My Favorite Non-Tech Project Organization Tool
Back in 2010, when I was still planning weddings, I wrote a blog post gushing over the Russell & Hazel Signature binders and how they kept me organized. Today, I've replaced my binder with a secure cloud account and an iPad. When I do need to organize physical papers, I stack them in my Pendaflex PileSmart Project Sorter. I have several of these. I use them to coordinate work, home, and leisure projects. They're also reusable, so they last a long time.
Here is the old blog post I dug out of the archives of my now-defunct wedding planning blog, Decidedly Uncomplicated.
You Need a Planner
A binder/organizer. Whether or not you employ a professional wedding planner to help you plan your wedding, you'll need a system to keep all of your wedding-related tools and materials organized. Most wedding books and publications recommend a three-ring binder, tabs, and categories (i.e. catering, flowers, photographer, attire, etc.). However, in my nearly 10 years of event and conference planning, I've seen that different systems work for different people. Some prefer binders, while others prefer folders, and yet others prefer expandable portfolios.
Me, I love, love, love my binders. My favorites are the Russell & Hazel Signature binders with the big rubber band that holds everything in place. When it comes to tabs, though, I organize them based on the actual aspects that I will be planning. If I'm not planning a rehearsal dinner, I don't need a "rehearsal dinner" tab. In addition, I organize my tabs based on the ones that I use the most. If I use a particular tab on a daily basis, that tab is the first one in my binder, which brings up another point: I don't make my tabs all at once. I only make a tab when I need to. Sometimes I don't need a flowers tab and a décor tab; they can be combined.
How can you know which system is right for you? Begin with the binder system and see how it goes after a month or two. Do you have a stack of documents within the binder that aren't punched or categorized? Then, try out a new system. Throughout the years, I would pause to assess my productivity. If I found myself spending more time organizing than being productive, I knew it was time to try something new.