This sleek accordion file tote/briefcase is great for brides who visit lots of vendors and do their planning at home, in the office, and everyplace in between. When inspiration strikes, a purse-sized notebook is perfect for jotting down ideas, and a portable USB memory key will keep budget spreadsheets, guest lists and other critical electronic files at the ready. The white-lace-free design makes this system a keeper way past the honeymoon.
Audrey Expanding Eight-File Tote, $70, russellandhazel.com. Lock In USB Memory Key, $178, swarovski.com. "I Love..." Platinum Notebook, $13, nantakajoy.com.
This spiral-bound notebook works for focused, avid note-takers and list-makers who don’t want to hang onto printouts of every bouquet they’ve seen online. Color-coded pages are formatted with checklists, daily and monthly planners, or grids for diagrams, and there are blank pages for everything else. The heart-patterned accordion-style folder has six pockets for receipts and swatches and also comes with a notepad. The punchy page markers let you flag favorites in magazines without ripping them apart. We had to add the crystal-topped pencil for scribbling "to do" lists in style.
Bob’s Your Uncle Multi-Task Notebook, $16, seejanework.com. Heartfelt Accordion Organizer, $12.50, galison.com. Bob’s Your Uncle Punctuated Page Markers (set of 5 pads), $8, seejanework.com. Crystal Pencil Collection (set of 3), $20, russellandhazel.com.
If you’re doing most of your wedding planning from your home computer (a destination wedding, perhaps?), organize clippings and printouts in a desktop file caddy. We picked a pretty one so it can stay in view and top-of-mind. Also handy: a mouse pad that doubles as a notepad—an exceptionally useful tool that keeps us on track at the office.
File Holder and Folders (set includes file caddy and 12 folders), $26, annagriffin.com. Thomas Paul Mouse Pad Notepad, $8.50, seejanework.com.
Most of our editors agree that the three-ring binder is the best way to stay organized. We like this sleek binder by M.O. Inc., with its finger pulls for easy access, but love the ingenious accessory options: pocket dividers, writing pads and stick-on pockets for business cards. We added the always essential notebook, a highlighter/Post-it flag combo for marking books and magazines and the adhesive strips that make any oddly shaped thing—fabric swatches, torn-out magazine pages—instantly binder compatible.
Wedding Planner notebook, $75, smythson.com. Post-it Flag Highlighter, $5, staples.com. Cardinal "Hold It" strips, $5.50 for 25, shoplet.com. Signature Binder, $15; Pocket Dividers, $8 for 5; Ruled Writing Pads, $13 for 2; Blank Index Tabs, $8 for 12; Business Card Pockets, $5 for 5; all by M.O. Inc., yourmo.com.
At the very least, get the very best version of the classic three-ring binder. These have protective rubber edges, are supereasy to open and label, and come in lots of cute colors.
Staples Better Binder, starts at $8, staples.com.
