Technology you can use: Google Weddings

Tying the knot is an exciting, beautiful occasion, but let’s face it, it can also be an ugly process:

Who should sit next to your frequently intoxicated uncle at the reception? When can all the bridesmaids get fitted for their dresses? What options should be on the menu? Can you really afford the calla lily flower arrangements?

Whether it’s RSVP-ing, budgeting, music lists or full-fledged to-do lists, planning a wedding is a long and grueling process, but Google's free new tool, Google Weddings, streamlines wedding planning and helps lift some of that burden off of the bride's shoulders.

The all-in-one wedding planner operates through Google Docs, allowing users to do everything from budgeting and planning to creating wedding announcements and making a wedding website people can visit to keep up with the nuptials.

Google has even partnered with the well-known wedding planner, Michelle Rago to legitimately help brides prepare for their big day.
There are four basic features that Google Weddings is comprised of: Google Sites, Picnik, Picasa and Google Docs.

Google Sites allows couples to share their story and event details in an easy-to-make website. You chose a style that fits your theme and venue, then edit your website how you see fit.

Picnik is simply a photo editor that allows you to do a number of neat things like create themes for your wedding website or use one of their many templates.
You can also re-size photos and add them to your wedding announcements, or prepare photos for a reception slideshow.

With Picasa, users can create online photo albums to share engagement and wedding pictures, floral arrangements, etc. You can share pictures with your bridal party or everyone, depending on the purpose of the album.

Editing features are also available through Picasa, such as their one-click touch up tools that can erase a wine stain from your dress, make teeth appear whiter or even add a little color to your hair!

Google Docs is a core part of wedding portal that does most of the dirty work-- guest lists, schedules, addresses, planning documents for the bridal shop, bakery and anything else that needs structure.

Budgeting templates will auto-calculate balances and fees. The program has over 20 template documents that can help save your time by making your planning efficient.

For example, there are seating charts that come preloaded with tables dedicated to family, friends and so forth.

Regardless of whether you plan on having a grand scale wedding or something simple and quaint, these tools can really come in handy.

Here’s to the technology that simplifies your life!