Wedding planning technology has taken off and needless to say that has wedding planners a wee bit worried.
Now, more couples than ever before are planning their own weddings, and tech is helping them each step of the way.
If you’re in the beginning stages of planning your big day, we’ve got a list of the must-have tools and apps all created specifically to make wedding planning easy for YOU—whether you decide to hire a wedding planner or not.
We’re taking a look at some of our favorites, and highlighting all the cool features designed to make your wedding dreams come true.
Wedding Planning Heavy Hitters
We’ll start off with the big ones. These are the wedding websites that let you post all the details of your big day, share your registry, and allow guests to RSVP. All from one handy spot.
Besides being a website platform to showcase all things relating to your big day, these project management software systems offer a whole lot more.
Let’s take a look at each:
The Knot
This software system makes wedding planning a whole lot easier. Not only does it have an incredibly strong network connecting you with local vendors, it also lets you track your budget, manage your guest list, and share your registry.
Wedding Wire
With a budget calculator, customizable checklist, seating chart assistance, registry management tool, and vendor list with a notable review system, this software is a one stop shop for all those hefty to-dos on your list.
Zola
As well as offering free website templates, Zola lets users manage their guest list, has a thank-you note tracker, and lets users post their wedding registry or choose a cash-fund option.
Take a look at each of these. The one that you deem the most user-friendly or the one that fits your needs is the one for you.
Wedding Inspiration and Design
Coming up with the theme or aesthetic of your big day is pretty easy when you use these platforms for inspiration.
If you’re not already familiar with Pinterest, go! …when you’ve finished reading this, of course.
Pinterest is full of all sorts of wedding inspiration for all styles of weddings. Use the plethora of images on that app to help you decide the overall vibe you’re going for, and what you’ll need to pull it off.
Similar to Pinterest, you can scour Instagram for wedding-related inspiration and ideas. Just be sure to save the images you love so they’re there on hand when needed.
Canva
This site helps turn you into a graphic designer as soon as you land on it. Full of templates, color schemes, fonts, and images, use Canva to create gorgeous invitations and more.
Wedding Organization
When planning a wedding, maintaining organization is key to maintaining your sanity.
Here are some helpful tools that let you collaborate with others, and keep all the wedding planning deets secure and easily accessible in one place.
Google Drive
Google Drive lets users collaborate, as well as share files and documents.
You can use it to share your Bella Bridesmaids bridal gown ideas with your ladies, and maybe have them vote on a second wedding dress for you to wear to the reception—Bella has it all.
Google Drive updates in real-time, and allows you to access it anywhere. Another perk is that many people are familiar with it, and for those who aren’t, it’s simple to use.
Trello
This all-encompassing project management tool helps users organize, collaborate, and plan.
The interface contains visual task boards, similar to a Kanban board. With a checklist management system and deadline tracker, this software is excellent for keeping everyone involved on task.
Aisle Planner
Unlike the others, this system is wedding-focused.
It allows users to create a timeline, manage their budget, communicate with vendors, store relevant documents, and more.
Digital photo sharing
We’d be remiss if we left this one out. Your guests are going to be taking all sorts of photos of your wedding that you’re going to want to see, so make sure you’re set up to receive their images.
Here are some digital photo sharing solutions:
- Create a wedding hashtag and encourage your guests to use it
- Use Guestpix—a wedding guest photo collection site
- Use Google Drive and have guests share their favorite pics there
Make it as easy as possible for your guests to share all the photos they snap on your wedding day.
Conclusion:
As exciting as all these resources are, the trick is to narrow it down to just the ones you need. That way you’re less likely to become overwhelmed or end up with multiple systems that duplicate one another.
If there’s something specific to your wedding that you don’t see listed, by all means, search online. There’s an incredible array of resources out there created with you in mind, each designed to arm you with the necessary knowledge to pull off the wedding of your dreams.
