How I Love Technology

Would it be weird to thank "The Internet" in our ceremony programs?  Honestly, I could not have planned this (or even dreamed up the idea) without current technology.  Whether it's purchasing (almost everything) online, gathering ideas from pinterest, or checking guests' temperature on things via facebook, this wedding would not have been planned efficiently even 5 years ago.

Some advice and recommendations for future brides:

-Google Docs.  Use them to create a spreadsheet of ALL of your invitees - addresses, +1/kids, wedding shower invites, RSVPs, food allergies/dietary requirements, and even table assignments.  You can pull the doc up on any mobile device and it's saved in real-time.  So when your future Mother In Law offers to help call non-responders on their side, you can give a list to her immediately and check it off once she calls everyone.  It also helps you quickly grab a guest headcount when your wedding coordinator asks for an update (just plop the formula in from a computer, or type it in if you know it already).  You can share it with your maid of honor early on, so she can invite people covertly to any surprise events.

-Bridal Party Facebook Group. Set this up as soon as you solidify your list of ladies.  Introduce everyone virtually and recommend that they add each other as friends so they can get to know each other better.  Pin a "To Do List" for yourself, and update it often.  Post progress photos, ideas, revelations, and plans.  Invite your ladies to comment and help.

-Bridal Party Skype. About the time that your wedding coordinator starts nailing down times for ceremony/cocktails/etc, you should schedule a conference call with your attendants ask them to plan a few questions in advance.  Take notes during the chat and post it to the facebook group.  Get everyone on the same page about the weekend schedule, where they're staying the night before, who is paying for what (hair makeup dress etc), transportation, and the like (dresses, duties, and any decor To Do you might need help with).

-Wedding Website.  Even if it's a generic one through The Knot, a wedding website is a great tool for your guests to check in on directions, registries, lodging, and schedules.  You can even stick an RSVP on most sites, which helps those late-responders get to it before it's too late.

-Pinterest. Gather ideas to look for craft for yourself!

-Paypal.  Send and receive payments for various bridal party needs (dresses, events, deals on accessories).

-Costuming Groups on Facebook. Because I purchased my dress through a Renaissance Faire-going seamstress, I had access to a virtual think tank through a FB group run by fans of her work.  I asked color, fabric, and ordering questions to them before making official inquiries and wasting the seamstress' time.  I was able to preview certain styles on many body types and in a host of colors, and made some pretty solid decisions based on their recommendations (i.e. buying a petticoat to wear under the bustle)

Lookit the Poof!

Whatever you do with wedding technology though, check privacy settings to be sure you're not sharing folks' personal info all over the Web, especially if you're sharing that Google Doc with your MOH!  I had the sage advice from my future mother-in-law and it saved me from some tech faux pas early on.