We were warned that the wedding planning process is no easy task, but it isn’t until we’re in the thick of it ourselves that we truly understand how much there is to think about. From guest lists to vendors and venues, there are many things for you and your fiancé to consider, and hiring a wedding planner isn’t the best option for every couple. Having the right tools in your workbox is a must to streamline your wedding planning process. Here are some of our favorite wedding planning tools for you to consider. 

Zola

Weddings are expensive. Zola takes at least one of those expenses off your list. It provides an entirely free wedding planning suite. Create a customized wedding website with easy-to-use templates. Track your RSVPS, manage your vendors, monitor your budget, create seating charts, and more. Zola’s free registry, planning, communication, and design integration sets it apart from other comprehensive wedding planning tools.

Some of Zola’s features, such as their customized domains (approximately $15/year), come at an additional cost, but their free-to-use features are more than enough to get your wedding planning started on the right foot.

The Knot Wedding Planner App

The Knot is another excellent option for couples seeking a free wedding planning tool. It is best known for its free-to-create wedding websites and huge vendor marketplace, but it’s also an excellent option for brainstorming ideas and searching for inspiration. Start by taking their free style quiz, and The Knot will provide customized suggestions to bring your vision to life within your set budget. It’s easy to download onto Android and iOS devices with an easy-to-navigate interface. 

Similarly to Zola, The Knot does provide additional services for a fee. You can create and send out invitations and even create a custom domain.

WeddingWire

WeddingWire functions similarly to Zola and The Knot, providing a free website creator, vendor directory, budget tracker, mobile app, and other wedding planning tools. What sets WeddingWire apart from other services is its ability to facilitate informed vendor selections through its advanced planning and vendor management tools. Users get to sort through and leave reviews on potential vendors. 

Like Zola and The Knot, you can purchase a custom domain for an additional cost. Keep in mind that vendors featured on WeddingWire may also have their own personal additional charges. Some standard additional charges include, but are not limited to, travel fees, assistant fees, and custom packaging fees.

Joy

Another free-to-use wedding planner is Joy. Joy has been compared most specifically to The Knot. While their functions are very similar, their aesthetic and detail levels differ. Joy provides couples with a more modern look, while The Knot favors a more traditional layout. Joy is also more interactive for your guests, allowing them to upload photos and make broadcast announcements, while The Knot offers a simpler messaging system. If you are choosing between the two, the one that best suits your personal aesthetic and approach to planning will depend on your aesthetic and approach. 

Aisle Planner

Aisle Planner is another paid program you can check out. Prices range from $59.99/month to $189.99/month. While Aisle Planner is primarily marketed towards event professionals, it may be a viable option for detail-oriented couples who want a more robust planning system. While Aisle Planner may not be ideal for couples looking for a more straightforward planning process, its scalable pricing, client/vendor collaboration tools, streamlined sales and booking, and CAD-based floor plans may appeal to couples with an eye for the details. 

HoneyBook

Another paid option with scalable pricing is HoneyBook. With prices ranging from $29/month to $129/month, you can choose the option that best suits your vision. HoneyBook is another wedding planning tool created with the needs of professional wedding planners in mind. It excels at centralizing your wedding documents and provides a streamlined client portal to organize your contracts, payment schedules, questionnaires, and invoices. 

That said, if you’re looking for a wedding planning tool catered to the needs of a couple planning for themselves, consider that HoneyBook may not be optimized for your needs. 

Trello

While not made specifically for wedding planning, Trello may be beneficial. Trello is a visual project management tool that allows you to create boards, lists, and cards, which can be assigned and shared with collaborators. Trello offers both free and paid options to cater to different user needs. While you cannot do all your wedding planning and organization in Trello alone, it’s a great place to start brainstorming and collaborating with friends, family, and wedding planners.

WeddingHappy

Want a mobile-first option? WeddingHappy is free to download and use, with additional features available for a small fee. Custom tasks and features range from $2.99 to $6.99. WeddingHappy is an excellent option for couples looking for a tool to help them through the wedding planning process step by step. Because WeddingHappy was designed to act as a personal assistant, the app will generate personalized suggestions and checklists based on your timeline and budget. WeddingHappy also prides itself on its adaptability and inclusion. The app adapts to different wedding styles, including same-sex weddings, religious ceremonies, and other cultural traditions, and tweaks the plan accordingly. 

Your wedding day celebrates the love you share with your partner and should be as stress-free as possible. Picking the right planning tools is the first step in ensuring your wedding runs smoothly. Every couple has its own needs and expectations for their big day, so take your time and research to decide the best option for you and your partner. If you would like to host an event in San Diego, CA. Contact our team today to book a tour of our 13 indoor and outdoor wedding venues.