It’s all about the e-wedding these days, isn’t it.  Or is it?

There can be a bit too much technology – such as entering in “I do” on an Apple ][ as one couple did in the 1980s.  And then there’s technology that makes sense.  Here are a few tips and tricks Scott and I are using, leveraging technology in our wedding preparations.

1. Google Docs
   We’re using Google’s Spreadsheet to make sure we both have access to the list of invitees, statistics, to-do list, music list and budgets.  We can do so pretty much anywhere if needed – home, work, on the bus to work, in the middle of a shopping mall, when inspiration strikes us.We’re not really using any other parts of Google Docs.Here are some geek tips I’ve been using:
   • Use formulas such as COUNTIF to count the number of yesses and nos.  i.e. =COUNTIF(A1:A5,”Y”) – beware, Google Spreadsheet likes double quotes rather than single quotes.
   • Sum to sum up a column of # of attendees.  i.e. =SUM(B1:B5)
   • Use If to get a count of people likely to attend and not likely to attend.  i.e. =IF(G108=”Y”, C108,0) – If cell G108 has “Y” in it, then put the value of C108 in the cell the formula is going in, otherwise put “0”.
   • One thing I found with Google Docs that you don’t see in Microsoft Excel is, when adding an additional role above a formula, such as a SUM, the formula often will not include the added row.  Beware of that and be sure to check your counts in this case.




2. A Label Maker
   I’ve never owned a label maker, and despite the fact that I have used Avery labels in a standard printer, putzing around with Microsoft Word to make it work can be a royal pain.We made the smart move to buy a label maker today – a Dymo LabelWriter 450.  It’s fast, it doesn’t user toner, and it’s saved me and our guests from trying to decipher my handwriting.
   
   Believe me – my grade 7 teacher made me type a science exam using Sierra Online’s Homeword.It’s Mac compatible, and the software is not bad.  Generate your list in a CSV or Excel formatted file, import it in and print directly from the spreadsheet.  Easy!




3. QR Codes?
   We decided to add a QR code to our postcard, mainly because we’re geeks, and maybe a bit too geekish. Was it necessary, no, but hey it’s a great discussion point.
   
   The one we added leads to our blog.You could use QR codes in a multitude of different ways. Maybe you want to have a private page that only guests will see? Maybe you want to do a door prize at the reception and the first person to arrive who actually did their homework, wins.




4. Vistaprint.ca
   We would be nowhere today without Vistaprint.  Their prices are not bad, you can build your own design almost professionally, and get them printed on all kinds of different types of cardstock. We opted for a matte finish on recyclable paper.
   
   Scott was responsible for the design, with help from our friend Nico. It looks pretty slick!




5. Social Media
   I think there is a fine line between how much people use social media, and I suspect I’m going to learn how much people will get fed up of ‘wedding this, wedding that’. Hey, we’re both big boys and can handle the criticism.
   
   We’re communicating some stuff on Twitter and Facebook such as this entry because someone else may be interested in what we’re doing. On the day of the wedding, you could use Twitter to provide something as mundane as traffic updates as your motorcade makes it’s way through the city, or pictures as it happens!
   
   Blogging your experience is a great way to keep an online record of the lead up to your day, and the happenings on the day of your wedding, whether it’s sharing pictures or thoughts as the day goes on – as if you’ll really have time for that!
   
   Remember, what happens on the net, stays on the net – so beware of what you write. Afterall, the net is not like Vegas.




6. Web streaming
   Something we’re not doing is streaming our wedding online. But if you wanted to, services like UStream are available. You could get cameras such as Logitech’s Broadcaster Wifi Web Cam which might be able to do the trick if you’re on a budget. This is a great way to include others who are remote and can’t attend your day.
   
   Remember, the venue where the service takes place needs to have net access, or you’ll be using a Wifi hotspot from your phone which could be killer in charges. But hey, LTE wireless data networks are fast!




7. Stuff you should already be using…
   … such as Email, Phone, the net, and your phone (land line and/or mobile). Admittedly the caterer seems to have an aversion to calling my cell phone and constantly calls the home number despite me giving him both numbers. So we’ll see what happens there.
   
   If you’re reading this, then I am going to assume your’e savvy enough to use a search engine to find ideas and information. If not, you can get a lot of great ideas online which can be used to help shape your day from clothing, to food, to table settings – you name it.

Sadly, none of these companies are helping to pay our wedding. Maybe they should for the ideas I just gave!


That’s pretty much it for now. Now where’s that bottle of wine?