Don’t worry, ...be 'appy
As the wedding date looms and the jobs pile up ... take a helping hand from tech, says Carla Fox
FOR those of us who like a list, the planning of a multi-layered event such as a wedding has long been an excuse to buy the most exquisite stationery and a lovely set of pens.
Keeping track of what needs to be done, when it needs to be done by, and who is responsible requires careful and organised arranging.
While some people are happy staying with pen, paper and good countdown calendar, many are using technology to make sure the planning goes smoothly.
Take the virtual step into any app store and the amount of help in planning weddings is overwhelming.
The reviews are rarely wrong though and although it’s tempting to jump straight into free apps, it might be worth paying a couple of pounds for one that’s more stable and less likely to crash and lose data.
The functionality might also be better and offer more services such as budgeting.
There are also many photo apps to plan the best possible wedding hair and dresses, choose the ideal honeymoon, inspire unusual wedding photography ideas, and even design e-invites to the wedding.
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
Countdown and planning apps are by far the most popular and as with a conventional diary and spreadsheets, breaking down the tasks into chunks will make everything seem more manageable and give everyone involved a clear idea of what they need to do, and more importantly, by when.
This is particularly helpful if they’re in different parts of the country or even the world.
Technology can help on the day itself as well – and it’s a good idea to ensure one member of the planning group is dedicated to sourcing the apps, gadgets and gizmos that will add so much to the day.
Tech now plays a vital part in keeping a record of the day. Traditional albums of prints are still popular for good reason, but having an online album enables friends to add pictures and can help family around the world to share in the day.
This can all be achieved instantly with Instagram.
If there’s someone at the ceremony with strong and steady hands, the Facebook Live facility can broadcast live on the site for up to 90 minutes.
Tech can also help to make the party something to remember, particularly in making it visually beautiful. Projections of images can light up the room – even making use of the wedding cake as the screen.
The cake itself can go high-tech too. The top can be decorated with 3D printed figures of the bride and groom – transforming it into a mini fantasy world.