Saturday, August 25, 2012

Hello, it’s nice to meet you!


Have you ever attended a wedding where you are sitting with a bunch of people you have never met? You don’t know much about them except maybe their name and where they are from so there is that awkward tension around the table. That uncomfortable tension is about to become a thing of the past. A new startup company in Washington, DC has created a social media website called Social Tables. This new website allows your wedding guests to learn about their fellow table members before actually attending your wedding.

This is how it works:

First, you name your event such as “Katie & Michael’s Wedding”. Then you fill out the details about your event such as how many tables, how many at each table, start and end times, venue and address.  You can add guests from Gmail, Excel, Facebook, and any other email site. There are separate instructions on how to upload your wedding guests from Wedding Wire or The Knot’s websites. The website also has a tool for engaging your guests by letting you create your own custom questions. Social Tables is a great way for your guests to get involved before and after your special day.

Seating is one of the most important aspects of planning a wedding.  Placement of your guests is crucial for their enjoyment.  Will his cousins get along with your co-workers?  What if you have a bunch of singles at a table... who will break the ice first?  With Social Tables,  you drag-and-drop your guest list into their seats. The website auto saves as you complete your seating chart. You then have the option to show or hide the guest’s name. Next, you invite your guests to the event and an email will be sent to everyone. The email will let them know who is attending, RSVPs and who is sitting at their table.   

After the email blast, it is up to your guests to socialize with one another. Adding that option of the custom question could help break the ice between them. Check out this new website as they have a video to help explain the setup process as well as how to use the drag-and-drop interface.  Stop the awkward silences and have your guests enjoying the party!  Advantage # 2… Money-Saver!!  No more having to write “and Guest” on those invitations; your guests will have a blast with their new friends!



Written by: Elizabeth Timms
Assistant Events Coordinator

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Battle of Fredericksburg Anniversary


To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg, the National Park Service will recreate the events that occurred in 1862.  Special events will include children’s programs, fireworks, music, walking tours, bus tours and a visit by Virginia’s History Mobile.  Eight historians from the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park will assist in interpreting the 1862 fighting.  Events begin Friday, December 7.  Find a full schedule of events at http://www.nps.gov/frsp/sesquicentennial.htm.  The program will commence December 15.