Wedding Planning 101: Good planning resources

Happy Friday everyone! It's almost time for the weekend and I thought that you might need something to fill your time. That's why this week's post will be all about my favorite resources for wedding planning. I'm talking blogs, magazines, inspiration sources, etc. This can easily and quickly take over your time, so please be warned before reading this post...

Let me start by saying I have a magazine problem. I am addicted and I readily admit it. Yes, I know you can get the same information on the magazine's website, but there's just something about being able to flip through the pages and pull our - or dog ear - the things I like (why did the kindle commercial just pop into my head...). Call me old school, but there's just something I love about the design, it's inspirational to me. I was buying bridal magazines long before I ever got engaged, I just love all the tips and tricks. There are things you can use in everyday life and I love that. Don't be afraid to think outside your city or "region" either. Just because it's not a city publication doesn't mean it won't have good ideas for your big day.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• The Knot Texas Magazine
• San Antonio Weddings Magazine
• San Antonio Wedding Guide
• Austin Wedding Day
• Austin Wedding Guide
• Houston Brides
• Weddings in Houston
• Bridal Guide
• Brides
• Weddings Unveiled
• Martha Stewart Weddings

Now, that's not to say that I don't ever get online. In fact, it's the opposite... I'm addicted. The great ideas that you can find on blogs are unrivaled. I tend to be attracted to blogs / websites that aren't also magazines. The publications above have great websites, but I'm looking for something different when I'm surfing online.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Style Me Pretty - This blog is full of inspiration in the form of real weddings and products / services. It's broken into sections based on regions. Don't worry, there is indeed a Texas section. Peruse them all, you never know, you might find the best ideas from a wedding in Australia. 
• Once Wed - Great resource for DIY ideas, vendors, real weddings and even a whole section devoted to pre-owned wedding dresses. Can you say jackpot?
• 100 Layer Cake - Surf this blog and find inspiration shoots, great vendors, sneak previews (BHLDN, Fall 2011 anyone?) and of course, DIY ideas. 
• Green Weddings Shoes - Real weddings, vendors, galleries, honeymoons and more. 
• Ruffled Blog - Vendors, inspiration, galleries and pre-owned wedding items.
• The Knot - Of course, a go to for all brides. The Knot has a ton of resources, ideas, real weddings and vendors to choose from. It also offers budget tools, checklists, inspiration boards and more. Be careful, they'll constantly remind you of the number of days you have left. I got the seven month reminder this week and it kind of scared me... so much to do!
• Pinterest - This is not a wedding blog, but it's full of inspiration for every part of your life. I am fully addicted to this site. You can surf the web or have people surf for you to create "boards" of full of things you love. Its a great way to organize your online favorites. It's a site you have to be invited to join, but don't let that deter you. You can request one and will usually get it quickly.

One more fun resource for San Antonio Brides. A relatively new concept and definitely new to the Alamo City, the San Antonio Wedding Library is a membership based upscale boutique library where you have access to all sorts of resources. I haven't had the chance to check it out yet, but hope to soon!

And finally, don't forget to fully utilize your vendors. Whether it's a weddings planner or catering manager, they will all sorts of ideas to make your day exactly how you want it.

Happy Planning!
Jessica