There's no question that technology can simplify your wedding planning experience–allowing you to relax and enjoy when the big day finally arrives! Here are 9 tech tips that will make planning for your wedding even easier.
1. Create an online inspiration board. Websites like Polyvore (left) and Mosaic Maker allow you to create a virtual board of images online -- perfect for sharing with vendors and planners. Inspiration boards are a great way to develop your creative vision, and have a lot of fun in the process.
2. Make a website for your wedding. There's no more convenient way to share wedding details with friends and family than through online media. Share your wedding story with the world through mywedding.com, which includes a built-in blog, photo gallery, RSVP tool, and music playlist -- all free of charge.
3. Join Twitter! Opening a Twitter account makes it easy for you to share up-to-the-minute wedding information with your guests. To get the most out of Twitter, follow other brides and wedding retailers for inspiration (and be sure to follow us as well –@OregonBrideMag!).
4. Use wedding resources from Google docs. Did you know that Google docs provides over 20 templates designed for wedding planning? Create a wedding budget, schedule, guest list, seating chart, and reception menu -- and put your mind at ease!
5. Listen in to wedding-related podcasts. The Wedding Planning Audiocast boasts a roster of nearly one-hundred free wedding podcasts. For "green" brides, give a listen to their division of podcasts for eco-conscious weddings, Your Guide to Green and Eco-Chic Weddings!
6. Shop for bridal fashions at home using Etsy. With so many Oregon designers selling merchandise through this online retailer, Etsy is a great resource for local brides who want to shop around -- but don't want to hassle with travel. Bridal favorites Elizabeth Dye, Kate Towers, and Love, June, are all using Etsy.
7. Consider switching from brick-and-mortar registries to online registries. Gift registries like MyRegistry.comallow you to add items from any store (like local favorites Relish and Canoe), making it easy for your guests to do all of their shopping from one place. You can also create a charitable donation registry (I Do Foundation is one specifically for weddings), so that guests can make donations as their gift to you.
8. Plan your wedding when you're on-the-go using your
iPhone. iWedding Deluxe (right) is an iPhone application that lets you plan your wedding to the last detail -- from the palm of your hand! The application includes social networking integration, to-do lists, guest list planning guides, budgeting guides, and dozens of other features.
9. Invite guests to share their photos of your wedding using one online album. WithThe Wedding Lens, guests can share your wedding's captured moments collectively. Just create your album before the wedding, invite your guests to upload photos to the album, and enjoy the benefit of having a large collection of photographs from many different perspectives!