Weddingbee boards

Hey Bees!

I'm FAR from an expert on this, but on another string, I was asked why I chose to use a GoogleDoc Form to collect my guest information rather than Weddingwire's "collect guest information" tool. Honestly, I hadn't even noticed the collect info tool on Weddingwire, but after looking into it, I'd still use GoogleDoc Forms. Here's Why!

Weddingwire's tool allows you to enter your guest's name and e-mail addresses, then you simply check boxes of those who's information you need. It automatically sends an email with a link to collect:

• Address
• City
• State
• Zip

I haven't checked yet, but I would imagine it then auto-populates into your guest list info. You'd easily be able to see who had and hadn't responded.

The GoogleDoc allows you to create the questions that you'd like to ask. Mine asked for:

• Name
• Spouse/Fiance/Significant Other name (Obviously I know most information for both of these first two, but it allows me to double check spelling)
• Address
• City
• State
• Zip
• Preferred Phone
• Preferred E-mail address
• A box to check if they're moving in the next year

After collecting the information, it populates the data into a spreadsheet, which can then be transferred back into weddingwire, to excel, etc.

By asking the guest to type their own name as well as their guest's, I don't have to worry about spelling. By collecting preferred e-mail and phone NOW, it saves me time later when I'm tracking down RSVP's.. I can just send the list of "Did not respond" to my bridesmaids and mom and we can all work the list! The email will also allow me to send a blast email to everyone with last-minute wedding reminders if I choose.

The disadvantage is I haven't figured out yet how to see who HAS NOT responded on GoogleDoc without crossreferencing my original list. Also, you have to type out the email addresses (or add them from your gmail contact list.)

Anyone else know anything more about these two? I'd love to keep learning, I have LOTS of time before the wedding!