Event planning is not my thing. There are just too many details to list, too many problems that crop up, and too many things to go wrong.
Imagine my surprise when I was asked to plan my best friend’s wedding. I couldn’t say no. I wanted to. But I couldn’t. Mac apps to the rescue. Event planning? There’s got to be an app for that, right?
There Is An App For That
Events are handled by somebody everyday, everywhere, all the time. How hard can it be? Make a list. Add to the list. Get help with the list. Repeat until the event is over.
My search for Mac apps to help was short and sweet.
First, the guest list. That’s always difficult because of the need to balance financial restrictions with feelings (hurt feelings of those who don’t get asked).
Second, how do we seat those who are invited? What’s the priority? Who’s involved?
Mac App #1 is Guest List Planner. There are other details in a wedding, but start here and everything else looks easy.
Guest List Planner starts by importing lists of people from Address Book, Google’s Gmail Contacts, and even Facebook friends. Drag. And. Drop. Everything you need shows up in GLP. Names, addresses, phone numbers, email address.
All the names can be categorized, too. Groom Side. Bride Side. Or, if it’s not a wedding, any category name you need. As you build the list you’ll know the totals, adults vs. children, and so on. The benefit here is an accurate count so the caterer knows exactly how many will show up.
Multiple lists can be merged into a single list with a click. What’s the caveat? Guest List Planner is what it is. Guests only. Not all the other event details.
Mac App #2 is PerfectTablePlan. Again, it’s a Mac app of lists, but this one comes with a twist.
It takes the list of names (wedding or any other event) and lets you plug the names into a graphic layout of tables. A picture is worth a thousand words.
PerfectTablePlan has a few more bells and whistles, too.
For example, it’s drag and drop to get names from the list into a seat and table. Meal choices and preferences can be stored and edited. Even use it to manage RSVPs.
The floor plans can be arranged to match any event, including table shapes and sizes. Get this. It even prints out the seating arrangement, and includes both placement cards and escort cards.
If you’re doing a wedding, these are not apps you’ll use often (unless all your friends are getting married and you’re the go-to gal to help get it done). But if you plan events regularly, these apps will be your friend.
About Kate MacKenzie
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