Wedding content creators: a valuable vendor, or just another person to manage? As wedding planners, we know that the demand for content creators is growing. But how do you work them into your planning flow, and how do you find ones that elevate weddings?
Today’s Wedding Industry Insider is all about wedding content creators. This is an episode we’ve been so excited about, especially since we realized that content creators aren’t a passing wedding trend. They are here to stay, and they can make a big impact on how couples remember their wedding day.
What does that mean for wedding planners? We’re not only making space for these pros, we’re learning how to sell their services. Today’s interview is the perfect launching point.
Hey wedding planners, the Timeline Genius team is here to give our hot takes and expert-driven opinions on the issues facing today’s wedding pros. And this month I’m sharing my favorite tiny tools for productivity & efficiency!
You know we’re all about thoughtful, strategic software stacks. After all, Timeline Genius can save you hours on each wedding and elevate your professionalism. And you can’t listen to an episode of Wedding Industry Insider without hearing Eddie tout the many ways he’s embraced AI.
But you also can’t sleep on the tiny tools. The small apps and simple software that can transform your day-to-day habits.
Recently, Eddie was training me on some new Timeline Genius features, and I was shocked he wasn’t using one of my favorite MacBook apps. CopyClip has saved me so much time, and I knew Eddie would love the efficiency from this simple tool. And best of all, it has zero learning curve. You simply need to download it and you can start saving time right away.
Once I got Eddie using the app, I started wondering how many wedding planners could save time with it too. And how many other tools are planners sleeping on?
Over my 11 years as a wedding planner, I’ve discovered loads of helpful tools that saved me so much time and minimized careless mistakes. Some of my favorite ones are the most simple. They’re called Tiny Tools, and they’re fast to install and require no learning curve or setup.
And today I’m sharing them with you! Check out my top picks for free & simple efficiency tools, and let me know your favorite.
Editor’s Note: These are simply some tools I’ve personally enjoyed using! They’re not specifically endorsed by Timeline Genius. And always review terms & conditions carefully when you use any software, and only use it if you feel good about it all!
5 Free & Easy To Learn Productivity Tools
My goal in creating this list is to provide easy tools that you can start using today. These basically have zero learning curve, so you could add all five tools to your tech stack today and see the time you save right away.
Copy Clip
Do you have to move information from form to form as you plan weddings? Moving between tabs and windows can really slow your flow.
Enter: Copy Clip. This app adds an icon at the top of your screen that stores a clipboard for easy access. Anything you command-X or command-C will be stored in a handy list. When it’s time to insert your info, simply click on the item you want to move and paste.
Save up to 20 items in your clipboard and easily access them all when it’s time to paste
So if you have a form with the couple’s names, numbers, and Pinterest board link that you need to move into your Timeline Genius page, you can copy them all at once (highlight, command-C; highlight, command-C; highlight, command-C), and then move to your new tab and paste them all without having to go back and forth.
Briskine
When I first discovered Briskine (then called Gorgias), I couldn’t believe the amount of time I saved. I invested about 1-2 hours creating templated text and saved them as custom keyboard shortcuts. I estimated that I saved 1 hour a day using this Google extension for efficiency.
As a wedding planner, I was sending a lot of the same emails over and over. Inquiry responses, vendor availability, confirmations, and phone calls. Briskine allowed me to send these quickly with a swipe of the keyboard.
For example, I often had to email our go-to officiant, Richardo, about his availability. I set up my Briskine shortcut so that when I typed out “richardoavailability” in my email text box, it autofilled a full email, a subject, and the “to” field. All I needed to do was add the correct date, time, and location.
This was before I used Timeline Genius, so I also saved timeline templates with shortcuts. It also supports custom variables and has a handy template box available in Gmail, which is way easier to use than the standard template format.
And now that I’m using Timeline Genius, I have even greater news, because your Briskine shortcuts work within Timeline Genius. It’s a great way to make your timeline process even more efficient and error-proof.
Here are some of my favorite shortcuts I created in Briskine:
The Calendly link I’m always sending
Full emails, complete with “to” and “subject” fields and the full body
Common phrasing I use within my timelines and emails
Links and copy when I help set up webinars and master classes for Timeline Genius.
Trello
What checklist tool do you use to keep all your tasks organized? I was introduced to Trello early in my career and was never too motivated to look for anything else. After all, it’s easy to read, easy to collaborate, and simply what I’m used to.
This was a big one for the photography team that worked alongside my wedding planning team. They would use it to keep track of which portraits and weddings have been completed, culled, edited, released, and blogged.
I dropped Trello for my wedding workload when Timeline Genius released its Checklist feature, but it’s still my go-to for tasks and projects that fall outside of specific weddings.
Pomofocus
We all have those days when we can’t seem to stay focused. For some of us, those days might be the norm. Pomofocus is for those days, whether you have them now-and-then or nearly all the time.
At its most simple, it’s a 25-minute timer that you can run in a desktop tab or a phone app. Having a timer specifically for productivity shifted my mindset and allowed me to stay laser-focused while also giving me much-desired breaks. The simple timer is ready to go as soon as you open the site.
But Pomofocus has lots of other great features that you can use too. Set up specific tasks, track your time, and get reports on your productivity.
Grammarly
This is an oldie but a goodie for me. I know lots of people have moved on from Grammarly as they use ChatGPT to write emails and blog posts, but Grammarly can still be huge as you communicate with vendors and clients.
I’ll always remember when I first started using Grammarly and discovered my long-used inquiry response had a small typo in it. So here’s a pro trip: if you have any templates you’ve been using since the dawn of time (or at least the dawn of your business), run them through Grammarly or Chat GPT for a thorough review.
More Ways to Save Time as a Wedding Planner
These tools are waiting for you right now, and you can start using them all today. Want to save more time as a wedding planner? Timeline Genius is a great place to start. It’s customizable and so easy to learn, so you won’t feel like you’re starting from scratch.
For example, when I was using Google Docs for my wedding day timelines, I put all the key info (date, location, guest count) at the top and the actual timeline below it. When I moved to Timeline Genius, I was able to set up a custom text box at the top of each event and include that info. I also saved it as a Timeline Template so that the text box was at the top every single time.
And you don’t have to be alone trying to learn it. You can set up a personalized tour of Timeline Genius so that you can learn how to make it work for your specific planning flow.
So get your tiny tools ready and download the most game-changing software for wedding planners, and get ready to have more time to put toward your business goals!
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.
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.
If you find it hard to say no, then you’re not alone. Especially in the event industry, it can be difficult to set boundaries, even when you deserve them.
That’s why this guest shares the powerful way that she determines what she wants and says “no” when something isn’t right for her.
Want to hear how you might apply the same strategy?
Be sure to tune in to this podcast episode!
Dixie Bagley is the Founder of The Southern Wedding Collective, a boutique online wedding marketplace, as well as Dixie Lee Events & Designs, an event coaching and consulting firm. Additionally, she owns the wedding venue The Farm and co-owns a bakery called The Sweet Bar. She is also a certified wedding planner, mentor, and national speaker.
In this episode, Dixie talks about why it’s critical to say no to what isn’t right for you. Specifically, she shares how she gets clear on her no list in advance and effectively sets her boundaries. Ultimately, she explains how this approach benefits her business and creates the space for new opportunities.
For this planning-duo couple, a background in hospitality reinforced deeply held beliefs in the value of service and of kindness. In fact, it led to developing the confidence that allowed them to make critical decisions for their company that ultimately paid off.
Want to hear how you can apply these principles to your own wedding planning business?
Be sure to tune in to this podcast episode!
Alison Laesser-Keck and Bryan Keckare the owners of Alison Bryan Destinations, a high-end wedding planning company. Alison serves as Event Producer & Creative Director while Bryan manages operations as Director of Events & Travel. In addition to their extensive hospitality experience, they have produced weddings globally since 2008. For their work, Alison Bryan Destinations is named one of the best wedding planners in the world by Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, BRIDES, and Over The Moon.
In this episode, Alison and Bryan share the way that they approach wedding planning from a place of being all-in. Specifically, they address the way that serving others and treating everyone with kindness leads to choosing couples who trust them to take the risks that create an elevated experience. Above all, they share why hospitality is their driving force.
As a planner, one of the most important elements of helping couples is making sure that everything from their Wedding Day gets commemorated. After all, they are going to want to look back on the memories of their special day and even share it with their family and friends.
This generally means two things. First, you help them with hiring an amazing photographer to capture all of the day’s beautiful photos. Secondly, you help them with hiring a phenomenal videographer so all of the day’s moments are always remembered.
But there’s another emotional component of the wedding that oftentimes gets forgotten when it comes to commemorating them forever… and that’s the cards that are received from all of the guests. Many of these cards include personal and sentimental messages from family and friends, but what does the couple do with these cards? Do they get stored in a shoebox? A drawer? A folder? In an era of never-ending new technology, isn’t there a way to save these digitally?
Well, now there is, and it’s E-Bration! Based on our own wedding experience, we created this perfect digital solution!
E-Bration is an online platform that saves the memories of every card and message collected from important life event celebrations.
And when it comes to important celebrations, weddings are right at the top of the list!
Why it Helps to Offer Your Clients Digital Solutions
So, how can E-Bration help you and your clients? There are two ways that you can offer couples this digital card storage solution.
Whether it’s a detail designed for the guest of honor or one sitting off to the side, this industry leader says the key to producing events that keep people talking is to bring joy to planning each moment the guest will experience.
To hear more, be sure to tune in to this podcast episode!
Troy Williams is the Principal + Event Designer at Simply Troy Lifestyle + Events, where he designs and produces events for celebrity, corporate, social, and charity clients. With over 20 years of industry experience, his background includes working as a Senior Publicist for Warner Bros. Pictures on over 450 premieres and special events. He is also a national speaker, television host, and lifestyle expert. Additionally, he was recognized in BizBash 500 Most Influential Event Professionals, and he is listed as a top wedding planner by Harper’s Bazaar, PartySlate, and Brides.
In this episode, Troy talks about the roles that gratitude, kindness, and intimate details play in designing events filled with unforgettable moments. Specifically, he says to listen to your intuition so that what you create will be authentically felt by others.
