Create a Wedding Look Book like the Professionals

Here are some easy to follow instructions on how to make your wedding plans a breeze. If you can cut and paste on the computer you can do this! First, as soon as your engagement is official you can start this project. It will save you time and money in the long run as you attempt to make your ideas easy for a professional Wedding Planner or Caterer to understand.

Use any format you like such as Word, Powerpoint, or Photoshop to create your book. It does not have to be perfect but just the general idea of what you are considering. Make sure you have the ability to upload photos from the internet or digital pictures. This will make things easier as you can "paste" a picture of your idea onto the page. Start by gathering your favorite styles, looks and ideas from books and magazines. These will be the "references" for your book. Go online and find the images and text that match your idea. These can be altered easily so don't be afraid to experiment. Pick some choices of hotels or venues for the wedding. Upload a picture from the internet even if you have more than one choice. This will help you narrow down your favorites. So for example the first page might be "Our Wedding Site" paste a picture and now type in any ideas you are considering. For example, St. Stephen's Church, ceremony inside. Florals on each pew, pianist, favorite song, etc. On this page you can also put the names of the Wedding party - Justin, Best Man, Kathy, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids all my sisters, and groomsmen John's Fraternity brothers. Maybe put the time of the function and the rehearsal. When it is confirmed add the info and details.

Next, onto the Reception page. Applewood Ballroom, Castle Hotel. You may want to note on this page, if you want rounds (tables of 8 or 10) include floral arrangement ideas. Basic service whether it is a sit-down dinner or buffet and food choices. Again don't get too specific, no need to be perfect. Your official Wedding Planner will firm up these details and you can also add these to the page at that time. More cutting and pasting. So now you can work on your guest list, invitations and so forth. Decide how many invitations will be sent. Make your page say ; Sending 100 invitations. Send date: October 14. Cut and paste styles and wording, then decide on your favorite style. Then you eliminate the old choices and pick one.

You can continue with a Wardrobe page that includes, the Bridal gown, dresses, Groom's tuxedo, and colors . Don't forget to include hair and makeup styles. You might want to do a page for your Registry with some basic idea choices. Add a Travel page for the out-of-towners as they call. Get specific directions typed and have them ready for the printer to include with the invitations. As time goes on, you can add an RSVP page as they come in. This will help you with the placecards. Print your pages and use a three hole punch to put them into a binder. At the end when details are final you can laminate the page or slip it into a plastic binder sheet. Last but not least, take your book on all your appointments, you can easily update it. You will find your plans are getting to be very easy. Wedding planners are very efficient, but they cannot make your dreams come true if they don't know your dream. Make their job easier and show them the pictures and ideas you came up with. I promise they will make your dream come true.