# Getting Started with Serenza

> Quick start guide for wedding planners to set up and start using Serenza.

Serenza is designed to get you up and running quickly. Follow this guide to set up your account, add your first wedding, and start managing vendors and timelines.

## Step 1: Create Your Account

1. Visit [serenzaweddings.com](https://serenzaweddings.com)
2. Click "Empezar gratis" (Start free)
3. Enter your email and create a password
4. Verify your email address
5. Complete the onboarding wizard:
   - Enter your company name
   - Select your primary language (Spanish or English)
   - Describe your business type

**Note:** A credit card is required to start your 14-day free trial. You won't be charged until the trial ends.

## Step 2: Set Up Your Company Profile

1. Go to **Settings** → **Company Profile**
2. Add your company details:
   - Company name (displayed to clients)
   - Contact information
   - Logo (optional, for white-label features)
   - Timezone
   - Default currency

## Step 3: Add Your First Wedding

1. Navigate to **Events** → **Create Event**
2. Enter wedding details:
   - Couple names
   - Wedding date
   - Venue information
   - Number of expected guests
   - Budget (optional)

3. Set up the wedding workspace:
   - Add notes and special requirements
   - Set priority level
   - Assign team members (if applicable)

## Step 4: Add Vendors

1. Go to **Vendors** → **Add Vendor**
2. For each vendor, add:
   - Company name
   - Service type (catering, photography, etc.)
   - Contact information
   - Contract details
   - Private notes (visible only to you)

3. Organize vendors with tags:
   - Create tags like "Confirmed", "Pending", "Preferred"
   - Filter vendors by tag for quick access

## Step 5: Create a Timeline

1. Open your wedding → **Timeline**
2. Add timeline events:
   - Ceremony time
   - Cocktail hour
   - Reception
   - Special moments (first dance, toasts, etc.)

3. Assign vendors to timeline events:
   - Link caterer to reception
   - Link photographer to ceremony
   - Add setup and breakdown times

## Step 6: Set Up Budget Tracking

1. Go to your wedding → **Budget**
2. Create budget categories:
   - Venue
   - Catering
   - Photography
   - Flowers
   - Music/Entertainment
   - Attire
   - Decorations
   - Other

3. Add estimated costs for each category
4. Track actual expenses as they occur

## Step 7: Manage Tasks

1. Navigate to your wedding → **Tasks**
2. Create tasks for:
   - Vendor follow-ups
   - Document signing
   - Payment deadlines
   - Pre-wedding preparations

3. Set due dates and assign to team members
4. Mark tasks as complete as you go

## Step 8: Invite Team Members (Advanced+ Plans)

1. Go to **Team** → **Invite Member**
2. Enter their email address
3. Select their role:
   - **Owner:** Full access, can manage billing
   - **Organizer:** Can manage events and vendors
   - **Viewer:** Read-only access

4. They'll receive an email invitation to join your team

## Step 9: Set Up the Couple Portal (Professional+ Plans)

1. Open the wedding → **Portal**
2. Configure portal settings:
   - Set a password for the couple
   - Choose what information to display
   - Enable/disable messaging

3. Share the portal link with the couple:
   - They can view their wedding timeline
   - See vendor confirmations
   - Message you directly

## Step 10: Prepare for the Wedding Day

As the wedding approaches:

1. **Finalize the timeline** with all vendors
2. **Create the day-of checklist** (venue setup, vendor arrivals, etc.)
3. **Generate the PDF summary** for vendors
4. **Set up the event day schedule** for real-time updates

On the wedding day:

1. Open the **Event Day** view
2. Check off items as they're completed
3. Update the timeline in real-time
4. Communicate with vendors through the platform

## Tips for Success

### Organization
- Use consistent naming conventions for vendors
- Create templates for common wedding types
- Set up recurring tasks for routine activities

### Communication
- Use internal messaging for team coordination
- Share the couple portal to reduce email back-and-forth
- Send vendor updates through the platform

### Time Management
- Check your dashboard daily for upcoming tasks
- Use the consolidated calendar to see all weddings at once
- Set reminders for important deadlines

## Need Help?

- **Knowledge Base:** [help.serenzaweddings.com](https://help.serenzaweddings.com)
- **Email Support:** support@serenzaweddings.com
- **Onboarding Call:** Book a free setup call with our team

## Related Resources

- [Complete Features](features.md)
- [Pricing Plans](pricing.md)
- [Vendor RFQ Workflow](features-rfq.md)
- [Couple Portal](features-portal.md)