As we launch Wedding at Organize.com, it’s time to call in the experts to give our guests some guidance on the two most important Wedding topics. 1. Organization and 2. Details. I decided I need the best and immediately called Carley Roney. Let me just say that the woman is amazing! She has style, spunk and flair that tells you instantly why she is who she is and how she got to be THE Carley Roney extraordinaire.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Carley and here it is to share with you:

Mrs. O: As someone who spends their days organizing people, I loved your new book, “The Knot Book of Wedding Lists”. It really makes it easy for the bride to stay on track and keep their sanity…everyday! Excellent job on breaking it down “into bite size pieces for busy brides”. SO…Where does the bride begin once the ring is on her finger?

Carley: Pick a date, venue and guest list depending on your priority and build from there. BUDGET in advance—don’t make the mistake of budgeting linearly.
Mrs. O: What are the most important items that help to keep a Bride Organized and on track in planning a Wedding

Carley: Checklists from TheKnot.com. They send you notifications, even if it’s not something you are doing in your ceremony. At least you’ll know what you don’t need.
Another item is The Knot Book of Wedding Lists to keep in your purse. Mark it up, doggyear it, USE it, make it yours. Also, choose a box like the Cargo File Boxes with Lid to store bulky keepsakes from the planning process (like samples from bridal shows, sample favors, etc) in one compact, and neat place so things don’t get scattered. Ideally, choose a box to match your wedding colors. I also recommend having a designated tote like the Only Bag or A La Carte Tote by Baggallini, so that you can store and carry necessary paperwork when going to appointments, tastings, etc. and can grab-and-go. And finally, choose a binder like one from the Russell and Hazel collection. You will need dividers and to section by priority. Such as:
1) Checklist & Budget
2) Ceremony
3) Reception
4) Invitations
5) Vendors
6) Guest List
7) Budget/receipts
8) Attire
9) Registry
10) Transportation/ Accommodations
11) Honeymoon

Or depending on your organization style, you can create more compact sections like:

1) Ceremony
2) Reception
3) Honeymoon

Mrs. O: What products would you recommend that would be helpful for a wedding? For example, as we introduce Wedding we will tell brides to think about Wedding Storage Boxes (great for before and after), Media files to organize all their magazines, page markers, etc. Our readers will appreciate specific ideas from the Expert! What can you share?

Carley: Clothing organizers and packing aids: No matter if you have a destination wedding or a local one, you will have to transport so many items, like favors, dress and tuxes/suits, clothing accessories, a change of clothes, personal items, etc. You need to be organized when doing so and know exactly where things are. Your Garment Bags keep clothing items safe and organized. If you are flying, realize that you will need to transport and protect your dress and do not check it at baggage-whatever you do! Tie Caddy is adorable and keeps ties compact and wrinkle free, and the Mini Lint Pod is a perfect accessory for the day-of emergency kit. Travel accessories are a must if you are having a destination wedding. NEVER pack your ID or paperwork in your bags. The ID Holders are a great thing to keep handy. When having a destination wedding, Travel Pillows are great because most people are flying (or driving long distances). These pillows contour to your neck and make a great favor, attendant gift or welcome gift.

Mrs. O: Give us the scoop on Wedding Planners. What are the key reasons you might want a wedding planner?

Carley: To save you time! They are great if you are having a destination wedding, to play mediator between opinionated families, to get possible discounts from their connections/contacts and to make sure the day-of goes smoothly.

Mrs. O: Can you give us a few of your personal favorite wedding ideas? Favorite favor, way of displaying place cards, daughter to mother personal touch at the alter, or the sweetest thing you ever heard a bride or groom say to each other?

Carley: Eco-friendly favors: plant-able cards found on TheKnot.com, or lavender rice on TheKnot.com—which doesn’t harm birds. Bold colors: melon, oranges, salmon—bright colors that make a statement are in. Pair it with a lighter color (rose) or contrast with brown or a darker color for another feel. Personalization to infuse your personality into your planning. Adopt a theme of your favorite sporting event, city to visit, or heritage to make your wedding a reflection of yourself.

Mrs. O: Can you tell us the Top #5 Items to keep you organized on your Wedding Day?

Carley: Your attendants: the maid of honor and best man have their duties and should be someone you trust to keep the show moving. Their duties will span from pre-ceremony to post-wedding, so make sure you choose a responsible MOH/BM. Have a “Day Of” emergency kit: cell phone, small snacks, bottles of water, tissues, floss, nail file, makeup, pain reliever, tampons, mints, deodorant, extra stockings, etc. for any scenario that may arise. Also have an emergency contact list. Include the DJ, caterers, photographer/videographer, cake vendor, makeup artist, attendants etc. Have their numbers handy in case you need to call them. Prepare a “Day Of” package for each vendor. Note any special last minute requests you have made and include instructions like playlist for DJ, special food requests for caterer, or family portrait list for photographer.
Get tip money together. Don’t be caught running around after the reception trying to find cash for the bartenders, valets, limo drivers, hairstylists, wait staff, maître d’, and reception manager. The Knot Book of Wedding Lists has a breakdown of who and how much to tip.

Mrs. O: Talk to us about Registry Essentials. What do you recommend for the bride and groom to think about when it comes to the basics of setting up a household together.

Carley: REGISTER—and at more than one store. I recommend choosing a different registry for each room, like Pottery Barn for bedroom, Crate and Barrel for dining room, or Organize.com for storage, etc. Have a vision for your home. Couples are marrying older so oftentimes have accumulated their own items and are combining. Pick a neutral ground and you can always refurbish items to match both of your styles.

Mrs. O: Do you have a favorite Wedding Story to share?

Carley: My own! I started The Knot in 1996 after the havoc that was my own wedding (the air conditioner broke, the band didn’t show up, etc). I realized the wedding world was outdated and needed a facelift. It’s not until one is planning a wedding that they realize the details and gravity of the responsibilities. People assume that I had the perfect wedding, so I love letting those close to me know the truth……..

It’s no surprise to me that Carley manages a succesful business and family at the same time. Her personality shines and you can hear a smile in her voice as she speaks. In fact, all of my contacts at The Knot are just as sweet and charming as Carley.

Happy Organizing!

- Mrs. O

Carley is Editor-In-Chief of The Knot, the number one wedding brand worldwide, as well as its sister brand, The Nest (Nesties who have tied the knot!). Roney appears regularly on TV shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, Live with Regis and Kelly, and Today. She has also authored nine wedding books for The Knot. All Brides we polled chose The Knot as THE tool to manage the planning of their wedding and where to get the best ideas and guidance. It’s definitely a “Mrs. O” favorite, as she celebrates 545 happy days with Terry (WOW…already?), as found on her “My Knot” page.

This month, we will also launch our First Annual “Five Favorite Bride’s” at Organize.com! Be sure to take a peek at the wonderful stories, their wedding plans and how they will stay organized during their wedding planning stages.

Coming Soon?
Who said Wedding Registry is all about China and Crystal? What about all the things you will need to set up your new home together? Once you unpack the china, you are going to need china, stemware and flatware storage. Gift and Wedding Registry is coming soon to Organize.com, so stay tuned!

NEAT Things I love today:
The Latest in List Books….“The Knot’s Book of Wedding Lists”. It’s the ultimate guide to the perfect day, down to the smallest detail. We love it so much that we’ve added it to Organize.com’s NEAT Things We Love for 2008!

Happy Organizing!

- Mrs. O