Today, I'm excited to share the top software recommendations for wedding planners, spanning from CRM systems to marketing tools and planning software. And hey – there’s some tough love coming your way so stick with me. I want to take a second to acknowledge that when you're just starting, these software costs may seem like a lot, but the truth is, they are investments. Building a thriving wedding planning business requires the right tools, and while you may not need every piece of software mentioned today, remember that in the world of business, time is money, and every hour spent on manual tasks or inefficient processes is time you could be dedicating to growing your wedding planning business (or booking dream clients!).
So, even if you're not ready to sign up for all of these tools immediately, I want to encourage you to save this post for future reference. I will let you know below which tools I think can and can’t wait!
The Best CRM for Wedding Planners: Honeybook
While some of the tools on the list can wait, this one can’t! Starting a wedding planning business brings on a whirlwind of tasks, from handling initial client inquiries to ensuring every contract is promptly sealed with a signature. In my 15+ years of experience as a wedding planner, Honeybook is the ultimate software for effortlessly sending contracts and seamlessly guiding clients from their first inquiry to the final booking (ka-ching!).
By consolidating client communications, payment processes, and project management into one seamless platform, Honeybook becomes more than just a tool; it's a strategic investment in the bedrock of your wedding business. Trust me – you do not want to wait until you’re too busy to think straight (or you dropped one of the many balls you were juggling) before you set this up! Get 50% off for your first YEAR here!
Speaking of Contracts… I Recommend Legally Set!
Having a proper contract is part of running a business so YES, you do need to fork over the cash for this one! Fortunately, my brilliant friend Kunbi has created affordable contract templates for everything you need, and you can get instant access to them here!
The Best Email Marketing Software: Flodesk
Listen, while this might not be first on your priority list when you start your wedding planning business, building an email list is ALWAYS a good idea. And for that? I recommend Flodesk. While it may not have the most robust array of features and funnels, it offers EXACTLY what wedding planners need—efficiency and aesthetics.
In our industry, personal touch and visual appeal matter. With Flodesk's beautifully designed templates and user-friendly interface, you can create emails that resonate with your ideal clients faster. If that’s what you need, use code CANDICE50 for 50% off.
Using Asana as Your Wedding Planning Software
When it comes to project management software for wedding professionals, Asana is my go-to choice. As wedding pros, we know that staying organized is one of the most important things you need to do, and Asana provides the perfect solution. Here are 6 reasons why I believe Asana is one of the BEST software for wedding planners (and it’s also FREE in the beginning too!).
What's more, when you invest in our Asana planning portal, you'll discover that Asana not only simplifies your workload but also adds a touch of pretty to your planning process. Trust me – your customers will love how easy it is to work with you!
The Best Software for Room Layout & Design: Merri
Listen – if you are offering wedding DESIGN services, you need to be able to sell your vision. When it comes to room layout and design, Merri is my go-to software for wedding planners because of its ability to create 2D and 3D renderings using YOUR rentals and designs. Whether you're mapping out seating arrangements, fine-tuning lighting configurations, or perfecting staging setups, Merri's features are tailored to simplify the entire design process (and sell the vision for you!).
The Best Website Software (And Website Templates!) for Wedding Planners
When I started my wedding planning business, WordPress was basically the only option. My first website was JANKY and hard to update. In 2024, things are different (and your customers expect more because they are seeing more!). For this, Showit is hands down the best website builder for wedding pros.
With Showit, you have the creative freedom to design a website that is uniquely yours, capturing the essence of your brand and showcasing your expertise. Plus, their platform (relatively speaking!) is easy-to-use with a drag-and-drop interface. If you can use Canva, you can use Showit!
That being said, working on your website can often feel like one neverending “noble task” (you know – the kind that makes you feel productive but no work is getting done). I HIGHLY recommend you start with a Showit website template, and these are my top 3 recommendations (so browse around and choose the one that feels most like YOU!).
- Tonic Site Shop Templates (use code CANDICE for 15% off!)
- With Grace & Gold Templates
- Elizabeth McCravy Templates
Ready to Take Your Marketing Seriously? Choose Enji
This is something you might feel like you can skip but trust me, you’ll end up wondering in 1-2 years why your marketing “isn’t working” if you do.
If you're a wedding planner looking to attract more clients and streamline your marketing efforts (read: SAVE TIME), I highly recommend considering Enji, the best marketing software for wedding planners. With features like post scheduling and AI writing tools, you can maintain a consistent online presence (that your ideal clients ARE looking for), in less time than ever.
What sets Enji apart and truly makes it a standout choice is its KPI tracker. I don’t know any other marketing tool that makes it as easy to look at and understand the data as Enji does. Plus, it’s fun to celebrate “KPI days” on the first of every month!
Last but not least, Enji can generate a tailored marketing plan for your business in just 15 minutes. So many wedding pros come to me not sure exactly where they should market their business and how. I love Enji’s quiz for that! It really breaks your marketing tasks down into a manageable to do list so that you can market your business without losing your mind in the process.
My Favorite Wedding Software for Ceremony & Toast Writing: Provenance
This one isn’t something you need the second you open your doors, but if you're looking for a fresh and innovative way to elevate your client experience as a wedding planner, consider integrating Provenance into your services. Provenance is a brand new software that's making waves by offering assistance to your couples and their wedding party in the art of vow and toast writing. What better way to surprise and delight your clients than by providing them with a tool that helps them craft heartfelt and memorable words for their special day? This industry is all about going above and beyond, and while not a “need”, I believe that Provenance allows you to do just that.
Canva is the Best Graphic Design Software for Wedding Planners
Can you even imagine a world without Canva at this point? When it comes to graphic design tools for wedding professionals, Canva takes the spotlight. While I am personally very familiar with the Adobe Suite, even I appreciate the ease with which Canva allows anyone to create stunning visuals without the need for extensive design skills. Who doesn’t love a drag-and-drop feature? I can literally make a social media post in 10 minutes or less. Whether you're designing invitations, mood boards, or social media graphics, Canva simplifies the process, saving you time and ensuring your designs always feel on brand.
Storing Your Documents & Timelines Requires Google Drive
The good news? This one is free. When it comes to storing important documents and timelines as a wedding planner, Google Drive has my vote. Its simplicity and accessibility make it the go-to choice for wedding pros. Google Drive ensures that you have a secure and easily accessible repository for all your important files, from contracts and vendor lists to intricate event timelines. Plus, the ease of collaboration and real-time updates ensures that you and your team are always on the same page.
Lastly, Your Wedding Budget Management Should Be In Google Sheets
Y’all know I love Asana for project management but when it comes to managing and tracking a wedding budget as a wedding planner, Google Sheets takes center stage. You just need a spreadsheet when it comes to numbers, right? Let’s not overcomplicate things. Not only do Google Sheets make it easy to create and update budgets while keeping all the important details in one place, it also allows for seamless collaboration with your clients, ensuring transparency and clarity throughout the planning process.
To make your life even easier, grab my done-for-you client portal, which includes everything you need to stay organized and collaborate effectively with your clients on everything from budget management to Pinterest-inspired ideas. With Google Sheets and our client portal in your toolkit, you'll have the perfect combination to deliver exceptional wedding planning services while keeping both you and your clients on the same page, every step of the way.
Investing in Software for Wedding Planners
These recommendations, ranging from CRM systems to marketing software and project management tools, are not just expenses; they're smart investments in your wedding planning business's success. I’m not the kind of person who would tell you to invest in something for the heck of it – I believe in PROFIT. While you may not need every tool immediately, remember that time is money, and every hour saved from manual tasks can be dedicated to growing your business and booking dream clients.
If you're ready to take your wedding planning career to the next level and receive more tailored advice for wedding planners, I would love to invite you to join the Planner's Playbook. Inside, I’m sharing guidance every month for planning, designing, and coordinating high-end weddings like a pro. Get on the waitlist here!
Explore More Wedding Industry Resources
- The 5 Best Social Media Management Tools For Wedding Pros
- The Ultimate Wedding Planner Templates in 2024
- Here’s What Every Wedding Planner Needs To Include In Their Wedding Design Proposals
- Wedding Planner Problems: The BIGGEST Problems Wedding Planners Deal With
- Why Honeybook Is The Best CRM for Wedding Planners
- How to Create An Automated Email Marketing Funnel That Sells With A Nurture Sequence
- 5 Contracts Every Wedding Planner Must Have To Be Legally Set
- 2024 Honeybook Review: Is Honeybook Worth It And What You Need To Know Before You Sign Up
- 12 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Launched My Wedding Planning Business
- It’s Time For You To Launch Your Shit. But Here’s What’s Holding You Back
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This is very informative. I also recommend Timeline Genius for wedding timelines if a planner is willing to invest in another software. It’s so amazing and easy to use.
Hey Candice Coppola! Just finished checking out your article on software for wedding planners, and wow, what a lifesaver! As someone knee-deep in the world of event planning, finding the right tools to streamline the process is always a top priority, and your comprehensive list of software options did not disappoint.
I really appreciated how you broke down each software’s features and highlighted its unique benefits. It’s clear that you’ve done your research, and your insights are incredibly valuable for anyone in the wedding planning industry. Plus, your personal recommendations based on experience add an extra layer of credibility. Thanks for sharing your expertise—I’ll definitely be bookmarking this article for future reference! Keep up the fantastic work!