November 08, 2003

By: Annie Walker
Website: http://www.wedding-invitations-n-online.com

Wedding Organizing Program – Most Wedding-planning Programs Are Suprisingly Homegrown

Given the size of the nuptials biz, one would think that a major software company would long ago have leapt into this $35 billion market with a suite of database and spreadsheet programs designed for planning the big day. The need certainly exists: Even an average-size wedding can require tracking more than a hundred guests and calculating to-the-penny budgets, including such minutiae as ring pillows. The following wedding-planning programs are surprisingly homegrown, the creations of a few cottage entrepreneurs, each of whom is often programmer, customer-service rep and tech support all in one.

FrogWare's Wedding Magic is the most versatile of the program I tested. Like the others covered here. WM has the basics - databases for guest lists, vendors and other contacts; a checklist of prewedding tasks assignable to the bride, groom, best man, etc.; a budget spreadsheet; RSVP / gift tracking ; and seat-assignment worksheets. But WM's creators recognize what some other programs (and your mother) occasionally forget - that this wedding is yours. It suggests percentages that should be spent on certain items, but every list and budget item is easily customizable--In other words, it's possible to dump the videographer and add a bagpiper!

Weddings Made Easy

Weddings Made Easy is distinguished by its searchable hypertext etiquette guide. The program favors the woozily romantic and theatrical over the practical and modern (suggested modes of transportation to and from the reception include a horse-drawn carriage, a hot-air balloon, a boat and a gondola) and tries to spike its contents with humor ("It is not proper etiquette for the bride and the groom to smash cake into each other's faces!"). Essentially, though, WME is a series of blank databases that, while useful, lack the splashier pop-up tips and integrated guidance of Wedding Magic.

The Wedding Program

This is the only program reviewed that takes head count into consideration when calculating the reception budget - a shock, given what a basic consideration this is for all cost-conscious couples. TWP further aims to be truly integrated, linking each buget item and contact to a specific task - a good effort, though it occasionally leads to strange budget entries. What exactly is the cost of "[placing] officiant's fee in a sealed envelope?"

About The Author:

Annie Walker is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.wedding-invitations-n-online.com.  Find all types of wedding invitations such as printable, unique, discount, winter, theme, traditional plus more.