According to a recent study by XO Group, last year 89% of couples used smartphones to help plan their weddings. From budgeting to organizing guest lists to booking bridal beauty appointments, there’s an app for every task on your to-do list. We’ve narrowed down six of the best.
You’ve found someone you want to spend the rest of your life with – that was the easy part. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but this user-friendly app features a customized timeline leading up to your big day. It walks you through suggested tasks, like announcing your engagement and scheduling dress fittings, while simultaneously managing budgets and payments. The app also keeps your list of vendors in one place, offering Yelp-powered suggestions for caterers, D.J.s, hair stylists and more. Our word of advice? Accept help where it’s offered, and collaborate with friends or family through the “Invite to Plan” feature.
App: WeddingHappy
Cost: Free
The Knot Guest List and Wedding Website Manager
You don’t need to know HTML to wow guests with a personalized wedding website. This app features more than 100 templates, each one taking just a few minutes to customize (seriously, if you can navigate Facebook, you’ve got this covered). Once your free site is up and running, use it to manage RSVPs and meal requests. Guests can check in for wedding updates, travel tips, an introduction to your wedding party or even the story of how you and your partner met.
App: The Knot Guest List and Wedding Websites Manager
Cost: Free
Updo. Manicure. Pedicure. Facial. Waxing. Lash extensions. The possibilities are endless when it comes to bridal beauty, and StyleSeat is here to help navigate your options. The app features a directory of experts in over 16,000 cities, with profiles, prices and photos of their work. Find someone who’ll make your dream look a reality, and book an appointment in just a few clicks. And check out the app’s blog for inspiration and insider tips for your big day.
App: StyleSeat
Cost: Free
With the average American couple spending nearly $1,200 on a wedding D.J. and upwards of $4,000 on a live band, one quick way to cut costs is to get behind the turntables (no actual turntables required). Wedding D.J. takes the guesswork out of creating a wedding soundtrack by mapping out a typical music flow: pre-ceremony, groom’s procession, group procession and so on. Simply choose your favorite songs, drag and drop them into order and select the crossfade option to eliminate any dead air between tunes. Although this app is on the pricier side, it’s substantially more affordable than most alternatives. We would also argue that knowing your playlist will be “Macarena”-free is priceless.
App: WeddingDJ – Plan and play your wedding music
Cost: $7.99
Any wedding pictures that make their way to the internet should feature great lighting and your good side. Keep the unflattering candids in check with the WedPics app, which allows guests to share photos in a private feed – think an elite Instagram where you decide who’s on the VIP list and no one else is invited. Art imitates life if you choose to print images uploaded to the app. Pick your favorite frame-worthy shots, and WedPics will deliver them directly to your doorstep for a reasonable fee.
App: WedPics
Cost: Free
Already have a blender? As couples increasingly ask guests to chip in for a fantasy honeymoon or even a down payment on a starter house, the Honeyfund app replaces awkward envelopes full of cash. Friends and family can log in to gift experiences around the world, including hotel stays, plane tickets, spa days, and cocktails, at a range of prices. Practical types can even request contributions towards things like home renovations. And if you’re still craving that blender, you’re in luck – the app also features traditional registry items.
App: HoneyFund
Cost: Free, $39.99 for Honeyfund Elite
