Wedding Planning Is Easier Than Ever With These Game-Changing Apps
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Once the sheer excitement of your engagement has fully set in, the truth is that you're now tasked with planning an unforgettable party for your closest family and friends. The idea of gathering wedding pros and guests (including your opinionated in-laws) in one place can feel incredibly daunting, but these days, you don’t even have to leave your house to pull off your celebration from the comfort of your own home. Stress less and celebrate more with these essential wedding planning apps and services make quick and easy work of all your planning duties—from the proposal to the party.
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Zola
There’s a reason brides and grooms alike have been buzzing about this all-in-one wedding brand since the company’s inception in 2013. Zola makes the planning process almost as enjoyable as taste-testing potential wedding cake flavors, thanks to features that include a registry service, free wedding websites, and picturesque wedding paper. Use Zola to browse thousands of products and experiences and create a limitless lift of coveted registry items. There are group-gifting options for big-ticket gifts, and you can even choose to discreetly return or ship any products or services given at a later date to accommodate your schedule.
To buy: free for iOS or Android devices
AllSeated
Visualize the layout of your venue with AllSeated, a virtual reality template that takes the guesswork out of seating your guests. The immersive technology allows you to truly bring your venue to life thanks to a VR “look around” of a 3D designed floor plan that offers to-be-weds a glimpse of their party layout before the big day arrives. Create a floor plan in minutes by importing your guest list into the AllSeated tool for seamless creation of seating charts.
To buy: free for iOS or Android devices
Trello
Stumped on the exact pre-weding task you should tackle first? Trello helps to-be-weds with their to-do list by supplying boards, list and cards to help you prioritize your most pressing wedding planning tasks. Use the productivity platform to collaborate with your wedding pros, and integrate your favorite organization apps—like Google Drive, Evernote and Dropbox—directly into the app.
To buy: free for iOS or Android devices
MissNowMrs.
If you plan to hyphenate or change your name, this app is crucial for simplifying your transition from Miss to Mrs. The app allows you to successfully change your surname online without the hassle of having to visit your local DMV, and the entire process can be completed in just three straightforward steps, saving you 13 hours of hassle in the process So, how exactly does it work? After you create your account on the Miss Now Mrs. platform, you'll complete a series of forms that allow you to change your name on everything from your US passport and state driver's license to your voter registration form. Name change experts are always on hand to answer any questions too, so you can rest assured knowing you're in good hands.
To buy: from $30 for iOS devices
RELATED: Just Married? Here's How to Change Your Last Name as Painlessly as Possible
Honeyfund
Quickly create the custom wedding registry of your dreams with Honeyfund, a destination-focused platform that's committed to helping couples map out their honeymoons. The crowdfunding app takes the guesswork out of planning your post-wedding vacation, plus Honeyfund is equipped with a universal registry capability so you can receive the gifts you actually want (cash included). Sign up and you'll receive weekly travel deals delivered straight to your inbox, along with immediate access to funds once your guests send their gifts.
To buy: free for iOS or Android devices
The Guest
You hired a top-notch photographer for a reason, but what about all those images snapped by partygoers at your reception? Instantly gain access to photos and videos captured by family and friends with The Guest, a media-sharing platform that's updated in real time. The app allows guest to automatically upload their most candid and posed shots sans hashtag, and you can relive every moment from your wedding after your "I dos" with a free album that's created just for you.
To buy: free for iOS or Android devices
Pantone Studio
Whether you’re into marsala or set on blue, this app will make it easy to find the right color scheme for your big day. Simply select the color of your choice and it will offer suggestions for complementary hues. See a color you like in someone else’s photo? Use your camera phone to snap a picture, and the app will find the closest Pantone color, so you can build your palette around that shade.
To buy: free for iOS or Android devices
Appy Couple
With more than 300 templates to choose rom—including eight designs that match Real Simple’s own line of wedding stationery—it’s easy to share all the big day details on your own website. Once you’ve selected a theme, you can tell the story of how you met, introduce your wedding party, and highlight travel and even information through the app or a custom website URL.
