The Ultimate Guide to CRM Systems for Wedding Planners: Pros and Cons of the Top Platforms

by Danielle Andrews, President and Co-founder of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc.

As a wedding planner, managing multiple clients, vendors, timelines, and tasks can be overwhelming. This is where Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems come into play. A good CRM system can streamline your workflow, enhance client communication, and improve your overall efficiency. In this article, we’ll evaluate some of the most popular CRM systems for wedding planners, including Aisle Planner, 17hats, HoneyBook, and more, highlighting their pros and cons.

Aisle Planner

Overview: Aisle Planner is a comprehensive tool designed specifically for wedding and event planners. It offers features like project management, client management, vendor management, and financial tools.

Pros:

• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive design makes it easy to navigate and use.
• All-in-One Solution: Combines planning, design, and management tools in one platform.
• Customization: Offers customizable templates for timelines, checklists, and budgets.
• Collaboration: Allows for seamless collaboration with clients and vendors.
• Branding: Customizable branding options for client portals and documents.

Cons:

• Cost: Can be pricey, especially for new or small businesses.
• Learning Curve: While the interface is user-friendly, mastering all the features can take some time.
• Mobile App: Limited functionality on the mobile app compared to the desktop version.

17hats

Overview: 17hats is a CRM designed for small business owners, including wedding planners. It focuses on automating business processes like invoicing, scheduling, and client management.

Pros:

• Automation: Excellent automation features that save time on repetitive tasks.
• Integration: Integrates well with other tools like QuickBooks and Google Calendar.
• Client Portal: Provides a client portal for easy communication and document sharing.
• Templates: Offers templates for contracts, invoices, and emails.
• Affordability: Offers tiered pricing plans, making it accessible for small businesses.

Cons:

• Customization: Limited customization options compared to other platforms.
• Project Management: Lacks some advanced project management features found in wedding-specific CRMs.
• Interface: The user interface can feel a bit cluttered and overwhelming.

HoneyBook

Overview: HoneyBook is a popular CRM among creatives and event planners. It offers features like project management, client communication, and financial tools.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Simple and clean interface that’s easy to navigate.
• Client Experience: Provides a seamless experience for clients with branded client portals and easy communication.
• Automation: Strong automation capabilities for workflows, contracts, and invoices.
• Mobile App: Full-featured mobile app that allows you to manage your business on the go.
• Community: Active community and support resources for users.

Cons:

• Cost: Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for small businesses.
• Limited Features: Some advanced project management and customization features are lacking.
• Learning Curve: Initial setup and learning how to utilize all features can be time-consuming.

Dubsado

Overview: Dubsado is a powerful CRM designed for creative entrepreneurs, including wedding planners. It focuses on client management, workflows, and financial tracking.

Pros:

• Customization: Highly customizable workflows, forms, and templates.
• Client Portal: Provides a user-friendly client portal for easy communication and document sharing.
• Automation: Robust automation features for contracts, invoices, and emails.
• Integration: Integrates with tools like QuickBooks, Google Calendar, and Zapier.
• Affordability: Competitive pricing with a focus on value for money.

Cons:

• Complexity: The extensive customization options can be overwhelming for new users.
• Interface: The user interface is functional but lacks the polish of some competitors.
• Learning Curve: Steeper learning curve due to the depth of features and customization.

Rock Paper Coin

Overview: Rock Paper Coin is a newer CRM focused on simplifying the booking and payment processes for wedding planners and vendors.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Simple and straightforward interface designed for ease of use.
• Client Experience: Streamlines the booking and payment process for clients.
• Vendor Collaboration: Allows easy collaboration with vendors through shared documents and payments.
• Affordability: Competitive pricing with features aimed at simplifying business operations.
• Customer Support: Strong customer support and onboarding assistance.

Cons:

• Limited Features: Lacks some of the advanced project management and automation features of other CRMs.
• Newer Platform: As a newer platform, it may not have the same level of community and support resources as established CRMs.
• Customization: Limited customization options compared to more mature platforms.

A Final wrap-up…

Choosing the right CRM system for your wedding planning business depends on your specific needs, budget, and workflow preferences. Here’s a quick recap:

• Aisle Planner: Best for those looking for a comprehensive, wedding-specific CRM with strong project management and collaboration features.
• 17hats: Ideal for small businesses seeking robust automation and integration at an affordable price.
• HoneyBook: Great for those who prioritize ease of use, client experience, and strong automation features.
• Dubsado: Perfect for planners who need extensive customization and powerful automation capabilities.
• Rock Paper Coin: Suitable for those looking for a simple, straightforward solution for booking and payments.

By carefully evaluating the pros and cons of each platform, you can find the CRM that best fits your wedding planning business, helping you streamline your operations, enhance client relationships, and ultimately, deliver unforgettable weddings.