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Mrs. Daffodil, San Francisco/Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 26, Nonprofit Strategy Consultant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Resident Physician Engagement Date: December 29, 2006 Wedding Date: May, 2008 Blogging Since: August, 2007 Venue: Church w/ floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Valley; Westin in downtown LA About Me: I moved around a lot growing up, but consider myself a Southerner at heart. I love scrapbooking, dancing, doggies, and diet coke. I am all about personalizing everything and hence, I'm a DIY bride who is just loving the entire wedding planning process! Mr. Daffodil and I met in our college fellowship group and were "just friends" for three years before we started dating. We've been together for four years now and can't wait to get married in sunny SoCal, Mr. Daffodil's hometown.
About Mrs. Daffodil

The Beginning of it All…

August 21st, 2007 @ 8:37 pm by Mrs. Daffodil

Edit:  Wow - I’m so glad that so many of you find that this would be a helpful tool!  It’s very encouraging to me, not to mention that it reassures me that I am not completely crazy smiley1058. Due to the level of responses, Mrs. Bee informed me that she could actually upload this so that you all could download it directly.  So w/o further ado, here it is.  Happy planning!

miss_daffodil_-_wedding_workplan_sample.ppt
 
PS - It’s a Powerpoint file, so hopefully most of you have the application already installed on your computers.

~~~ 

When I think back to the beginning of the wedding planning process, I fondly remember how the engagement was a wonderfully surreal blur (the full engagement story to come!). However, the day immediately after the engagement, I recall how I began feeling overwhelmed! Everyone left and right started asking when the wedding was, where it was going to be…in fact, since everyone knew about the engagement way before I did, they’d all already begun talking about the wedding without me! I’m one of those ppl who are most comfortable when I am on top of everything, so being the least in the know was definitely out of my comfort zone smiley408.

Looking at magazines and wedding planning books didn’t help. They came with tons of endless to-do lists that seemed to be a jumble of little tasks…it seemed like a mess to me, and only added to my anxiety!

Enter the wedding workplan smiley1058. What is a wedding workplan you say? So I am a consultant by trade, and one of the early steps for every case we take on is to identify what the problem/key questions are, what we think the solution would be, and what steps are involved in testing that. We lay out a timeline with specific modules of work, so that we can get a holistic picture of the process. What better way to handle the wedding planning process!

I thought of the big categories of activities that would need to take place, i.e. searching for venues, vendors, attire, stationery, media (aka photography/videography), etc. And worked from there to itemize what would fall into each of those buckets. Here is a picture of the overview…

wedding workplan

Mr. D thinks that this makes things look more confusing, but for me, this was a sigh of relief!! I love how on one page, I can see all the distinct types of activities that need to take place simultaneously and at what stage.

From this, it was easy to create a month-by-month to-do list that made more sense to me (sample below).

month by month view

I also have a more detailed daily timeline for the  wedding month, that has more specific tasks like getting my manicure/pedicure, getting hair done, etc.

I’m guessing many of you may be past this stage in your planning or, as my sister says, that I am just crazy, but if any of you brides-to-be think this is helpful, just leave a comment and I would be happy to email it to you!

92 Responses to “The Beginning of it All…”

1.
SoontoBJWeave says:

I’d love to have a copy! jess at rodandjess dot com

Thanks! :)

2.
Emma says:

That’s awesome! I’d love to see a close-up.

3.
Amy says:

omg - i love this! brilliant….

4.
Kara says:

This is very similar to what I did. I was getting overwhelmed by people’s questions and comments - “When are you going to register?” “Don’t forget that you’ll need ceremony programs” - so I created a giant spreadsheet of tasks and assigned each task a completion month. It was very calming - rather than face a list of 200 tasks to get done before the wedding, I only had to deal with 20 for that month. And if it was May and people asked me a question about something that I had decided didn’t need to be addressed until August, I didn’t have to worry about it :)
Now I’m one month and one day away, and I only have 21 items to go!

5.
ChicagoSarah says:

Oooh, that’s awesome, looks like MS Project but less messy…or maybe I never really figured out how to use Project, hehe. :) I’ve been engaged for a year, and we’re about eight months out from the wedding now, but I’m just starting to feel overwhelmed by my disorganized task list and I would love to have one like yours!

6.
AOEBuckeye says:

Oh I completely understand Miss Daffodil! I’m a Civil Engineer (same mindframe as you!) and I have constructed my entire wedding timeline using Primavera. It’s geeky, it’s a mess to anyone else who looks at it-but it’s sweet organizational bliss for me!

I love your timeline :-)

7.
shelli says:

I totally need this. I am in the beginning of planning and so overwhelmed with all the to do’s. YOU ROCK!

8.
Annie says:

This makes me so happy… I agree with everyone else, you are not crazy, just looking at your timeline calmed me down too!

9.
Brooke says:

You are a woman of my own heart! I cannot function unless I am over-organized, but I agree that all the different “to do” lists that the wedding magazines/websites want you to live by only seem to create more anxiety. I plan to make my OWN list/schedule soon to help ease my nerves for my fall 2008 wedding. If you wouldn’t mind sending me your month-by-month schedule, I would really appreciate it! blushink [at] yahoo [dot] com. Thank you!!

10.
lic_bride says:

miss daffodil, this is great! i am a schedule fanatic. will you email me as well? duchampbare AT mac DOT com. thanks!!!

11.
EK says:

I would love a copy too - still a little over a year out for us.

12.
Jasmine says:

hi miss daffodil! can you send this to me too? big picture is definitely where it’s at! thx!

13.
Katie B says:

brilliant! I would love love love a copy!

krb343(at) yahoo (dot) com.

Thanks so much!

14.
graciette2 says:

I’ve been engaged for a while and still haven’t gotten ANYTHING done (except for some day dreaming)! Can you please email it to me too? graciette2 AT juno DOT com. Thanks!

15.
Moi says:

Gant chart!

16.
bride10 says:

this is great! yes, please send it to me at cikit78@aol.com

17.
Kat says:

Awesome! I would love a copy too purdy please. My e-mail springchic608 at yahoo dot com. Thanks bunches!

18.
mel&matt says:

This is EXACTLY what I need! Can you please email it to redlax3@yahoo.com? Thanks!!!

19.
Jen says:

This is awesome! Please e-mail me a copy: jenjen2327@yahoo.com. Thank you!

20.
miffy says:

I think this is a great idea… nothing beats great origanization! Could i please get a copy too? Thanks!

21.
sparkles says:

I would love a copy of this too! Please send a copy my way: hrtsd3zire [at] aol [dot] com. Thank you!

22.
Kate says:

You are truly my organizational hero. I would love a copy of your chart. What program did you use to create it?

23.
Lelia Howze says:

I want one!!

24.
Impatience says:

That’s SO COOL!!!!!

25.
Alicia says:

I’m in the very beginning stages and would love a copy of your timeline.

padiserene at yahoo dot com

26.
Tracey says:

Please send me a copy, too! tracey.steven at gmail dot com

27.
Kay says:

This is exactly what I have been looking for. Planning a wedding is so overwhelming. I would love a copy sent to unbreakablekw at hotmail dot com

28.
Julie says:

Hi, please email me a copy. This is just what I need. epjules@aol.com.

Thanks!

29.
Ellen says:

I’d love a copy! stlellen at gmail dot com

30.
Trish Browning says:

Would you send me a copy too?? trish.browning at gmail dot com. Thank you thank you thank you!

31.
JenniferB says:

Add me to the list, please!
noggyn@yahoo.com

Thank you!

32.
Jenny says:

Ooh, me, me! You are WONDERFUL for coming up with something like this. I like it because it will be easier for me to consult with than an ordinary list.

You can send it to divinemissj AT gmail DOT com.

Thank you, thank you!

33.
t says:

You’re not crazy. I have a “Production Book” with all the flight info, hotel, confirmation numbers, guests, foods, vendor info, etc, etc - that is all in one place and given to all the BMs, Mothers, etc. If it isn’t in there I don’t want to know. Don’t let anyone telling you saving YOUR sanity is wrong.

34.
Miss Emerald says:

Awesome! I wish I could have been so organized… totally random question… why do some people fully type out their email,
XXX AT XXX DOT COM?? I see that on theknot sometimes too, and I don’t get it… =)

35.
LADIY says:

Miss Daffodil, High Five! I’m a senior biz ad maj who has started her own Wedding Design & Coordination firm and this is exactly how I do it. I always feel so much better once its all on paper (or laptop rather) and I can cross reference it two to three different ways. I also have a pocket sized version.

36.
Fran says:

it’s like you’re a wedding consultant!

37.
Emily says:

Please send me a copy! :)

38.
Laura says:

I would love a copy too. My wedding is also in May 2008 and I am trying to get organized and unfortunately it is not a strength of mine.

nash0922 at hotmail dot com

39.
Gem says:

I love how you are so organized! Thank you for offering to share! Would it be possible for you to send me a copy, too? gem AT berkeley DOT edu

40.
HACB says:

Miss Daffodil -
you’re one highly organized bride! Very impressive!

Miss Emerald -
I’ve heard that if you type your email address, as you would to send a message, that it is easier for spammers to detect your email while they’re trolling the internet looking for new victims. Not sure if this is really true, but that’s what I’ve heard. :)

41.
JW says:

this is great! ljessical@yahoo.com. thanks so much!

42.
Kel says:

OMG, I think I love you. Can you please add me to your mailing list? kel@ever-lasting.net

Thanks so much!

43.
Say Say says:

Hi! I’m getting married in April too- I know you’ve had many requests but could you also email you’re creations to me when you get a chance- They’d really help! Thanks!

44.
davis2b says:

Love the organization! Please send to me as well :). nakeshagreen@hotmail.com

45.
LEAH says:

i love your organization!!! i’m working on my sister’s shower in november and so even with that, i’m making spreadsheets of everything. anyways, kudos on this post.

46.
April2008 says:

I too would love a copy of your timeline! Please send it to danielle.mclaurin AT gmail DOT com

47.
Emma says:

Ah, if you’re indeed sending it out, I’m ekeefe_ihad at yahoo dot com.

48.
stella_blu says:

Ooh! I want one! Email me too please kstringer315@msn.com

49.
Mar says:

You are an answered prayer!!! I’m in the beginning stages and this will save my life!!! Please send me a copy of your files as well. Thank you so much!!!

mar.email@yahoo.com

50.
Erika says:

Since I am getting married almost right before you I would love a copy to see what I am missing

erika 67 at gmail dot com

51.
norcalbruin says:

Uhhh, damn! That’s a lot of email addresses. How about instead emailing to everyone (because that’s alot people), explain what you did in a future post. That way everyone wins. :-)

By the way, love the set-up. It’s nice to know that I am in good company when comes to organization of that nature. I used Excel for mine.

52.
Angelina says:

I would love a copy, too, please! My e-mail is angelinanucci at hotmail dot com.

Thank you for sharing!

53.
MissChris says:

I would love to have a copy. I’m at my 2 month mark and starting to stress.

christelnkeone at gmail dot com

Thanks for sharing!!!

54.
Mooshoo says:

Wow, I’d love to have a copy too. mooshoo72 AT yahoo DOT com. I wish I had the sort of detail-oriented brain to do something like this on my own.

Thanks so much!!

55.
Audrey says:

I am bouncing in all directions abd would greatly appreciate a copy.

audreyon@yahoo.com

Thanks a bunch…

56.
Jessie says:

This is super informative!

Please email me a copy as well or a post on the website might be easier for you.

jessie.keh AT gmail.com

Thank you!

57.
jamie says:

If you don’t mind, can i get a copy too?
cy.and.sh AT gmail.com

58.
lindsey says:

Wow, Miss Daffodil! If it’s not too late, I’d love a copy, too.

lgruenhagen AT hotmail DOT com

Thanks so much.

59.
bethgraced says:

oh me, too, pretty please!!

bethgraced AT gmail DOT com

Thank you!!

60.
Helena says:

Love it! Please send it to me too if it’s not too late! helena_7734 at hotmail dot com . Thank you, thank you , thank you!!

61.
Pnk says:

Such organization! Please send me a copy!
Schoo601@hotmail.com

62.
Christine says:

Holy smokes, Miss Daffodil!

We obviously all want to be just as organized as you are. :) That looks like MS Project and most ppl won’t have that application on their home or work computers, right? Whatever you used, it looks great. I’d like to see it blown-up if you could repost.

I used Excel for everything - wedding, personal and work related. My FI laughs because when we go camping, I plan out the menu and related food shopping/packing list in you guessed it, Excel. :)

63.
natalie says:

This would be so helpful, I would love to see it! My email is nataliemoran at gmail dot com. Thank you!

64.
Bee Icon
Miss Daffodil says:

Wow, I’m so glad that this can be helpful to you all! I actually used Powerpoint for this, so hopefully most people can open the file!

65.
iheartq says:

Hi Miss Daffodil,

I would love to have a copy of this as well. Thanks so much!

lunalai at gmail dot com

66.
Erica Tobey says:

Hi!
This is AMAZING! My fiance and I are both more “visual learners” so this would really help us (ok me!) visualize the whole process!
Thanks so much!
erica.tobey at gmail dot com

67.
LaJuan says:

I would love a copy too!
zillabride at comcast dot net

TIA

68.
Jasmine says:

This is awesome!

69.
Katie B says:

Miss Daffodil - YOU ROCK!

70.
Meg says:

Thanks, Miss Daffodil! This is exactly what I’ve been trying to figure out how to put together, and didn’t know how!

71.
E says:

Miss Daffodil, this looks wonderful. I function best when I’m uberorganized as well. Please send me a copy at turquoise1118 AT yahoo DOT com. Thank you so much!!

72.
norcalbruin says:

I was about to say. That would have been A LOT of emails. :-P

73.
Miss Tomato says:

Hi Miss Daffodil! Thank you for your comment! I don’t read Xanga much anymore and didn’t realize Junshien had posted it on his blog =) Are you friends with him? And welcome to the beehive!

74.
JF125 says:

this is extremely helpful THANKS =] especially for me since im getting married on the same day! but not the same year
jf

75.
Abbey says:

This is great. Please email me a copy at abbeydomond@aol.com

Thanks!

76.
Maria says:

I would love a copy as well if you could send it.
…i’m very dissorganised so it would really help me
Many Thanks maria
mariagiertta@hotmail.com

77.
Weddingbee » Blog Archive » Where Is Miss Eggplant? says:

[...] to Miss Daffodil’s mad planning skills, I’ve spent the last few weeks getting organized. Let me just tell you that a month or so out [...]

78.
Maryann says:

I’d love a copy summerwyne@gmail.com

79.
chrissie says:

send me a copy please:
chrissie.padilla@gmail.com

80.
souting says:

what a godsend!

please can you email me a copy to:

soutingATgmail.com

81.
dacpanoc says:

OMGoodness! How awesome! Could I please have an emailed copy sent to dacpanoc@yahoo.com? Thanks so much!

82.
dacpanoc says:

op, I saw the file up above. Thanks!

83.
Megs says:

I would be ever so thankful if you could a send a copy me way! I have been trying to find /come up with one that would fit my needs and this is Perfect! What a huge relief this would be. THANKS!

84.
jo says:

wow. that’s awesome. i would love if you can email me a copy as well : joannong27@yahoo.com

85.
CEM says:

I would love a copy of your time line! It would help my un-organized sister! Thanks!

86.
Weddingbee » Blog Archive » Keeping Things Organized says:

[...] in one file- and it makes backing things up that much easier. This, combined with Miss Daffodil’s Wedding Workplan, have been the two tools most frequently used for keeping things [...]

87.
Thy says:

Thanks!

teewin@gmail.com

88.
leesuh1 says:

Can I please get a copy too? Thank you!!

leesuh1@gmail.com

89.
Lyla says:

Sounds great. Can I please get a copy?

Thanks! Lyla@lylapr.com

90.
RhodeyGirl says:

I know I’m a little late but could you please email this to me? sabrinaandantranigwedding at gmail.com! thanks!!!

91.
Bee Icon
Mrs. Daffodil says:

@leesuh1: @Lyla: @<a: @Thy: @CEM: @jo: @RhodeyGirl: The file is actually available for download now at the top of the post! :-)

92.
Karina says:

Oh this is GREAT! Iknow I am super late but can you please email me a copy? Thanks in advance! kjimenez21@gmail.com


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Mrs. Daffodil Mrs. Daffodil, San Francisco/Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 26, Nonprofit Strategy Consultant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Resident Physician Engagement Date: December 29, 2006 Wedding Date: May, 2008 Blogging Since: August, 2007 Venue: Church w/ floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Valley; Westin in downtown LA About Me: I moved around a lot growing up, but consider myself a Southerner at heart. I love scrapbooking, dancing, doggies, and diet coke. I am all about personalizing everything and hence, I'm a DIY bride who is just loving the entire wedding planning process! Mr. Daffodil and I met in our college fellowship group and were "just friends" for three years before we started dating. We've been together for four years now and can't wait to get married in sunny SoCal, Mr. Daffodil's hometown.