16 Top Software & Apps in 2016

By Beth Erickson, Wedding Planner Magazine editor, La Crosse, Wis.Whether you’re looking to transform your business, make things easier, or find creative social media resources for weddings, look no further. Below is a list of some of today’s hottest apps and software. 1-3) “The Big Three” — The best social media apps for businesses remain Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. While Twitter is still important, for the wedding industry, nothing trumps the big three for their visual nature and popularity.4) WhatsApp—A cross-platform communication hub, WhatsApp allows you to exchange mobile messages without paying for text service. Instead, you’ll use your Internet data plan to stay in touch. WhatsApp goes beyond messaging, however, it also allows you to send images and audio and video messages as well as create groups. Cost: Free to download and use for one year. Continued subscriptions are $0.99 per year.5) Groovebook—This is a great app for personal or business use. It helps you organize and (gasp!) actually print the photos that you take. To use, download the app and then, monthly, you select up to 100 photos you want to print in a 4.5" x 6.5" bookCost: $2.99/month for a monthly book to be printed and mailed.6) Keyring—Are you tired of keeping track of all of the company loyalty cards? Can’t find them when you need them? Scan and store your department store, grocery, library, gym, gift cards, and more. They then scan from your phone at the checkout counter.Cost: Free. 7) Heytell—Need to instantly speak with team members? This is a cross-platform walkie talkie and voice messenger system. It uses little data and you can share your location with callers. Plus conversations can be saved, replayed offline, or deleted.Cost: Free.8) iTranslate—For those frequently traveling to speak or do destination weddings, sometimes it might be nice to have a personal translator. Now, you can. This app translates words, phrases, and text from among 90 languages on your phone, tablet, or smart watch.Cost: Free.9) Right Signature—A simple mobile document signing software and app, Right Signature allows you to send documents to clients, businesses, and others online and have them sign electronically. The signatures are legally binding. Cost: Rates are $11 per month for one user, $39 per month for small businesses and up to five users, or up to $99 for more extensive use.10) Booking Bug—This software and app works 24/7 through Facebook or your website. It manages your bookings and payments, helps you grow your business and attract new customers, and lets you manage wherever you are through mobile widgets.Cost: Pricing ranges from $19.95 - $69.95 per month.11) Periscope—This site and app lets you view the world through other people’s eyes. It allows people to take live video from wherever they are and share it with others immediately. In Periscope, you can click on and “hear” conversation and see video. Imagine the potential of periscoping a wedding.Cost: Free.12) TwoBrightLights—Want to get published? This is a great site that makes it easy to find the right publication for your material. Cost: Sharing and accessing images is free. To submit to publishers, it costs $14.95/month. Two months are free with an annual plan. For editors, to request, receive, and manage submissions, the cost is $9.95 per month.13) Boomerang—Now, you can send your emails whenever you’d like, set follow-up reminders, and even set reminders to let yourself know if you haven’t heard back from the person you emailed.Cost: Basic is free. Other plans range from $4.99/month to $49.99/month.14) Rapportive—This slick feature lets you see everything about your contacts right in your Gmail inbox. See their picture, title, location, social media links, and more.Cost: Free.15) Animoto—This cloud-based service lets you take clips, photos, and music and turn them into polished video slideshows that are great for displaying your skills and/or your company’s services whether on social media, commercials, or on your website.Cost: Ranges from $10/month when paid annually (or $20 paid monthly) to $34 per month paid annually (or $64 paid monthly).16) AllSeated—Looking to simplify your seating assignments? Look no further. At AllSeated, you can manage guest lists, create and manage seating arrangements, create a timeline for the day, and view your seating layout in a 3D environment.Cost: Free.