Keeping all your wedding papers and contacts organized is a must when planning a wedding. There are many computer progams available to help you do this, however, it's kind of hard to carry a computer along with you as you make your rounds visiting locations and meeting with vendors. As well, many people aren't all that comfortable using a computer for such things.

There are also many books and organizers available which you can purchase to help you with this organizing task. You can find these at book and stationary stores, however you can also quickly put together your own wedding planner, personalizing it to suit your needs. Not to mention, you will save yourself some money. With wedding budgets being fairly tight, this is an inexpensive alternative. Here's how you can make your own wedding planner.

Materials Needed:

1 three-ring binder
10 to 12 tab pages
Lined loose-leaf paper
10 to 12 clear, top-loading plastic protector sheets
1 to 2 clear, press-on laminating sheets (for the front & back covers)
Photos, lace, ribbons - whatever decorations you desire to dress up the front cover
White or tacky glue

How To Put It Together

1. After choosing your photos and other decorative mementos for your planning book, work out a pleasing arrangement on the front cover. You may also wish to use scrapbook paper to help you with the design. There are many beautiful papers available for this purpose and can be found at any craft store. Once you have your arrangement set, glue the pieces to the cover. Apply the laminating sheet over the top. Move your hand from the center out to the edges to push out any air bubbles and smooth out the sheet.

2. Taking your tab pages, label each one with the following labels:

• Calendar - create your own wedding countdown sheet or print one off from the Internet. Insert the countdown calendar in this location and check off each item as you complete each of the steps.

• Budget - keep your budget sheet here with estimated costs, actual costs, who's paying for each item

• Invitations & Thank You's - printing, guest list, postage, etc.

• Flowers - all flowers for both the reception and the ceremony, including bouquets

• Clothing - wedding dress, headpiece and veil, accessories, groom's attire, attendant's attire & accessories

• Wedding Ceremony - ceremony location, officiant, musicians, soloist, decorations, wedding programs, etc.

• Photography/Videography - engagement photos, wedding photos, newspaper announcements, albums, videotaping, etc.

• Reception - location rental, table setup, plates & cutlery, decorations, entertainment, wedding favors, labor, etc.

• Wedding Cake - wedding cake, groom's cake, cake topper, cake knife and server, etc.

• Food and Beverages - all food and beverages, serving tables, how it's to be served, etc.

• Honeymoon - transportation, accommodations, entertainment, clothing, etc.

• Miscellaneous - all the other stuff: transportation to and from wedding/reception, marriage license, blood tests, rehearsal dinner, gifts for attendants, any other expenses

3. Place your tabbed sheets into the binder. Place your budget worksheet under the budget section. Add several sheets of loose-leaf paper to all the other sections for making notes. You should copy the related budget information on the first paper sheet of each section for quick reference. Use the note paper to write down names, dates, meeting times, phone numbers, addresses and any other related information to that section. If you receive business cards (which you will), tape them to the pages.

4. Place a plastic protector sheet in each section as well. You will use these to hold contracts, receipts, price lists, pictures, clippings, brochures, and other related category information. Not only will you be able to quickly get your hands on a piece of needed correspondence or a receipt, you will also have a collection of mementos that can be used later for putting together a wedding scrapbook.