who will be doing other things before the wedding. Start a list of these things, print it out and put it in the "Wedding Day" section of your notebook.

Wedding program wants and needs. List all announcements, who you want to speak, when songs should be played. At early stages it's just a wish-list. It will become more definite later. This should also be printed out and put in the "Wedding Day" section of your notebook.

OUT OF TOWNERS
If you'll have out of towners, you should prepare a "visitors guide" for these guests. List activities, city highlights, give maps and driving directions to the venue and receptions, hotels, local phone numbers, contacts, etc. This may be printed and put in the "Invitations" section of your notebook.

OTHER LISTS
Other lists you should start and print out: Catering questions, venue questions, photographer questions, list of photos you want, Dj questions. Examples of these are included in their respective chapters. Go ahead and print them out and get them in your notebook. Put them in the section they are related to.

PHONE NUMBERS
In the first section, you should also have a convenient master list of all phone numbers. You will be continually adding and subtracting from this list.
IMPORTANT: Keep phone numbers of back up party supplies, bakeries, wedding entertainment, tux and shoe rental, make-up and hair. Put numbers for providers who are open saturdays, have 4 or 5 you can call. This is in case you have a provider who doesn't show up on your wedding day...