In the ever-evolving world of technology, we often see alliances that spark innovations and create seamless experiences for users. This integration has led to a harmonious union, marrying two innovative technology solutions to provide remarkable efficiencies for hoteliers and engaged couples alike.
Wedpro by WeddingDates, a well-known name in the wedding industry, has been serving couples and venues for an impressive 16 years. Initially, it started as a wedding directory, similar to a "booking.com" for weddings. Over time, they have learned and evolved based on industry feedback. One critical issue that came to their attention was the manual and often chaotic process many hotels employed, relying on email, Excel spreadsheets, and even pen and paper to manage wedding bookings. This realisation prompted a bold move during the COVID-19 pandemic to develop WedPro, a software designed to streamline and improve the wedding booking process for both couples and venues.
With a wealth of information at their fingertips
For engaged couples, the wedding planning journey has transformed significantly in recent years. It's no longer about making numerous phone calls; instead, couples can conduct most of their research online. They consult websites, social media platforms, and directory websites to create a shortlist of potential venues. With a wealth of information at their fingertips, the days of visiting countless venues are long gone, in fact, a quarter of couples now visit just one venue before booking their big day.
On the other side of the aisle, venues are often inundated with inquiries, not only for weddings but also for events like Christmas parties, family gatherings, corporate events etc. The expectations of today's couples are high, and it can be challenging for venue staff to manage the myriad touchpoints and communications. That gap between the experience couples were seeking and what hotels were providing was evident. WedPro was developed with the aim of bridging this gap, making it easier for couples to interact with hotel websites, book show arounds online, and experience a more streamlined and efficient process.
All inquiries are managed in WedPro and automatically synchronised with Guestline’s advanced Conference and Banqueting module
But the most exciting development is the recent integration between WedPro by WeddingDates and Access Guestline Rezlynx. Previously, clients using WedPro would manually input their data into our PMS system to manage actions such as bedroom allocations, contracts, and function sheets. This manual data entry was not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. Now, all inquiries are managed in WedPro and automatically synchronised with Access Guestline’s advanced Conference and Banqueting module. This integration allows for an error-free, real-time exchange of data between two systems, essentially becoming the single source of truth for hotel management.
This partnership marks a new era in advanced Conference and Banqueting management
Integration doesn't stop at the front-end, though. WedPro also streamlines the entire journey from the initial inquiry to the booking and beyond, including the countdown to the big day. This means hotels can be more proactive in managing couples' needs. Automated reminders for key milestones in the wedding planning process, such as deposit payments and countdowns to the big day, enhance communication and provide an opportunity for hotels to upsell their services.
This partnership marks a new era in advanced Conference and Banqueting management. This integration promises to streamline operations, save time, and enhance the overall guest experience. While the partnership is currently in a pilot phase, it is set to revolutionise how hotels manage weddings and events. By bringing together two industry leaders, the integration between our award-winning PMS and WedPro by WeddingDates is poised to make the process of booking weddings more accessible and efficient than ever before, a true match made in heaven!