keeping it all together when it counts.

FYI: I'm a really UN-organized person, according to most people. 

Personally, I would rather classify it as "organized chaos." I mean...I pretty much know where everything is at all times (well most of the time), but it's just not put up in a pre-determined space. So obviously, sometimes, I have to dig around. Duh.

The thing is... organization doesn't really mesh well with me. Just the word gets me all anxious. But when I think about it...so does chaos. 

For example, I can't shop in big stores. My A.D.D. goes into overdrive and I get so overwhelmed by all of the millions of things around me that I shut down. I can't even think about the store Forever21 without having to remind myself to breathe and calm down.  

So basically I'm just screwed unless my mother is around. The lady is insanely talented. I live 2 states away from her and I STILL call her to ask where things are. And she tells me. It's an impressive talent really. 

Back to my point, keeping everything organized on your big day is a must, ESPECIALLY when it comes to keeping all of the bridesmaids wrangled. 

I'm willing to admit that, without help, I could probably be one of the worst bridesmaids like ever if I didn't have someone to tell me where I need to be at exactly what time and what I needed to bring. 

Another big problem...I can't keep track of things. 

That's actually kind of an understatement. 

I misplace my keys every single day. 

I don't buy expensive sunglasses anymore because I just lose them in record time. 

I have several of the same items that are strategically placed throughout my house so that way when I lose something (car keys, makeup, headphones etc.) I can always find another one. Pretty smart huh? 

You get my point, not only do I need a personal assistant to keep my life straight...I need one to walk behind me everywhere I go picking up the things that I randomly put down without realizing that. 

Is there such a thing? 

And I know for a fact that I am NOT the only person in the world like this. 

Odds are that when you have 8 (or however many) bridesmaids in your wedding party, at LEAST one of them will be like me. If I were you, I would go ahead and assume the very worst and plan to have to treat every single one of them like a 9 year old child when it comes to staying organized on the wedding day. 

So here are some cute and efficient strategies that help keep everyone together and on the same page.

1. Detailed Itinerary.

And when I say detailed... I mean annoyingly detailed. I don't care how ridiculous it seems to plan how long each bridesmaids hair will take down to the minute, do it anyways. If it is 10 pages, then its 10 pages... oh well. 

Not only should you make an itinerary...you should have it posted EVERYWHERE! In every room, on every wall, in the bathrooms...I mean everywhere. 

If you and your bridesmaids are getting ready together, in a hotel suite or at the venue, each girl should have their own copy. What actually works better is to make sure they each have an email with it attached, that way they can download it and have it on their phone. We live in a digital world, so lets capitalize on that. 

2. Freaking Huge Bags.

My cousin provided all of us this bag for her wedding. As you can see it's quite large, but it's better that way. We were instructed to ONLY bring that bag and have everything we would need inside of it. It's definitely big enough. 

This way we were able to keep the amount of stuff to a minimum. Because you know that 9 girls who are getting ready for a wedding can sometimes go overboard on the amount of stuff they "need." 

3. Bridesmaids "Bins".

When you all get to the venue to either get ready or do finishing touches before pictures...things can get exceptionally chaotic. Stuff is getting thrown everywhere...makeup, dresses, shoes and considering bridesmaids dresses and shoes match...that can be a real problem.

Have a bin decorated with each bridesmaids name in a designated area.