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Need to add booking functionality to a new or existing WordPress site? See what to look for in great booking plugins and which ones WPML team recommends.

What to look for in a booking plugin

When looking for a plugin to handle appointments and reservations, check for three things:

A straightforward front-end

Look for a plugin that makes it easy to add a simple calendar or a reservation form to your website. This will allow your customers to do the work of making and editing their reservations.

Check that it looks great and provides full functionality on both desktops and mobile devices.

Default language booking form
Simple reservation form on a website

A customizable backend

You’ll need to be sure you can easily customize the booking system to fit your business needs. This includes setting working days and hours, showing available time slots, and blocking vacation days.

Look for features like the ability to filter, search for, confirm, and cancel bookings.

If you run a business that has more than one service provider (such as a salon with multiple stylists), look for a plugin that allows users to set their own calendars and manage reservations.

Setting open days and times in WordPress backend
Setting open days and times in WordPress backend

Integration with other software

Email confirmations, reminders, and automatic Google Calendar holds will ensure neither customers nor service providers forget an appointment.

If you plan to charge a reservation fee, be sure your booking plugin integrates with your payment gateway of choice, such as PayPal or Stripe.

Make sure all your customers can navigate the booking process by translating it into their language with WPML.

Google Calendar settings
Google Calendar integration in WordPress admin view

Some of our top recommendations

Here’s how they stack up on some key features:

Customize booking rulesManage bookingsEmail notificationsSync to Google CalendarPayment gatewaysSupport for multi-service providersYearly pricing
WooCommerce BookingsYesYesYesYesAvailable as an add-onAvailable as an add-on$249
Team BookingYesYesYesYesYesYes$28
Salon BookingYes – Free versionYes – Free versionYes – Free versionYes – Free versionYes – Paid versionYes – Free versionFree version or upgrade starting at €69
WooCommerce Bookings & Appointments PremiumYesYesYesYesYesAvailable as an addonFree version or upgrade for $99
SagendaYes – Free versionYes – Free versionYes – Free versionNoYes – Paid versionNoFree version or upgrade for $99
MotoPress Hotel BookingYesYesYesNoYesYes$79

How do booking plugins work on multilingual sites?

WPML makes it easy to cater to all your customers, no matter which language they speak. Use one of the booking plugins above to:

  • Translate all the text on the site’s booking page, including the booking calendar and booking forms
  • Synchronize free and reserved slots across the different language versions
  • Send confirmation emails in the user’s language

For an example on how this works, check out our tutorial for translating Salon Booking with WPML.

Adding the ability to book reservations and appointments through your website doesn’t have to be complicated. Use a plugin to easily add online booking to your site and streamline the process for both yourself and your customers.

How can we make WPML better for you?

Share your thoughts and comments about our plugin, documentation, or videos by booking a Zoom call with Agnes, our Client Advocate. Your feedback matters and helps us improve.

Book a call with Agnes