If you’ve spent any time in wedding industry Facebook groups, Threads, or Reddit… you’ve probably seen that the same conversation comes up over and over again: Dubsado vs. Honeybook.
Wedding planners tend to have very strong opinions about which one is best.
In this episode of Kitchen Island HQ, I sat down with Casey Murphy from Coastline Weddings to talk about why this topic has become such a big conversation in the wedding industry and what business owners need to understand before deciding between Honeybook or Dubsado.
This conversation is not about declaring one platform “better”, but understanding how your systems impact: your clients, wedding planners, other vendors, and your overall client experience
Because once your business starts growing, your workflows start to have a way bigger impact than most people realize. In this episode you’ll get a first hand take on what this looks like in the wedding planning industry.
Listen on your favorite podcast player:
Frustrations With HoneyBook
Wedding planners don’t “hate” HoneyBook itself (usually).
The frustration comes from how communication works inside the platform.
Casey explained that planners are often hired specifically to reduce overwhelm for the couple. They manage logistics, vendor communication, timelines, and all the behind-the-scenes details clients shouldn’t have to think about.
But in HoneyBook, communication stays inside the shared client portal.
Which means:
- emails between vendors and planners may also be visible to the client
- planners sometimes need “magic links” or extra permissions to access files
- communication becomes harder to streamline
- simple tasks take more clicks and more back-and-forth
Planners are already juggling countless moving pieces. Adding extra hurdles to access information or communicate privately with vendors creates more invisible labor behind the scenes.
The Key Differences: HoneyBook vs. Dubsado
There is no universally ‘right’ CRM. Different platforms work for different businesses.
But many creative business owners eventually outgrow simpler systems as their workflows become more complex.
That’s where Dubsado tends to stand out.
HoneyBook is appealing because:
- it feels simpler initially
- it’s easier for beginners to learn
- setup can feel faster
But Dubsado offers:
- deeper workflow customization
- more flexible automation
- stronger backend organization
- more control over client communication
- better collaboration possibilities for planners and vendors
For many wedding professionals, especially planners and photographers working luxury weddings, those details start to matter more as the business grows.
Why Vendor Communication Matters So Much
Planners value vendor-friendly workflows.
Casey shared that many photographers and videographers are now creating separate inquiry forms specifically for planners versus couples.
This makes a big impact because planners already have:
- timelines
- logistics
- venue details
- vendor coordination
- client preferences
So filling out lengthy questionnaires designed for couples can feel redundant.
Instead, they need:
- quick communication
- pricing details
- availability
- efficient collaboration
This is why strategy matters so much before setting up your workflows.
Your CRM should support the way your industry works and the specific needs of your clients, not force everyone into the same workflow.
Automation That Feels Personal
A lot of business owners worry that automation will make their client experience feel robotic.
But the goal is not removing personalization… It’s removing unnecessary manual work.
Automation is used to support the relationship with your client, not replace it.
For example:
- auto-replies can confirm inquiries were received
- canned emails can save hours of repetitive typing
- workflows can prevent missed steps
- planners can receive the information they actually need
- clients can feel guided instead of confused
The best systems still leave room for personal connection while removing the chaos happening behind the scenes.
Couples Want More
Couples are paying attention to the full experience now.
Not just:
- your portfolio
- your Instagram feed
- your aesthetic
They care about:
- responsiveness
- communication
- inclusivity
- professionalism
- ease of booking
- how organized the process feels
Casey specifically highlighted how important inclusivity is for modern couples, especially when it comes to inquiry forms and client communication.
Small details matter:
- using inclusive language
- avoiding “bride/groom” defaults
- personalizing workflows
- making forms simple and accessible
These are the kinds of backend decisions that directly shape how clients experience your brand.
Transparency and Trust
Casey shared that as a planner, she strongly prefers vendors to include at least starting prices on their websites.
Why? Because transparency:
- saves time for everyone
- qualifies leads faster
- prevents ghosting
- creates trust immediately
- helps couples make informed decisions
Especially in luxury markets, clear communication and streamlined systems often become part of the premium experience itself.
Your Systems Shape Your Reputation
Your systems are not separate from your client experience. They are your client experience.
The way you:
- respond to inquiries
- communicate with planners
- organize vendor collaboration
- deliver proposals
- manage timelines
- follow up with clients
…all shapes how professional your business feels.
And as your business grows, those details matter even more.
Whether you’re outgrowing HoneyBook, struggling with manual processes, or trying to create a more premium client experience, I’d love to help you create systems that feel simpler, smarter, and more aligned with your business.
You can learn more about working together at Kelly McCracken Co.
Let’s Connect
Casey’s Website: Coastline Weddings
Casey’s Instagram: @coastlineweddings
Website: kellymccracken.co
Work with Me: kellymccracken.co/services
Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/kellymccracken.co
Podcast Show Notes: kellymccracken.co/podcast
Your expertise belongs in your craft more than your CRM. Bringing in a pro to do the strategic thinking and heavy lifting means that you’re never stuck Googling, experimenting, or muddling through something that only kind of works.
When you book a Dubsado setup for your business, we get to skip right over any implementation growing pains or learning just for learning’s sake. As a Certified Dubsado Specialist, I build exactly what you need, and then show you exactly what you need to do to keep the system running smoothly.
