GeekSugar

Website of the Day: Muse

GeekSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

You're getting married, and are tired of browsing the plethora of wedding websites out there, finding all the same ideas that get regurgitated over and over again. You want something fresh, new, and original for your big day.

If this sounds like you, you might want to check out Muse – a new social community where you can find and share tips, ideas, and experiences with other brides-to-be that are looking for something more than the run-of-the-mill wedding favor or cake design.

Not only can you bounce ideas off of other women who are getting ready to say "I Do," but you can plan your wedding from A to Z with the help of budget calculators, idea books, and calendars to keep you on track. Plus Muse's design is way cooler than any other that I've seen lately, so you'll feel right at home. Cause you're cool, too.

Need more ideas for your wedding? Check out the rest of our coverage on I Do Sugar!

8-Bit Wedding Invite Makes Me Want to Pop the Question

GeekSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:10:57 -0800

We may be smack dab in the middle of holiday season here on the Sugar Network, but I can't help but share with you this crazy-fun find to whet your palate for next year's wedding season. We already have enough geeky wedding ammo to fuel an entire ceremony, so this 8-Bit wedding invite is the icing on the cake (pun intended).

Complete with binary code speech bubbles, the vintage feel of this wedding invitation I spotted on BuzzFeed has me longing for my arcade days. Of course, if you do rock the old-school invite to your wedding (or DIY it for any occasion), just be sure to have some retro gaming action on hand to complete the feel. Party on!

Geek Tip: Get Organized With Wedding Planning Software

GeekSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:03:07 -0700

If you're anything like me, you like to keep a firm hold on the reigns when it comes to planning and organizing events. Like the saying goes, if you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself! Although I have nothing against professional wedding planners, I personally would want to know what is going on behind the scenes at all times - especially when it's an event as big as my wedding. So even if you're going the traditional route for the big day, indulge your geeky side with a great wedding planning program to help you stay focused, on time, and within budget.

For my PC users out there, I've found an exceptional program called IDo ($30) that has tons of features to keep you on track. From contacts, invites, and flight info that you'll need before the event, to gift lists and thank you cards for after, it covers everything. IDo even comes with a budget tracker to keep you from overspending, and task lists and time lines to remind you that the wedding cake flavors must be decided by next week - or you'll end up with an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins! Not that I would complain about an ice cream cake any day of the week. . .

For my Mac comrades, I have a great solution to your wedding planning nightmares. To find out what it is, just read more.

Brought to you by MacWare, Wedding Planner ($30) has all the features you need to get you from the wedding shower and party events to the honeymoon and more. What's included? Guest lists, menu and budget trackers, style guides, task lists for fittings and tastings, help to print your own wedding plans and invites, plus help on planning that all important honeymoon! Seriously, this product has you covered. Plus, with the low price tag in either case, why pay a small fortune for someone to do it for you, when you can be just as stress free and do it yourself?

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To see more of our wedding coverage, be sure to check out I Do Sugar.

Choosing a Videographer For Your Wedding

GeekSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:00:51 -0700

In the planning stages of your wedding, you've no doubt established that you want to commemorate the day the best way possible. Amazing photography can really take you back into the day and the feelings you experienced, and so can a video of your event! If you want a moving (literally and figuratively) way to keep the event going, then think about supplementing your still shots with video - and I'm here to guide in finding the right videographer to best suit your needs.

Like selecting your wedding photographer, you should take care in looking at the professional's body of work - in this case, demo reels, to see if the style (and skill) of the videographer matches your vision. For the rest of the tips, read more

Picking the Videographer and the Cost

As with any vendor, find out what is included in the videographer's package, like the burning of DVDs and how many DVDs are included. Find out if the videographer uses an assistant, because that will have an obvious cost impact but might make a difference to you. . . both in the sense that the videographer's set-up may be more efficient, and also that it's another body to have present (and if they are working the reception, possibly feeding as well).

To find a videographer from scratch, use a reputable source, such as the Nationwide Directory of Event Video Professionals, and don't forget online review sites like Yelp as a source, too. If your venue offers a videographer in their package, that's great, but be sure you can view their work and meet the person, just the same as if you were hiring an outside vendor (and also because the venue might be charging more because they can).

It may be tempting to have a guest film the event, but just remember that they'll be working, rather than enjoying the wedding, and from a professional, you can expect fancy stuff like DVD menus, extras and great editing. You also have recourse if it doesn't turn out how you expected.

Be clear about your expectations! Meet with them in person to get a feel for their professionalism, and if it's important to you, be clear about what you want them to wear, etc.

Style and The Finished Video

In fact, let's talk about style. Think about what you want before you meet with anyone, because that will be a big factor. If you want video that's chronicling the event, but not necessarily with close-ups and high editorial input, then that's easier to find and your videographer may be less of a distraction. But on the flip-side, if you want a more involved video and close attention to detail, be prepared to look (and pay) more for skill and accept that your videographer may be distracting from the actual action at the wedding to your live audience.

Also, decide which events you want your videographer to attend - maybe you just want the ceremony on film, and maybe you want the whole shebang - rehearsal, pre-ceremony preparation, and reception. This will have an effect both on the content of the finished video and a big impact on cost. If you can't pass up video to really re-live the wedding but are on a budget, consider having only your ceremony filmed.

Sound and Lighting

Sound is a big thing to think about - if you want your whole video set to music, then let them know so they don't record sound. Or maybe you want sound only at the ceremony, and the rest of the time you want set to music, let them know, and then provide the selected music to your videographer.

Ask about lighting - ensure they'll have enough at each site you'll have filmed, and possibly have them visit your sites, otherwise you may have to have lighting kits provided, which can add cost and possibly visibly distracting equipment.

Good luck, and have I told you congratulations yet? Congratulations! And don't forget to check out all our wedding coverage on IDoSugar!

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Happily Ever After: Wedding Season Roundup!

GeekSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:03:02 -0700

Wedding season on the Sugar Network is coming to a close, but that doesn't mean you can't still check out all of our fab geeky wedding tips and advice. Did you miss anything? Head on over to our wedding page for complete coverage, but until then, here are some of our most helpful and popular posts from the series. Happy wedding!

Make a Website	Manage a Registry	Geeky Things to Consider
Preparty Media Guide	Honeymoon Travel Tips	5 Great Newlywed Gadgets

Adding Big Ticket Items to Your Wedding Registry

GeekSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:30:54 -0700

Now that you've set up your Online Wedding Registry, it's time for the fun part - adding items! Before you start panicking, listen up - it's totally OK to add big ticket items like TVs or cameras to your registry. Some couples may feel uncomfortable including expensive electronics on their registry list, but if you really need (and/or want) a certain item, go ahead and include it! Trust me, friends and family members would much rather combine their money to get you something you will actually use, than waste their money on that fancy blender that hides in the cupboard. Take a peek at my slideshow for some great gadget gift ideas to add to your registry! For all of our network wedding coverage, be sure to check out I Do Sugar! Source

View Slideshow ›

Tips and Tricks For Planning Your Wedding Online

GeekSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:25:06 -0700

Wedding season is in full swing on the Sugar Network, and being the geek that I am, I can't stress enough how easy and convenient it is to plan your wedding online. Sites like Our Wedding Day can act as your personal wedding planner by providing an online address book, a virtual seating planner, a rsvp manager, an online budget manager, and help you create "save the date" e-cards, and best of all, your very own personalized wedding website. Here are some more tips to help you plan your wedding online:

Creating Your Own Wedding Website: Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate personalized wedding website.
Wonderful Wedding Websites: These helpful wedding websites will be your saving grace before the big day. You're guaranteed to find one that fits all your wedding planning needs!
Registering Gifts Online Is a Breeze: Forget the hassle of wandering around brick-and-mortar stores when you can easily create an online wedding registry with the click of a mouse!

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How-To: Create Slideshows and Movies For Your Reception

GeekSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:05:10 -0700

If you haven't noticed, it's wedding season here on the Sugar Network and I've been busy telling you how to keep up with your own wedding website, pick out the perfect photographer, and manage all those photos - yours and your guests - after the big day. This week, we're moving into the wedding planning stages, and today I'm talking about slideshows. But this isn't the after-the-event, it-was-such-a-beautiful-day slideshow, this is the slideshow you play during your reception, usually packed with photos of you and your betrothed throughout your relationship together.

Although I've already given you some tips on what you should consider when putting together your slideshows, you may not know where to begin once you have all your photos chosen. If you don't have a Mac (I know I've talked your ear off about the simple joy of iPhoto), you can still make professional-looking slideshows and videos with your PC. Who woulda thought, right?

Find out what software you should consider, and what to do with those stacks of (nondigital) photos when you read more.

If not all of your photos are digital, it's OK - you can scan your photos, get them onto a CD and ready for uploading just by toting them down to your local Walgreens (or similar drug store that offers photo developing). And you're on your way to getting all your treasured pics into a slideshow.

Once you have all your photos uploaded to your computer, all you have to do is choose your software to start putting it all together. With any of these programs, you can arrange your pics, choose your (optional) background music that will play during your slideshow, and will even let you add in video clips if you want to switch things up. My first love is iPhoto, mostly for its ease of use and ability to export to not only a DVD but to your website, mobile phone, and iTunes to enjoy later.

But for you PC users out there, software like DVD Picture Show, My Memories Suite, and MediaShow 4 will get you the same great results, accommodates photos and video clips, and will export online or to a CD/DVD.

Do you have a photo program you'd like to recommend? Let us know about it in the comments below!

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Selecting the Right Wedding Photographer

GeekSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:00:42 -0700

Now that we're in full wedding planning mania, you've already started on your wedding website, and sorted out your online wedding registry, so hopefully you still have enough vigor left in you to start your search for your wedding photographer! Since this task is one of the most important for your big day (next to the dress of course), you'll want to put some serious thought and effort into choosing the right photographer to capture your wedding. If you have no idea where to start, I can give you some tips on how to hit the ground running.

Film or Digital?
Although digital photography might be something you are leaning towards (since you all are so tech savvy!), there are some factors to consider for both. The rich depth and grain of film photography is something unique that you can only get with film. Sure, your digital photographer can fiddle around with Photoshop for each of your photos to try and bring out those same qualities, but it's just not the same. Besides, I'm sure that would be a ton of OT for the poor guy, and who knows how high that would bring the cost of the service! But digital photography also has its benefits. To see what they are, read more

When shooting with digital cameras, for each image captured, you have instant feedback. You can adjust the settings, angles, and light right away to make sure you get just the right pic. . . and you won't be disappointed if a roll of film turns out crappy when you get it back. Plus, there is essentially no limit to how many photos can be taken. Also, if you are interested in getting your pics onto a disk, website, coffee table book or want to turn them into an awesome slideshow, digital is the simplest and easiest way to do it.

What style?
There are some photographers that specialize in portraits, and some in wedding photojournalism. Wedding photojournalism is something that has become more popular in the past decade due to its ability to capture candid moments that really bring the photos to life.

FAQ
After you make those essential decisions, it's time to pick a few photographers and meet with them. Here are some important questions to keep in mind when interviewing your selections:

Ask if they are the ones who will be photographing your wedding, and if the samples you are viewing are from their portfolio. If not, ask to meet the photographer that will be shooting your wedding and check out samples from their past events.
What is included in the packages, and what is the breakdown of costs. Ask if there is a way to customize a package to fit your needs and ideal budget.
Will an assistant be used? If so, is that an added fee?
What is the estimated time frame for finished photos?
Are CD's, proofs, and photo albums an added cost?
How many rolls of film do they typically use, and what is the cost per roll?

Hopefully these tips can get you on your way to choosing the perfect photographer for your big day! Do you have any tips to share? Leave them in the comments below! Plus, check out more of our wedding coverage on I Do Sugar.

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Party Favors for Your Geek Chic Reception

GeekSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:45:36 -0700

A geeky girl's dream wedding would include an awesome reception where everyone mingles, fills up on delish food and drink, and has a total blast while celebrating your big day. To help make this dream a reality, you'll want to check a few things off your "To Do" list beforehand. Of course you'll need music and entertainment, plus something fun to fill your guests' time. Party favors are a hit with crowds because it gives people something to do while the food line goes down and occupies the kiddies while the 'rents are busy networking your other guests for photoshop tips.

What kind of party favors would a geeky couple provide? Well, besides going green and sending your guests home with plantable trees from the Arbor Day Foundation, you can let them entertain themselves with a number of inexpensive and totally geeky gifts. For example, Rubik's cubes on the tables, or even take home Rubik's Cube Keychains will keep the nerdiest of guests focused, and will satisfy the younger geeks-in-training by keeping their hands (and minds) busy.

I have more geeky party favor ideas when you read more

Make it a team effort with crossword puzzles or Sudoku printed tablecloths or napkins. Seriously, what geek hasn't been obsessed at one point with beating the Brain Age Sudoku puzzles on their Nintendo DS? Having them show off their puzzle prowess will surely make a long lasting impression. Just by going to any custom printing shop with a tablecloth of choice and a puzzle or two, you can get a unique geeky wedding activity. Just don't forget to provide pens and/or crayons so that people can actually do the puzzle!
Handing out USB Flash drives is an uber geeky gift that you can personalize with your wedding day message. Have it engraved with your names and the date, or customize with a personal message. "Live long and prosper" would be my personal choice. Since this could get a little higher on the price scale, you can reserve the flash drives for the wedding party alone if you are running low on cash.
Since I got this as a Christmas exchange gift once, I can personally tell you about the joys of the keychain digital camera. These little guys are super fun and will hold up to a beating by your keys (if you actually keep it on your keychain). Plus, guests can take photos while at the wedding and have them to remember later. Think about designating a Flickr/Shutterfly tag (ex: Geek and Geekette's Wedding) so everyone who took photos at the event, whether it be from the keychain camera or their own, can upload and tag them properly, making a huge virtual photo album online.
Hand out pre-burned CDs of your wedding soundtrack. This is an easy and fun project to complete together before the wedding, since you can pick out tracks that you both love, select a photo for the cover, and if you have a printer that prints on CDs, like the Epson RX680, you can customize the look even further!

Be sure to check out more of our wedding coverage on I Do Sugar.
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