Every wedding needs some type of communication. Some prefer text, others e-mail. Some wedding parties rely on new wedding apps that are becoming more effective at keeping the wedding party up to date. But unfortunately, many group chats tend to fail due to a few common mistakes. This blog post will address the issues that make those wedding group chats so frustrating and how we can take advantage of a better option. Keep reading to understand why wedding group chats fail.
The Problem With Wedding Group Chats
Here’s the thing with wedding group chat. They have good intentions, BUT there is no reference point, updates, confirmations, or tracking progress. If you find yourself anywhere in the chat, you don’t really know what the most recent decision was, if you have all of the information, or what to do next. There is also no organization. You can’t go to a single event and get the full details and know for certain that you’re looking at the final word on anything. The reason why wedding group chats fail is ultimately because they weren’t meant for weddings. We used them because it’s the best form of communication we have. But there’s a better way. Keep reading to learn more.
Common Communication Breakdowns
And it has nothing to do with how bright the people in the group are, either. No matter how well we want the communication to land, it’s lost by the method and the tools we use. For example, when someone asks a question about an event such as what is the attire? It’s difficult to know when the final answer is provided. We assume that it is directly below the question, but what if the conversation gets derailed and distracted by another issue? And then what if someone, the bride for example, comes back at the end and gives the final answer or input? In a communication stream, there’s just no way to know when the final answer is provided.
Another example of a communication breakdown is too much information. This happens when everyone answers and you don’t know who the final authority is. Trying to guess who you should be listening to is a tough game. You don’t want to second-guess them, especially in a group setting. But often, in a wedding planning setting, there is only one channel of communication, or at least a main one, and trying to get clarification within that same chat can be very challenging.
Real Examples of Wedding Miscommunication
A real example of wedding miscommunication is what time you will be at your wedding events such as the wedding dress fitting, wedding shower, and time with your wedding party. You may have a solid time picked out, but things always change. So, if you have already told your wedding party through a chat of some sort, you have to then manually go and reach out to them directly to make a change.
But there are now options that allow you to keep up with everyone in real time, so that you don’t have to do it for every single one of your wedding party members. This is great news!
What Actually Works for Group Coordination
What actually works for group coordination is to eliminate guessing and updating every detail, especially for each and every person who’s part of your wedding party. Another thing that works is that only the people who are invited to a particular event are included in communications for that event. Nothing worse than having to send out a “blast” communication to everyone that doesn’t include everyone you need it to, or too many people.
Features to Look for in a Coordination Tool
The features you want in a coordination tool are real-time updates, the option to include a specific person in a communication, and the option to exclude people so you don’t have to message everyone every time you send an update. You want something that you don’t have to spend all of your time using. During wedding planning season, you want to be available and have a flexible schedule, not want to be tracking everyone and their movements all day long.
A good coordination tool will address the most challenging pain points, such as always being on demand and available 24/7 to respond to questions.
Better Alternatives to Group Chats
A better alternative to group chats is our very own Wedistry for Wedding Parties app, available on the App Store. There you will find the solution that keeps everyone on the same page without having to update each and every person, each and every time. This app will save you time and money, and keep your stress lower. Try it out and let us know in the comments how the experience went for you!