Planning the Smart Way

Wedding Day Planner

plansmart — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 13:20:14 +0000

Did you JUST get engaged? How exciting! Where to start, where to start……. We have the very first steps in planning your wedding already done for you!

Checklist and Timeline

6 – 12 months before the big day

Decide on a date.
Make an appointment with Clergyman / Officiant.
Determine a budget.
Compose a guest list.
Set time, location of Ceremony, Rehearsal & Reception Venue.
Choose Professional Photographer / Videographer.
Shop for wedding gown: Several fittings will be required.
Obtain Floral & Music estimates; book services if possible.
Register with gift registry.
Select brides maids.
Pick a honeymoon destination: (renew passports & inoculations.)
Begin selection of a Caterer.
Set a date to order dresses for bridesmaids.

5 months before the big day

Finalize guest lists.
Order invitations & announcements.
Order personal stationery & thank you notes.
Plan reception.
Choose florist.
Men choose attire.
Make honeymoon reservations.
Choose caterer.
Confirm delivery of bridal gown.
Make appointment for bridal portrait.
Order wedding cake.
Arrange transportation for the bridal party to & from ceremony/reception.
Go over details of reception with caterer / hotel manager.
If you are renting any equipment, reserve now. (arch, floral pillars etc.)

2 months before the big day

Inform clergyman of all the details of your ceremony.
Keep a gift diary – send thank you notes as gifts arrive.
Fine tune guest list.
Plan rehearsal dinner.
Select attendants’ gifts, grooms gift.
Check all services.
Make moving arrangements.
Final gown fitting.
Bridal portrait setting.

1 month before the big day

Choose wedding bands.
Mail invitations.
Make room reservations for out of town guests.
Check wedding party apparel.
Confirm music arrangements & check selections.
Make reservations for bridesmaids’ luncheon.
Discuss rehearsal dinner with hosts.
Attend showers.
Apply for marriage licence.

2 weeks before the big day

Plan your wedding day hair style. (bring headpiece & veil).
Schedule hair appointment for day of wedding.
Final check on bridal party clothing.
Notify newspapers.
Arrange for name & address change.
Check with caterer / reception venue with last minute changes.

1 week before the big day

Remind rehearsal dinner guests of time / location.
Start honeymoon packing/shopping.
Wrap groom’s & attendants’ gifts.
Check wedding announcements, ready to mail day after wedding.
Bridesmaids’ luncheon.
Schedule rehearsal for 1 – 2 days prior to wedding.
Remind wedding party of exact time & place.
Go over final details of ceremony & reception with all parties involved.
Assign small jobs to family/friends. (pick up guest book, cameras etc.)

1 day before the big day

RELAX !
Have manicure & pedicure done.
Attend wedding rehearsal & dinner.
Give ushers guest list.

Wedding Day

Eat!
Hair & make-up.
Check wedding dress (pressing/steaming).
Have family member check ceremony/reception for left behind items.
Change of clothes. (if leaving for honeymoon).
Breathe! Enjoy your day.

Download checklist

Article courtesy of: www.weddingmanor.com

Car financing – baby steps

plansmart — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 05:41:27 +0000

Your Proactive Steps To Saving Money When Buying A New Car

1) Create a budget, obtain your credit report, get your car financing in order.
2) Use car buying sites for new car dealer invoice price, new car price quotes.
3) Get financing online before you go to the dealership with Capital One Auto Finance or E-Loan.
4) Visit new car dealers or their web sites to view new car model configurations.
5) Use new car pricing info from FightingChance.com and our new car offer spreadsheet.
6) Negotiate your new car purchase via phone, fax, email, or in person based on our spreadsheet.
7) Close on your new car purchase, avoid needless extras, use the internet to buy an extended warranty.

8) Wreck your new car on the way home, Go back to step 1.

Article courtesy: www.carbuyingtips.com

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

plansmart — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 05:00:11 +0000

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked
once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous “yes.”

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—God, your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favourite passions—and if everything else was lost and
only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else—the small stuff. “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the
golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. “Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Spend time with your parents.
Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first—the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

Just goes on to say prove a little planning can help you balance your life!