Web-savvy Wedding Planning
Let's face it: everyone and their grandmother is on Facebook. I kid you not; my boyfriend's grandma recently joined! Love it or hate it, Facebook is the online hot spot. Online drama and cute kitten videos aside, it is a powerful communication tool that can help you reach out to and keep in touch with the key players in your wedding planning!
Long-distance Benefits
After having to deal with the disappointment of losing both a bridesmaid and a friend, Lena reached out to the ladies who were still standing by her to introduce us to each other. And as my being five hours away precluded the initial introduction from happening in person, Lena made the choice to contact us all via Facebook.
Now I've seen a lot of brides-to-be apologizing for their decision to use Facebook to keep in touch with their bridal team. My suggestion right now is to stop apologizing!
In fact, I suggest embracing the fact that you are using technology to make your wedding planning move more smoothly. Believe me, your wedding party will get over the cheese factor - if they even thought of it at all!
Facebook Efficiency
Many of us (likely most of us) are on Facebook several times per day. Some of us even have Facebook alerts sent to our mobile phones. Often times I find that many of my personal clients will respond more quickly to a Facebook Message than they will an email.
In her message to the bridesmaids, Lena did a brief introduction of each lady and a description of their history together. The ease of being able to "friend" each other and continue a message thread together is definitely a plus.
The ability to tag your wedding attendants in notes and photos will also ensure that they are looking at the same content that you are - and you will be able to consolidate responses and suggestions much more easily than you might in your email program.
Today I went ahead and created a Facebook group for Lena's bridal party so that we can begin sharing resources and getting to know each other in a slightly more private forum that stays off of the general News Feed. Already I've posted the front runner for the bridesmaids' dresses - and when we have a definite winner I will share it here!
Other Options
Does the idea of using Facebook still seem too cheesy for you? Not to worry - there is a ton of available options to help you streamline the communication with your bridal party and other planners. Have you ever tried video conferencing with Skype? It's free and simple to set up; and if your bridesmaids live in different states or cities then it's a great way for everyone to get some face time without spending the $$ on travel!
Maybe you're looking for something slightly more formal? Perhaps the opportunity to share the Power Point Presentation you've prepared to outline your timeline for wedding planning? Check out DimDim. It's a silly name, but a powerful tool for Type A brides who have a streamlined plan for their wedding. There's even a 30 day free trial of their Pro services!
What other tools are you planning to use? Take the poll! They might just help Lena and I during her wedding planning!
Jen Kiaba is a freelance photographer and designer who specializes in Portraits - with a Hint of Vintage Romance. She lives in Rhinebeck, NY with her superhero boyfriend, two crazy cats and an adorable (albeit very lazy) basset hound! She can also frequently be found on Facebook and Twitter!
Cinderella 4 A Day Presents the Princess & Paws Bridal Extravaganza next weekend!
On Sunday September 12th, Cinderella 4 A Day wedding planning is featuring a one of a kind Hudson Valley bridal event. What makes this so
different? This bridal show's unique offerings include...
- A belly dancer.
- Strolling tables.
- A cigar lounge.
- The hottest bride, bridal party and mother-of-the bride fashions...along with doggie couture just perfect for pet lovers!
- A surprise gift for every bride and PRIZES given away throughout the day.
- Complimentary hors d'ouevres.
- An amazing Candy & Cupcake Bar.
- FREE Nanny service.
- 30 of the HOTTEST, unique Wedding Professionals in the Hudson Valley area.
- And much, much more...
This is NOT your grandmother's bridal show. If you're in the Poughkeepsie area next weekend, stop by and check it out.
BONUS: The first 50 people to email Karin and tell her you'd like to attend the Princess & Paws event get in FREE! Email Karin here.
WHAT - Princess & Paws Bridal Extravaganza
WHERE - The Poughkeepsie Tennis Club 135 South Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
WHEN - Sunday, September 12th, 2010 from 12-5pm
WHO - You and your bridal entourage. (And bring your fiance, too. Remember: cigar lounge!)
CLICK HERE to make your reservations or get more information. Don't miss it!
Bosco's Bridal Presents a Bridal Show & Wedding Expo at Maestro's in Bronx, NY next weekend!
On Thursday September 9th, Bosco's Bronx Bridal Expo is the place to be. Why? Because you'll find... 
- 40 of the Hudson Valley and New York Metro area's most trusted wedding professionals.
- A bridal fashion show featuring the latest wedding styles to inspire and entertain.
- "Bosco Bucks" discounts you can use for ANY wedding vendor.
- The incomparable Bosco will be giving away $100 bills!
- And much, much more...
HINT: Make your reservations in advance on here on Bosco's website and your get a FREE matching wedding band set...worth over $600!
WHAT - Bosco's Bronx Bridal Show & Wedding Expo
WHERE - Maestro's 1703 Bronxdale Ave Bronx, NY 10462
WHEN - Thursday September 9th, 2010 from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
WHO - You, your girls and your fiance. Bring 'em all!
CLICK HERE to make your reservations and get more information. Don't miss it!
More Articles...
- Resisting "Bridezilla": Dealing with Wedding Disappointments
- 5 Must-Dos for the Perfect Honeymoon
- Choosing and Using a Theme for Your Wedding
- Beat the Wedding Planning Blues: Make Time Together
- Does Your Freezer Space Take the Wedding Cake?
- What Do Your Wedding Colors Say About You?
- Real Wedding at Castle on the Hudson: Art-Infused Medieval Garden
- What Your Wedding Photographer is Really Thinking
- Bridesmaid Jumps Ship: Losing a Bridesmaid
- How a DJ Plans His Hudson Valley Wedding: Keepin' It Cool With Andrew Nikola of Enriquez Entertainment
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