Every bride should really have a notepad...yup, it's very effective. It should contain your schedule, future expenses, budget, guestlist,etc.. I divided my notepad to 3-- the Initial Prep stage-- the " Middle Prep" stage and the "Post-Wedding stage". I also made a financial report of our expenses(ahahhaha) and kept all official receipts in place. My hubby is also helpful and would always check on "our fund" if it is still sufficient. It was tiring but challeging.
In the Initial Preparation Stage (which was 10-5 mos. before the wedding day), we picked our venue and officiating priest. We fixed a budget for our wedding which was less than P 100,000.00 (I won't reveal the exact amount--=)) We also conceptualized our invitations and wedding favors and listed approximate costs of the materials needed. We also prepared important documents like our birth certificates and baptismal certificates. We also sought advice from our parents and other married couples on how to plan a wedding. I don't believe in superstitious beliefs so I borrowed a wedding dress from my friend. I also talked with my uncle who is a couturier and offered a big discount for the rental of barongs and gowns for my entourage. I also canvassed the amount and cost for our flowers and decorations.
During the Middle Stage, I already placed our song choices in my notepad including the contact number of the head of the church choir. I also wrote down our guestlist so that we would be able to know or determine the number of invitations to be distributed. Four months before the wedding, I also wrote down favorite honeymoon destination spots which fit our budget. I always have an updated "Things to Do" list and I checked it out everyday.
The Post Wedding Stage, I wrote down the names of the persons that we should acknowledge including their addresses. We also sent them personalized thank you cards. And of course, I wrote down our honeymoon-pilgrimage experience!
Preparing for a wedding is a whole lot of fun! (I have no regrets)
