The Bride's Maid
Demonstration Version
Copyright 1993
Vida Software
202 Maywood Street
New Bedford, MA 02745

Phone:	(508) 998-3873



To start this version of the Bride's Maid copy all files to 
directory of your choice and type demo <Enter>.  The installation
procedure described below applies only to the retail version of
the software.  Note:  with the demo version, you are limited to
four database entries, but have access to all program functionality
for evaluation.  To receive the Bride's Maid, See accompanying 
README.TXT file for ordering instructions, or call VIDA SOFTWARE.



Contents

INSTALLING THE BRIDES MAID     
	System Requirements     
	Making a Backup         
	Installing the Bride's Maid     

STARTING THE BRIDES MAID       
	Finding Your Way Around         
	Quitting the Bride's Maid       

A GUIDED TOUR   

THE GUEST LIST  
	Adding a Guest  
	Special Fields  
	The Wedding Party       
	View, Modify, or Remove a Guest Record  

THE SERVICES DATABASE   
	Adding a Service Record         
	Viewing, Deleting or Modifying a Service        

THE SEATING PLAN        
	Adding Tables   
	Editing Table Information       
	Removing Tables 
	Quick Seat      
	Manual Seating  
	Quick Unseat    

THE CALENDAR    
	Month-at-a-Glance       
	Daily Agenda    

REPORTS         
	General List    
	Seating Plan    
	Summary 
	Wedding Gifts   
	Envelopes       




				INSTALLING THE BRIDES MAID 

System Requirements 
-------------------

To use the Brides Maid, you require:

IBM PC or compatible 8086 or above
MS-DOS 3.0 or above
5.25 or 3.5 low density floppy disk drive
Hard disk with approximately 1/2 megabyte of space

Optional:

Dot matrix printer (required for generating reports)
HPII compatible Laser printer (required for generating reports and printing envelopes)

Making a Backup 

NOTE:   Before you start, its important to make a copy of the Brides Maid.  Remember, 
	always backup your files.

If your computer has two floppy disk drives, type the following at the DOS prompt:

	DISKCOPY A: B:
	[ENTER]

You will be asked to Insert Source Disk - the Brides Maid diskette  - in drive A: 
and the Destination Disk - your backup disk - in drive B: then [ENTER].

If your computer has one floppy disk drive, type the following at the DOS prompt:

	DISKCOPY A:
	[ENTER]

You will be asked to Insert Source Disk - the Bride's Maid - in drive A:, then [ENTER].  

Wait a moment while the computer loads the software into memory, and you will be asked to 
Insert Destination Disk.  Remove the Bride's Maid disk, insert your backup disk, and [ENTER].

When the copy is complete, store the Bride's Maid diskette in a safe place and continue 
using your backup disk.



Installing the Bride's Maid
---------------------------

Insert the original diskette in drive A: or B:

Type:

MD BRIDE
[ENTER]

CD BRIDE
[ENTER]

COPY <DRIVE LETTER>: *.*
[ENTER]

Setup
[Enter]

Type your wedded name as you'd like to see it on Bride's Maid reports,  press [Enter].  
The Bride's Maid is now installed on your hard disk and registered.


				STARTING THE BRIDE'S MAID 

Type the following at the DOS prompt (C:>):

	BRIDE
	[ENTER]

Wait a moment while the program loads into memory, and you will be greeted by the Brides 
Maid Main Menu.

Note:   Each time you  start the Brides Maid, you must be in the Bridal directory.  
	Type CD BRIDE at the DOS prompt to enter the directory.

Finding Your Way Around 
-----------------------

Throughout the Wedding Planner, there are two standard methods of moving around and making 
selections.  In the Main Menu, Planner Menu and Reports Menu, simply pressing the number of 
your selection will automatically enter your selection.  Wherever you are within the program, 
using the arrow keys will direct you through the available options.  In any menu, simply move 
the pointer to your selection and [Enter] to access the function you need.  In any function 
that allows you to enter data (for example records within the guest list or services option) 
the up, down, left and right arrow keys or [Enter] can be used to maneuver.


Quitting the Bride's Maid
-------------------------

When you are finished working with the Planner, you can exit to DOS only from the Main Menu.  
When youre sure you want to quit the session, return to the Main Menu from anywhere in the 
program simply by pressing [Esc].  Each time [Esc] is depressed, you are taken back one step.  
Once youve reached the Main Menu, [Esc] has no effect.  

From the Main Menu, press [E] or use the up or down arrow key to move the pointer in the 
options box to the E.  Exit option and [ENTER].  For your convenience and security, all 
changes or updates made during a session are saved automatically.


					A GUIDED TOUR 

The quickest way to learn the Brides Maid and make the most of its features is to take a 
guided tour.

Follow the instructions in STARTING THE PLANNER to begin.  

Select the Guest List and [Enter] and an empty window appears in the foreground.  This will 
be your guest list.  As you add records, this window will display the names of your guests 
alphabetically by last name.  


					THE GUEST LIST 

The Brides Maid Guest List is an extremely flexible tool.  The information you enter in the 
guest list is used to create mailing lists, seating arrangements, and projected budgets; and 
track attendance.  Therefore, enter information as accurately as possible for the best results. 

Adding a Guest
--------------

Lets create a guest list.  Press [Ins] and a blank guest record form will appear.  If youre 
not ready to begin a true list, use your name and address.  Remember, the record can be deleted
at any time.  You can complete all or part of the record (first and last names must be added), 
and return later to update the record.

The cursor will be set in the title field.  Enter a title (Mr. or Mrs. for example) and [Enter].
Your entry will remain in the Title field, and the cursor will move to the next field -- in 
this case, First Name.  Add the appropriate information and [Enter]. 

Note:   To compile an accurate guest list, enter both the first and last name in the 
	appropriate record fields.  If these fields are left blank, the record WILL NOT be 
	saved.

The guest record form is designed to allow entry of an individual, couple or family; making 
invitation reports [See REPORTS] simple and efficient.  

If you make a mistake, don't worry.  Using the arrow keys, position the cursor over the error 
and [Delete], or directly after the error and [Backspace] until the mistype is cleared.  If 
youre in the insert mode, typing additional characters will move the characters to the right 
of the cursor.  If youre in the overwrite mode, you will type directly over the characters 
following the cursor.  [Ins] to toggle between modes.  

Note:   The action of the insert/overwrite mode is consistent throughout the Brides Maid.

If you decide to skip a field, simply [Enter] and the cursor will move to the next data field, 
leaving the previous field unchanged.  

Note:   After entering data in any field, you must hit [Enter] or up or down arrow to register 
	the entry before leaving the form.

Before leaving the record, [F1] to assign the guest(s) to one of the default categories.
You can also add your own category by pressing [Ins], typing the title of the category, and 
[Enter] to add your entry.  To delete a category, simply move the pointer to the desired 
category and [Del].  Youll be prompted to confirm your choice.  Press [Y]es to continue; [N]o 
to cancel the command.  [Esc] exits the category selection menu.


This assignment will allow you to take advantage of the Planner's most powerful feature, the 
quick seating plan.  The software will create an automatic seating plan (See SEATING PLAN)
based on the categories you have assigned.

To exit the current guest record, [Esc] and your additions/changes will be saved.

Note:   You must [Enter]after the final field youve entered or edited information within, or 
	that field will not be saved when you leave the record.

To delete a field entry, follow the procedure you used to make a correction until the field 
is empty.


Special Fields
--------------

The Planned Seating Section works differently than the name/address section.  The information 
in this section is important because the Seating Planner utilizes it to create a table seating 
arrangement.

Planned Seating Info:  (Seating forecast)
Head Table:  (See Next Section: The Wedding Party)
Adults:
Children:

Actual Seating Info:  (Make sure entries are accurate, as these fields will be used by the 
AUTOMATIC SEATING PLAN feature)

Response Received:   (Default is [N])

When you enter [Y]es on receipt of a response, the following fields are enabled:
Adults:
Children:
Table:
The default is the planned seating information.  If the actual seating differs from planned 
seating, edit these fields.

The Gifts field is accessed by the Planner's BUDGET feature to compile the financial data for 
your wedding (See REPORTS)


The Wedding Party
-----------------

To compile an accurate guest list and seating plan,  wedding party guests should be added 
individually.  To identify the guest as a wedding party member, type 1 at the Head Table field.
Create a separate record for any guests attending with a wedding party member. 


View, Modify, or Remove a Guest Record 
--------------------------------------

To view or modify a record in the list, move the pointer to the record and [Enter].  To erase 
a record, move the pointer to the record and [Del].  To guard against accidental erasure, you 
will be asked to confirm the command.  Press [Y]es or [N]o, then [Enter] to continue.

Fast Move:  Up to ten names will be displayed in the Main Guest window at any time.  The arrow 
keys will navigate through this display.  To move to the next or previous ten records, press 
[Pg Dn] or [Pg Up] respectively.  You can add or delete names and modify a guest record at any 
time.  As your guest list grows, it can become cumbersome to search for records through the 
entire list.  There is a shortcut in searching for and moving to records.  Simply press the 
first letter of the last name of the guest whose record you are looking for, for example [S] 
for Smith.  The pointer will jump to the first entry whose last name begins with S.  Use the 
arrow keys to position the pointer to the appropriate record.

Let's go back to the Main Menu to continue the Bride's Maid tour.  [Esc] to return.


				THE SERVICES DATABASE 

Planning the perfect wedding is like conducting a professional orchestra.  Beautiful flowers, 
strapping tuxedos and flowing gowns.  Music to set the mood, and photos that will make the  
memories last.  All this and much more depend on organization and control.  The Wedding Planner
Services Database makes it manageable.  

The Services Menu includes a list of the common services you may require.  Below each is a 
space to display the name of the company you choose to provide the service. 
  
Following is the Brides Maids default service list:
    
Florist
Music
Wedding Bands
Limousine
Cake

The main Services window will display up to five services, and the company you choose to 
provide them, at one time.  Scroll through the list individually using the up and down arrow 
keys.  Or display the following or previous or next five service providers with the [Pg Up] or 
[Pg Dn] keys, respectively.  

You can customize this list too but first, lets get to know this feature using the available 
options.


Adding a Service Record 
-----------------------

Move the pointer to the FLORIST selection and [Enter] to view the Florist service record form.
The cursor will be in the COMPANY NAME field (see Section [  ] FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND).  
Type "The Flower Shop" and [Enter].   (To edit an incorrect field, see GUEST LIST)

Note:   After entering data in any field, you must hit [Enter] or up or down arrow to register 
	the entry before leaving the form.

To exit the current guest record, [Esc] and your additions/changes will be saved.

Note:   You must [Enter]after the final field youve entered or edited information within, or 
	that field will not be saved when you leave the record.


Viewing, Deleting or Modifying a Service
----------------------------------------

Now, add a service.  Press [Ins] to open a new service record form.  Type "Bellringer" in the 
SERVICE TYPE Field, [Enter], and press [Esc].

BELLRINGER is now listed in the Services menu.  Move the cursor to the BELLRINGER selection, 
hit [Del] than [Y]es to proceed, or [N]o to reject the command.

Lets modify a service.  Enter the FLORIST selection as you would to complete the service 
record form.  Delete FLORIST in the SERVICE TYPE field and type "Flowers" -- the Planner 
automatically returns the characters in upper case -- then [Enter] and [Esc].  The Service 
Menu now lists FLOWERS in Place of FLORIST.  "The Flower Shop" remains within the Record, as 
they are still the service provider.

It's time to start planning a seating arrangement for your reception.  First, add three or 
four guest records, including actual seating information.  This information can be corrected 
or deleted later.  

Return to the Main Menu and select option 3: Seating Plan.


					THE SEATING PLAN 

Arranging a seating blueprint for your wedding reception can be the most frustrating and time 
consuming project of your planning.  You'd like to seat family and acquaintances together, but 
you can't break up a party.  You could try dozens of different combinations without success or 
satisfaction.  Or you could start with the Quick Seating Planner and have an arrangement in 
minutes. 


Adding Tables 
-------------

In the seating Plan window, select option 1. Tables.  Youre greeted with an empty table list 
menu.  [Ins] to add a table.  You have the option of naming each table for easier organization.
For the tour, we'll number the tables, but you can label them with party names, family names, 
etc.  [Ins] and type Table 1.  [Enter] then type the number of seats at the table - in this 
case 10 and [Enter].  


Editing Table Information
-------------------------

To edit the table label or number of seats, position the cursor in front of that table and 
[Enter].  Follow the instructions for adding a table.

The Table List window will display the tables you enter, along with number of seats, and 
available seats at each table.  You can enter and remove tables as you wish.  Now add 3 more 
tables with 10 seats at each.  The tables you added will appear at the end of the list.  Your 
table should appear.


Removing Tables
---------------

Youve created 4 tables, but you only need 3.  Removing a table is simple.  Position the 
cursor in front of the table you wish to remove, in this case Table 4.  Press [Del], then [Y] 
and [Enter], and the table will be removed from view.  

Note:   The Delete Table option can be safely used even if you have already seated guests at a 
	table.  They will be returned to the guests not seated menu (see below).


The Bride's Maid includes two seating plan procedures for your convenience.  The Quick Seat 
option automatically arranges a seating plan for you.  The Planner is so flexible, that you 
can make changes to, or even undo the Fast Seat arrangement.  Or you can create a seating plan 
from scratch.

Return to the Seating Plan Window and select option 2. Seat Guests.  On the left of the screen, 
a new window will display a list of guests who have returned confirmation to attend, but have 
not yet been seated.  The guest parties you added earlier in the tour will be listed. 


Quick Seat
----------

Press [F1] to begin the Quick Seat arrangement. 

The computer will seat all unseated parties based on the categories you have assigned them to, 
(See GUEST LIST: Adding a Guest) and the Guests Not Seated window will display <EMPTY>, unless 
you have not added enough tables to accommodate anticipated guests.  In that case, the unseated
parties will remain in that window.  

You can undo the entire seating arrangement, add more tables, seat guests, or edit the 
arrangement at any time.


Manual Seating 
--------------

If you decide to create the seating arrangement manually, enter the GUESTS NOT SEATED window.  
Position the cursor to the front of the name of the party you wish to seat and [Enter].  When 
the table menu appears, move the cursor to the table for the selected guest, in this case 
Table 1.

The name of the party will be removed from the GUESTS NOT SEATED window, and the number of 
available seats at Table 1 will be reduced by the number of guests in the party you have seated.

If you select a table that will not accommodate the party, the computer will tell you that 
there are insufficient seats.  When you press any key at this stage, the computer will ask if 
you want to seat the party anyway.  If you select [Enter], the party will be seated and the 
TABLE LIST column displaying available seats will reflect the selection with a negative number.
Select [N] and [Enter] to return to the Guests Not Seated window.

Seat two or three more parties using the steps above.  When youve finished, [Esc] to close the
Guests Not Seated Window.

Note:   You can use a combination of both methods but proceed with the manual seating first, as
	quick seat will seat all remaining guests not seated.


Quick Unseat
------------

If you don't like arrangement, you don't have to remove each party individually, you can undo 
the entire arrangement with the press of a key.  In the Guests Not Seated Window, hit [F2] to 
undo the seating plan.

To unseat parties individually, enter the Table List window, position the cursor to the front 
of the table youd like to edit and press [F1].

Note:   If you can't remember where you have seated a particular party, you can refer to that 
	guest record, where the table field is automatically updated and displayed, or to the 
	seating plan report (see REPORTS) if you have a printer.

The parties currently seated at that table, along with the number of guests in each party, are 
displayed in a window.

To remove a party from the table and return it to the Guests Not Seated menu for later seating, 
move the cursor to the desired selection and [Del].


					THE CALENDAR 

The calendar tells you what needs to be done, and when to do it.  Appointments, calls, 
services... anything.  The Brides Maid Calendar allows both month at a glance, and detailed 
daily schedule views so you won't miss a deadline.  

To make sure you remember your appointments and entries, the calendar will display any items 
youve entered for that day when you enter the Brides Maid.

Select the Calendar, option 2 of the Main Menu now.  


Month at a Glance
-----------------

The first screen is a view of the current month and the cursor rests on the current date.  (If 
the day or month in this initial screen is incorrect, your computers date setting is incorrect.
Return to DOS and refer to the DOS reference manual to make a correction)  You can move from 
month to month by [Pg Up] to move forward, or [Pg Dn] to move back; use the arrow keys to move 
the cursor over a new day.

Note:   You can only scroll through the calendar one month at a time.  For example, to move 
	forward seven months, you must [Pg Up] seven times.

When you exit the Calendar option, the view is reset, in the background, to the default.  When 
you return, the first screen will again be the current month, and the cursor will again 
highlight the current day.


Daily Agenda
------------

Let's enter an appointment.  Position the cursor over any date you wish and [Enter].  If the 
agenda for that day is empty -- and since this is your first calendar entry, the day you 
selected is open -- the screen displays <None>.  

Note:   Make sure youve selected the correct day for agenda entries -- the date appears at 
	the top center of the window.  If not, hit [Esc] to return to the month view, and make 
	a new selection.

In the day window, [Ins], then type "send invitations", and [Enter].  Calendar entries must be 
59 characters (one complete line) or less.  A pointer will precede your new entry.  To add 
another item, follow the same procedure.  To change or correct an item, position the pointer 
in front, [Enter], make the correction, and [Enter] again.  If you wish to delete an item, 
press [Del].  You will be prompted to confirm the procedure.  Press [N]o and [Enter] to leave 
the entry unchanged; or [Y]es then [Enter] to proceed.


To print a list of tasks for any day, move into that days agenda view as described above, and 
[P]rint.  If your printer is not connected or enabled, the screen will flash a "Printer not 
Ready" message.  [Esc] aborts the procedure and allows you to check your printer.

When you've finished, press [Esc].  Youre back in the month at-a-glance view, and the date of 
the item(s) you've just entered is marked with an "*" to remind you that tasks are assigned.  
To return to that day, or view the schedule for another, position the cursor over the date and 
[Enter].

Press [Esc] to return to the Planner Menu.  The next stop is the Services Database.  Select 
Option 3 Services to continue.


					REPORTS 

Planning a wedding means collecting mountains of information from a host of sources.  The 
Brides Maid helps arrange and manage data comfortably.  With the flexible report generator, 
youll have summaries of all the information you need, at your fingertips.  You can even use 
the reports function to address envelopes!!

All reports can be printed to a dot matrix or HPII compatible laser printer.  If you dont 
have a printer, or just want to browse throught the reports, you can view the reports on 
screen.  When you select the Seating Plan or Gifts report, type N [Enter] when youre asked to 
send output to printer, and the report will be shown on screen.  [Esc] to exit the report at 
any time, or hit any key to view the next screen.

Press Y [Enter] to print a hardcopy report.  If your printer is off or set incorrectly, you'll 
get an error message on screen.  Hit [Esc] and check your printer.  Consult your printer 
manual to adjust settings.

Note:   The summary is a screen only report, and an HPII compatible printer is required to 
	print labels on envelopes.



General List
------------

The General List report allows you to view lists of guests categorically.  Select option 1, 
and select printer or screen view and [Enter].  The Category List window will appear.  Select 
the guest list category and [Enter] to generate the report.  You'll  get an alphabetical list 
of guests, addresses, and number of children and adults expected in each party.


Seating Plan
------------

Select option 2 to view a summary of your seating arrangement by table.  The report also lists 
guests not seated.  Since the Seating Plan Report is a complete overview of your table 
arrangement, it's ideal for ensuring the plan you want.


Summary
-------
 
The Summary Report, option 3, is a snapshot of your wedding budget.  It summarizes anticipated 
and final financials of your wedding compiled from the guest record gift and service record 
fields (See GUEST LIST).


Wedding Gifts
-------------

The Wedding Gift list is a summary of gifts received by guest.  Use this report for thank you 
lists and budget breakdowns.

Envelopes 
---------

If you have an HPII Laser Jet or Laser Jet compatible printer, you can print professional 
quality envelopes for invitation or thank-you note mailings.  Set the height and width of 
envelopes and enable printing of return addresses.  At the print list option, select I to 
print individual envelopes, G to print envelopes of all invitees who gave gifts, or A to print 
envelopes for everyone in the guest list.


Now that your familiar with the Bride's Maid you're ready to enjoy planning one of life's most 
memorable events.  Good Luck!!!


