Weddings - The geek way
It’s not news to announce that this is the Wedding Prep season. Many, many bridal shows are in swing, and it’s the time for spring editions of magazines to line the shelves. It’s also the time for many ‘09 brides and grooms to put the last details on their summer weddings.
I’ve been thinking a lot about wedding planning and the overwhelming amount of wedding information available in print, online, at venues and through word-of-mouth. It makes me think; could I plan this wedding entirely (or almost entirely) online? Wouldn’t it be so very new media, web 2.0 friendly, of me to at least try? Well brides-to-be I’m here to say YES! The web 2.0 wedding can happen, and if I have anything to do about it, it WILL happen!
Where to start?
Online Research
Obviously lots of wedding information can be obtained online. A great place to start is Theknot - it’s a one-stop shop for all wedding information, and there is location-specific information. Yes, this site is US heavy, but there are lots of Toronto pictures, venue and dress information. I’ve been using The Knot for colour theme and centerpiece ideas. The great thing is you can create an online scrapbook to store ideas you like - then come back later for them when you actually need them. Great for planning ahead! Also, for local Toronto information, try Toronto Brides.
Deals, Deals, Deals
I’m a fan of the online contest - I like to believe that since the web contest is so ubiquitous with almost every TV show, magazine and major event, the odds are not bad that I might actually WIN something! The same is true for wedding related contests. There are contests for the chance to win a free honeymoon or dress, but there are also smaller opportunities, like free entry to the National Bridal show. Every little bit of savings helps!
Also, I don’t know about you, but searching for beautiful wedding gowns for an affordable price is one of my favourite new weeknight activities! (Inner geek seeping out).
Just one tip though: create an email address just for all your online wedding planning, and use that one when broadcasting your information in contests; weddings = money, which also means SPAM!
Venue planning
So far, I’ve done all my venue research online. I recognize that eventually I will have to actually visit the venue where I wish to hold the big party, but for now I love the opportunity to read reviews, check out many pictures, and break down costs for large and small Toronto venues before I spend all day long visiting venue after venue. Bonus! Many venues (including my - top - 3 choices for our venue) include full party package information online, so you can get to the bottom of taxes and hidden fees prior to the tour or meeting - great for the budget hunter! It also helps to be ready with questions and prevents being blindsided.
Online Shopping
There are some great online deals to be had - if you can find a site offering free shipping or reduced rates (especially during off-seasons, like now!) you can purchase favours, cameras, and keepsakes for often MUCH cheaper than in party stores. TheKNOT has a deal on wedding cameras right now! They also have some really cute small favours, many for $1 each or less 
Wedding Website (aka the Wedsite)
This was the FIRST thing we decided as a couple (after saying YES!! of course). A wedding website is a great way to compile all of your wedding details online. It cuts down on the number of repeat questions (can I change from chicken to fish?), you can provide a clearly legible online map (how many times have you received the itty-bitty map attached with the RSVP card?), and links to your gift registry. My favourite part of our wedding website? The online RSVP! Our plan isn’t to send out stamps at all - why bother? Everyone can RSVP online, save some trees, and a few extra pennies for our wedding budget (that means more yummy FOOD!).
Where do you start with a wedding website? I personally think designing your own template then attaching it to a wordpress blog is the way to go, but you can also find many free wedding website templates if you’re not feeling particularly geeky.
Wedsite bonus points: Create an online photo album of photos of the couple, but use it after as a place for guests to upload their pictures from the wedding - that way everyone can share memories from the event, even the out of towners who couldn’t make it.
Come to think of it - maybe we’ll live stream our wedding… would you watch?
