I'm having a Widget of a time!!!

This bride was an internet baby! Look at her now.

As the publisher of The Wedding Guide Windsor/Essex County, I enter this new decade focused on everything bridal and technology! Funny combo-pack  for a gal that has been in the wedding marketplace for over 20 years, both in urban Toronto and friendly Windsor.

It all started with our new widget that DMS Communications CTO Stuart built for us, that simply amazed me. He has been on the trail of perfection for this product, for over a year now, and was recently recognized  for his work by Gigya, the world’s largest developer of social applications, which widgets fall into.

When we  made the decision to revamp our website  after a seven year run, and enter the new decade in a more savvy manner; Stuart jumped on it and began to create. Who else can send a blog message directly to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc., the way I am going to, when I finish this article?

It’s uncanny how seamlessly my blog and website blend together to work in unison with one another. A timesaver for sure, but the added bonus is that not only can I be creative as I write these blogs; I can also add my widget, and sent it out to all my group friends and clients at one push of the keyboard, as well as post it to all the Social Networks at the same time. Awesome..awesome…awesome!

Social marketing and brand recognition are key to standing above your competitors, in whatever your marketplace is. My widget brings potential clients to me and my website sends my widget back out immediately, as my readers share it with their Facebook, Twitter and email contacts. Better than the mailman!

This widget format is being used by not-for-profit organizations, musicians, brides, business, press release tools- virtually however deep your imagination runs there’s a custom design waiting for you. Stuart is cranking them out in every shape, size and creative format. They are the rage in social marketing.

As people increase their communcating online, the key  for any business will be to capture and captivate. And, this is the way to do it.

Follow us, as we burst into 2010. I will be sure to keep you up to date with Stuart’s future creations.

And, please check back in because our website is still under construction but it is going to knock your socks off when its completed!

Please contact me for any questions that you may have. It’s so simple and a great marketing with something so unique!

And, here is the widget link. Feel free to play with it- click away- you can’t break it and send it  to someone on your list.

WIDGET SHARE

Planning a Wedding- Windsor-Bridal, What Every Couple Needs to Know, The Wedding Guide Windsor/Essex


Making Dollars & Sense of a Wedding Budget- positive consensus!

In a report I recently read, it revealed that brides and grooms are very optimistic about their upcoming 2010 weddings. While the economy softens, bridal couples refuse to compromise on their big day saying its their once in a lifetime dream day and they will figure out how to make it happen- their way.

We, at The Wedding Guide Windsor/Essex County realize that there isn’t a bottomless budget with huge amounts of money to be spent , but some items will prove to be imminently more important than others due to their staying power.

Your Photographer- Your archivist!

You want to be able to look back at your wedding day and love the memory-making that your photographer captured. There is no way to go back and redo a wedding once its over, so ensure that you check your photographer’s references and make sure that their portfolio is a handsome one. Also, ask if the photographer you are meeting with will be the one shooting your day. It’s important to have a good rapport personality-wise with your shooter as you will be spending the entire day and night together.

Most photographers today do a combination of photo-journalistic style (candids) as well as some traditional shots. If your idea of pictures is spontaneous, then you won’t want to spend the day standing like statues, being posed.

Your First Trip as as a Married Couple!

Your honeymoon is an important piece of your planning because it is the separation between your single life and your future married days together. Find a place that you can both unwind and decompress after all the months of wedding planning. You want to do things you enjoy together and enjoy this delicious time away. Don’t compromise on your honeymoon- you’ll always remember it vividly and be able to recount together as a couple for your entire life.

And if you’re thinking of last minute travel plans- stop now and reconsider. Friends have done it, despite warnings and found themselves disappointed in sub-standard places that just weren’t suitable for a honeymoon.

Human Wedding Décor!

An artsy, actor friend of mine was recently  hired to be a duo in a bride and groom “statue-like” feature at the reception. They held their poses, mannequin-like as decorative pieces in the hall, as well as mingling with the guests. It was a fun addition to the day and unique and fun!

Should you be interested in this type of entertainment- contact me and I can hook you up. I’m watching this as another new emerging trend as brides and grooms continue to personalize your days and put their signature style on everything about their wedding day.

Social Media Widgets

With the internet being the norm as day-day conversation, social online media is the newest way to share the journey of your engagement with loved ones  far away. Connected to Facebook, Twitter and 50 other Social Online networks, you can now document your engagement to your wedding day, post it and watch it go global with your latest news. Add your pictures, video and words to our viewer and you have the best in today’s communication. Register for one and be part of the wedding social revolution.

These widgets are innovative, fun and practical gifts for you or your attendants! Introductory rate $199 plus tax. Our viewer protects your photographer’s copyright as your images can only be shared, not stolen. For examples, please go to The Aisle Widgets on the left hand column of this page. Or visit dmscommunications.info or 12flat.com        NO ONE DOES WHAT WE DO FOR BRIDES!

Think too, about a webcast ceremony. It allows you to broadcast your vows in real time , online – instantly. What a priceless gift  for you or your wedding party. For examples of big, small and in-between widgets go to The Aisle Widgets on the left side of this blog.

Sheryl Davies,

Publisher