In the next six months, my son, daughter, and
grandson are all getting married. Our family is
spread across Ontario and the United States,
so I'm thankful to be living in the computer
generation. Wedding plans without the
advantage of the Internet and email would
be a long, difficult process.

To get my point across, let's visit the homes
of Miss Modern and Miss Pre-Computer as
they prepare for their special days:

Miss Modern has an idea of the venue she
would like for her wedding and spends an
evening researching on the Internet. She
looks at pictures of different halls, along
with prices, menus, and features
included. After deciding on three
possibilities, she emails to ask if they
would be available on the wedding date.
One hall is booked, so Miss M. and her
fiance will go to see both halls and make
a final decision. Communication and menu
changes are done by email.

Miss M. designs a database for her guest
list. Additions and changes are easily made.
Invitations are created using special
wedding software and elegant blank cards.
Easy, attractive and inexpensive.

Again using the database and a signature
font, Miss M. creates mailing labels (using
transparent labels) for 200 people in less
than an hour. To create personalized reply
cards, she uses mail merge and the computer
inserts names on each card.

A relative in another country would like
photos of the couple for a special wedding
gift. Using a digital camera, the photos
are taken and emailed in plenty of time
for the gift to be made.

There are constant questions from the
guests about accommodation nearby, what
is everyone wearing, what do the young
couple need? Emails answer many of the
questions and guests are given a website
for the bridal registry. Items still needed
are listed here, can be purchased without
leaving home and will be delivered to the
reception. This is a big help to people
coming from a distance.

Miss Modern relaxes while she and her
future husband look at honeymoon spots
- on the Internet of course!

Miss Pre- Computer, on the other hand,
has had a headache for days. Too many
things to do and not enough time.
After weekends spent looking at
various halls, she and her fiance can't
take it any longer and book the next
one they visit.

The guest list has been typed out, but
some important people were missed and
there are duplicates on the list. Miss
Pre-C is not a fast typist when she's
stressed, so has to re-do the 200 guest
list a number of times before it's right.

Her days are constantly interrupted by
phone calls from guests with questions
about the wedding. The long distance
bill is growing every day.

A friend recommends a good printer
for invitations, but he is out of town,
and another search begins.
The invitations are beautiful, so
Miss Pre-C begins addressing the
200 envelopes. Never praised for
her handwriting, the last of the
envelopes is barely readable. She
decides to try again tomorrow.

Relatives need pictures of the couple
for a special gift. The photos are
mailed and after frantic calls to the
post office, are finally delivered, too
late to use.

More long distance calls so gifts aren't
duplicated.

A frantic call from Gramma at the border.
Customs officials are questioning her and
are taking apart the gifts. Through her
tears, Gramma explains that the 50 items
had been individually wrapped.

Miss Pre-C takes a deep breath and
considers eloping.

P.S. If you still need convincing, my son
met his future bride on the Internet!

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