What does this have to do with custom invitations, you ask?
Everything! We know not everyone is an expert in using spreadsheets. So since
this is our preferred method of getting your guest addresses, we decided
it is a really great idea give you a little GUEST LIST 101
Spreadsheets are your friend. They are, in the simplest form, a database. You can list and sort and
filter and subtotal all kinds of data.
But what you may
not be aware of is everything you type, even a stray character for
example, is "used" as part of your data input. Excel is NOT A WORD PROCESSOR.
Since Pink
Tomato uses excel to manage your guest address data base, we see lots of
"issues" with this and while we may or may not bring it to your
attention, we spend a lot of time cleaning up files that are sent to us. And that's billable time!
The biggest culprit?
SPACEBAR
Often times, it
is used inappropriately to create a "tab" or a large space between
groups of information. Other times it is inadvertently used in front of
or in back of pieces of data.
The CELLS in a spreadsheet
eliminate the need for a TAB or spacing. Using the spacebar in that
manner wreaks havoc in spreadsheets...creating incomplete & uneven
spacing, misalignment's and it creates errors in sorting orders. This is
especially important if we are creating an alphabetized seating chart!
If ever in doubt, just dissect your information into groups and
direct your data into appropriate columns. In our case, a guest list.
For example:
Group A/Column A = Title
Group B/Column B = First Name
C = Last Name
D
= Children or Guest Names (not necessary to spread across columns, keep
them all in one, even if there is more than one extra person. Just
separate them by a comma)
E = Street Address
F = City
G = State
H = Zip
Avoid any fancy formatting and avoid using the spacebar except
where appropriate in a string of data. By following the guide above, you
will make us very happy.
xoxox
