How Styling Alexandra Inspired A CRM Solution
Every great idea begins with a great story and Wedo Planner’s journey is unique yet deeply personal to me. Before I became the founder of a wedding CRM solution, I spent 3.5 years working at Coast helping brides, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride find their dream outfits. One interaction sparked my curiosity and my idea was born.
They arrived at the store at 10:30 a.m. on a cold Saturday morning, appearing excited but spoilt for choice. They were looking for the perfect bridesmaid dresses.
Alexandra held four dresses from our autumn-winter collection, which I took to the fitting room to free her hands. She was torn between a short style or a multi-way maxi dress. Whilst trying them on, she received a call from the venue which her mother answered as she held her breath. It was a short call and concluded as she emerged from her fitting room to show us the second dress. “The venue just called”, her mum said quickly, and a sudden look of panic set on Alexandra’s face; even I felt the feeling of dread in the air. As her mother relayed the information, we all felt a massive feeling of relief.
Her mother added that she was a DIY bride and was overwhelmed. As Alexandra controlled her tears, I asked, “How are you managing the wedding planning?” She responded saying “I have different spreadsheets to manage the different aspects of the wedding”.
I led every customer interaction going forward with that exact question.
Designing A Solution For Couples
After my amazing time styling brides, I launched an Etsy store where I sold wedding planning templates directly to couples. It was a great way to merge my creativity with my understanding of their needs. I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges of wedding planning. My templates provided a framework for the DIY and Type A bride to follow and take charge. But, I soon realised something was missing….what about the bride that doesn’t want to plan her wedding but wants a professional to help her?
I knew I needed to design a solution for the professionals; The Wedding Planners!
In 2023, I was fortunate to have been selected to be part of the prestigious Barclays Eagle Labs Product Builder and Funding Readiness Programmes where I learned about the practical stages of building a tech product from the ground up.
Combining Experience with My Passion for Weddings
From working in CRM to being a Bridal Specialist, selling my wedding planning solution directly to couples, being a bridesmaid and wedding guest many times, and having a father who worked in hospitality managing top hotels throughout the 90s, have given me a well-rounded perspective on the wedding industry, its nuances and the authentic and unique relationship between a planner and their clients.
Managing Stress as a Wedding Planner
Planning a wedding from start to finish is no easy feat, so it is no surprise that wedding professionals are some of the most stressed professionals compared to other industries. While it is fair to say that this is the nature of the job, many practical steps can be taken to alleviate many of these stressors.
Some major concerns are:
- Mental health due to the constant pressures of wanting to deliver a ‘perfect’ service which can lead to burnout, anxiety and depression
- Physical health due to the long hours with minimal downtime
- Financial strain due to managing multiple complex budgets without the right tools
The Wellness of The Wedding Planner Matters!
The foundations of the wedding industry are built on the promise of the perfect event, but how can planners show up if they are in a constant state of stress and anxiety? Wellness should be seen as a necessity and prioritised so planners can:
- Showcase their creative flair more
- Build even stronger client relationships
- And maintain long-term career sustainability
This very realisation became the driving force behind starting Wedo Planner.
Wedo Planner: A CRM Built for the Modern Wedding Planner
Wedo Planner started with the idea of making the life of the modern wedding professional easier. The name takes a spin on the vows uttered from bride to groom but, instead is a declaration from the planner to the couple, turning “I Do” to “We Do”, highlighting the collaborative efforts by the wedding team during the planning process.
For anyone involved in the process of the planning process, Wedo Planner can:
- Reduce stress levels by automating tasks and issuing reminders to minimise administrative burdens
- Streamline workflows by providing a centralised platform to manage tasks, timelines, and communications
- Provide client relationship channels to promote meaningful and professional interactions with clients
- Integration with other tools to encourage planners to plan their work day but balance this with personal time and self-care
Final Thoughts: Building a Better Future for Wedding Professionals
Creating Wedo Planner has been a labour of love and is more than just a solution but a reflection of my journey, experiences, and my passion for helping wedding planners thrive. I understand the challenges of this industry and have seen them firsthand through my clients.
To the seasoned wedding planners and the new and upcoming, you deserve a solution that empowers you to succeed, not just survive. You are more than a business registration number, you are a star in the eyes of your couples who rely on you to execute the best event of their lives. You become a part of their story, and how you manage their thoughts and feelings will stick with them for a lifetime.
Are You Ready to Transform The Way You Manage Your Weddings in 2025?
Sign up today for your free demo with Wedo Planner for businesses on our website!
