Programmed For Success
(continued from page 63)
A fine gift and home accessory boutique
offering a bridal registry
Royal Copenhagen
Georg Jensen
Herend Porcelain
Saint Louis Crystal
Lynn Chase China
Hermes
Lunt Silversmiths
Katherine Houston Porcelains
Mottahedeh
288 E. Maple Birmingham (810) 433-0860 Fax (810) 433-0862
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Capturing Treasured Times
For Future Memories
Goldenberg Photography
Murray Goldenberg
350-2420
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in Market Street on Northwestern
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COMPLETE
EVENT
PLANNING
BY CHEF
MARK J. MOCERI
MEMBER:
Michigan Chefs
de Cuisine
American Culinary
Federation
EXCELLENCE
IN CUISINE
"THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DINING,
OR JUST HAVING SOMETHING TO EAT"
• REFERENCES PROUDLY FURNISHED ON REQUEST •
GOURMET DINNERS • BUFFETS zc
HORS D'OEUVRES • BBQ'S
64 •
1-3RI II ES 1995 • s-rvi_p:
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.7.■1111
- /
(810) 641 -0904
out of town, what their flight numbers are,
who's picking them up, and where they're
staying. It keeps track of deadlines and
when deposits and balances are due."
Unfortunately, the Sumnichts hadn't de-
veloped the software yet when they were
planning their own wedding, which became
a real challenge to organize! "We had 600
guests, and it was so hard to keep track of
everything. Whenever the caterer asked us
for a count, we had to figure things out man-
ually," she said.
Later, she started writing the program
at work to help a friends who was getting
married. Later, the Sumnichts decided to
market the program, and they have already
sold more than 7,000 copies!
One tip Maria shared, regardless of
whether a couple is using a computer or not,
is to "get everything in writing."
One unique feature of this program is that
it comes with a free 100-page book of tips,
"The Wedding Workshop's Wedding Plan-
ning Guide," which advises couples on sub-
jects like common pitfalls, contracts, and
other general tips, like "25 tips to panic proof
your wedding." The book includes input
from the Association of Bridal Consultants
(ABC), an international trade association
in New Milford, Conn.
Eileen Monaghan, that association's vice
president, hailed the merits of computer
planning software: "It keeps you on track
and saves you lots of time." Also, she said,
you don't have to be a computer genius to
use most of the programs.
"They try to make the programs simple
for people who aren't that computer-liter-
ate," she speculated.
Monaghan offered some tips to couples
planning a wedding: "Get contracts and let-
ters of agreement...everything in writing,"
she said, and added, most importantly,
"Keep a sense of humor!"
The ABC has a separate business, "Mail
Order Bride," that sells computer software
for planning in addition to other planners,
videos, index card organizer systems, and
more. They can be reached at 800-691-9000
or 203-355-0464 for a catalog or more infor-
mation.
Some other software programs for wed-
dings include PC I love You and Bridesmaid.
The main benefit of using a computer to
plan is the organizational assistance it pro-
vides. Tom Giambalvo, a sales represen-