Wedding Industry Biz

Top 5 Software Programs Every Wedding Planner Needs in 2022

Most wedding planners would agree that producing a successful event comes down to organization and creativity. 

The good news is that today’s planners have a range of software options to help with how they set up their systems and explore their artistic visions! 

And while we might think it would be nice to have just one app or program that does everything, the truth is that the most effective planners use a selection of tech options that are best suited to their businesses. 

So, to help you stack your tech deck, we’ve compiled the top 5 software programs that every planner needs in 2022.

Top 5 Software Programs for Event Planning 

Best Software for Creating Timelines

Timeline Genius is a smart software that thinks through the wedding day details with you – keeping you organized, confident, and calm. With numerous features and tools to communicate with vendors and clients, it will save you time while letting you customize and personalize event timelines.

Best Software for Digital Billing and File Management

Rock Paper Coin is an online billing platform that lets you manage contracts, invoices, payments, and documents all in one place. With its streamlined system, you don’t have to deal with the stress and guesswork of traditional paperwork.

Best Software for Planning + Designing Venue Layout

Merri is an all-in-one, 3D visualization platform that provides all the tools you need to envision, plan, and design events. Since it includes everything from inspiration to seating charts and vision boards, you can see how floral and décor details will come to life in selected venues.

Best Software for Customer Relationship Management 

REFINE for Wedding Planners offers education, community, and support for wedding professionals who want to grow their businesses. Specifically, The Refine Portal is a CRM designed for weddings planners that is made by wedding planners. In addition to not having blackouts, it allows you to both back up and restore your work. It also offers a variety of event tools and is even available offline. 

Best Software for Color Palette Creation

PANTONE Studio is a design app that lets you build and create palettes with 3D application. You can also customize any look with full design tools and use built-in features to share your vision.

Invest in Yourself + Your Business

All things considered, trying out new software for your business can at first feel a little scary. But, ultimately, it pays off in time saved and long-term growth.

It’s equally important to remember that these software options are more user-friendly than ever and provide responsive technical support when you need it. 

In fact, we’ve even gotten to talk with planners about investing in wed-tech options and automating existing business systems.

So, try one out. Or, better yet, create the software stack that best supports you and your business needs!

 

Wedding Industry Insider Podcast

WII 089: Savannah Kilpatrick and Brooke Bowenschulte Empower You to Try New Tech Options for Wedding Planners

Do you want to use software programs in your business yet aren’t sure how? Are you using certain apps but want to try something new?

Maybe you’re hesitant to leave what generally works or are worried about onboarding. Perhaps you feel strapped on time. 

In fact, we understand the reasons. We know it’s an investment to try new tech options. And that’s exactly why we’re using this episode to talk about what you can do to get the most out of technology for your business!

So, be sure to tune in!

Savannah Kilpatrick is the Director of Operations for Timeline Genius, a smart software that creates customized wedding day timelines. Savannah began her industry career after interning with CeCe Todd and ultimately launching her own wedding planning and floral design company. She was also previously the Director of Customer Success at Aisle Planner. Now, she oversees the way that Timeline Genius serves its planners as well as how it executes its #smartwithheart mission.

Brooke Bowenschulte is Timeline Genius’ Account Development Manager. Brooke holds a degree in hospitality management and is herself a Certified Wedding Planner. She was also a former Event Coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs before working as a Sales Director for a rental company. In her current role with Timeline Genius, Brooke directly demos our software and helps planners learn the specific ways it can support their businesses. 

In this episode, Savannah and Brooke talk about the intersection of the wedding industry and tech software. Specifically, they encourage you to invest in your business by trying out what today’s wedding tech companies have to offer.

Read More “WII 089: Savannah Kilpatrick and Brooke Bowenschulte Empower You to Try New Tech Options for Wedding Planners”

Wedding Industry Biz

Prepping Your Household in the Off-Season to Be Productive in the Busy Season

By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting

Photo by Ahmed Saffu 

By its very nature, a career in the events industry is fast-paced and high-stress during peak season. The hours are long and late with setups beginning in the wee hours of the morning and tear-downs lasting well into the night. As professionals who want to provide top-level service, we sometimes forget that we are human ourselves, and further, we are people with homes and families. Our busy season takes a toll on our loved ones as much as it does on us, so how can we prepare in the off-season to minimize the damage?
Read More “Prepping Your Household in the Off-Season to Be Productive in the Busy Season”

Wedding Industry Biz

Apps Your Wedding Planning Business Needed Yesterday

hustle-coffee-cup-know-your-worth-wedding-planner-pricing

The number of applications and tools out in today’s market is staggering. All of them carry the intention to make things easier, but often are overlooked due to the amount of time it takes to incorporate them into your business. In fact, incorporating apps into your business is more important than ever. A 2015 study by The Knot revealed that 89% of couples used their smartphones for wedding planning. This included “researching and contacting wedding vendors, or creating and managing a wedding registry or personal wedding website.”
Read More “Apps Your Wedding Planning Business Needed Yesterday”