You have a job. You have a life. And now you have a wedding to plan? It's easier than you think — if you follow these eight simple time-management strategies from Bridal Guide magazine.
Meet with your boss
Once you and your fiancé have set a date, try to estimate the amount of time you'll need to be out of the office, so that when you sit down with your boss, you can present an organized picture of your plans.
Brace yourself for the crunch
Prepare yourself for the busiest times in the process, in which you may need to devote all your free time to planning. The heaviest wedding-planning activity takes place at the beginning of the engagement period and then again toward the end, when it's time to wrap-up last-minute details.
Do your research
Buy a binder with separate folders for all the information you will collect about the ceremony, reception, vendors, etc. As the big day draws closer, start a separate binder with contact information for chosen vendors (including cell phone numbers), final tallies for guest lists and seating arrangements.
Create free time
If you get to work early, you'll have a chance to send some emails to vendors and speed up the process. Use your daily commute to the office to update your to-do list (but not if you're driving!).
Power up your lunch hour
While dining at your desk, update your wedding budget or file research in your binders. Create a list of questions to interview vendors quickly, but thoroughly. Other doable lunch hour tasks could include updating your registry and your wedding website and researching possible honeymoon destinations.
Use timesaving technology
Wedding-related computer programs, such as WeddingSoft.com and FivestarSoftware.com, allow you to track expenses, the guest list and deadlines. You can also count on your PDA to store names, email addresses, phone numbers and appointments. Consider even keeping a voice-activated tape recorder in your purse — you never know when inspiration will strike.
Compensate for unexpected problems
If you need to request additional time off for wedding planning, be up front about it. Offer to come in early or work late or on the weekend to make up any missed time. You can avoid making your boss anxious about your job performance if you reassure him or her that you will still meet all your deadlines.
Delegate!
Minimize the risk of falling behind at work by enlisting the assistance of friends, family and fiancé in your wedding plans. Your social network can help with everything from creating place cards to looking up invitees' home addresses and scheduling hair and makeup appointments.
