High Tech Weddings

You’ve just said “yes!” What’s the first thing you do? Back in the day, it was a phone call to your parents, nowadays it’s more likely a relationship status update on Facebook with an Instagram photo.

Social media and the internet have dramatically changed the way we plan our Big Day. It used to be driving to the local newsstand to buy as many wedding magazines as your arms could carry, followed by numerous phone calls to friends to get their opinions on vendors and sites. Those days are gone…

Today, brides-to-be have instant access to (almost) all the information they need. The downside…an avalanche of ideas that are all so beautiful, thoughtful and crafty…but are they you? And what are the costs associated with them?

How do you find your way through the maze of the fabulous ideas for dresses, decor and food on Pinterest and other inspirational sites such as Weddingbee and Lover.ly to a place that is truly you? It may sound backwards…however, I advise my brides to start backwards…what don't you like? The elimination process begins…And the truth? Many of these photos are photo shoots…no accounting for weather, location or any other dose of reality. But something has caught your eye!

My advise to you? If you find an image that really captures your attention, ask yourself why? That answer might just be the beginning of YOUR wedding style and story. You can then troll the web looking for ideas that support your story. Filling in the blanks is so much fun. Planning a wedding is a process. Social media has lots of tools. We're all on Pinterest so make your own boards with items that capture your attention. You may not want to share them right away unless you're looking for lots and lots of advice!

It is so much fun and exciting to share your news with all your friends and family. Here are some ideas to guide you as you travel this new road.

1. Photographs and menus are great, but never skip an in-person meeting. My number 1 piece of advice…You are creating a team to put together your most special day, your wedding. Please have a conversation! A dialogue is how you will find the right vendor. A face-to-face meeting (many of them) is critical in planning your big day. You can gauge a lot from meeting someone- Are they friendly? Do they seem rushed?

2. Use Social Media to share the news with your guests. Many couples create separate Facebook and Pinterest pages to tell their story, update their plans, and let their guests know how excited they are to be getting married and having them share their day (or weekend!). For guests who can’t attend, consider sites such as Love Vows or webcastmywedding.net so they can view your wedding live online.

3. Narrow down your ideas before meeting with vendors. The upshot of so  much information is that you have a bevvy of ideas at your fingertips, the  downside? There can be an overabundance of ideas. We’ve had brides who’ve  come in to plan their wedding and showed up with pages of Pinterest ideas with completely different themes. Although most vendors have websites, a better way to keep up-to-date is to follow wedding professionals on Facebook to see their most recent event photos.

4. Use social media sites and the internet to help you keep all of your planning and organizing information in one place so you have access to it at anytime. No need to lug around the enormous binders anymore, you can keep everything from your guest list, bridal photos, location details and honeymoon notes on one of the more than 200 apps available from Itunes, such as IWedding, Wedding Planning Complete, Wedding Happy and Wedding Countdown. Sites such as MyRegistry.com is a clever site that combines all of your registries into one place. 

5. Don’t forget your low tech guests. While Uncle Jeremy and Cousin Sue probably have Facebook and Pinterest accounts, don’t assume Great Aunt Emma will. Print and mail a welcome letter with directions to all the activities. Remember to print out any details or instructions so they won’t be left out of the excitement of your special day.

6. Above all, keep it personal…Just as there are many books at the bookstore that are interesting and unique, each wedding, if planned well, has a personal story line. That is what will make your wedding uniquely yours.


Rosinne ChlalaFestivities is known for the finest in catered foods, sophisticated presentations and innovative event designs. For almost 30 years, this brother –sister team have kept their business on the cutting edge of food and event design. Multiple time winners of “Best of the Gold Coast”, Roe and Bill offer their clients a warm, customized experience when planning their most important celebrations. 

Rosinne K. Chlala
Co-Owner/Event Consultant Festivities
203-847-7774
info@festivitiesevents.com
festivitiesevents.com
Join Festivities on Facebook
Twitter: @festivitiesct

Photograph by Kate Eiseman

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