Wedding planning should be an exciting journey, not a financial burden or a complicated technical chore. For the modern couple, the expectation is simple: find a high-quality planning tool that is genuinely free for everything essential.

We understand the skepticism about "free" platforms, which is why we’ve broken down the features and upgrade costs of the top contenders. A truly superior platform combines the key features—a beautiful wedding website, robust guest management, and a functional budget tracker—into a single, cohesive system.

Feature Face-Off: The Most Important Free Planning Tools

A free platform is only valuable if its core features are truly free, and easily integrated. Here’s how the top contenders compare in the essential wedding planning categories.

Feature	Zola	The Knot	WithJoy	WeddingWire	Minted
Base Price	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free
Website Templates	300+	100+	100+	100+	1,000+
Checklist	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Budget Tracker	Yes	Yes	Yes, Limited	Yes	No
Vendor Marketplace	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No
WeddingPaper	Yes (+ free Digital Save the Dates)	Yes	No	No	Yes (+ free Digital Engagement Party Invites)
Guest List/RSVP	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Registry (Universal)	Yes (Universal/Store)	Yes (Universal/Store)	Yes (Universal/Store)	Yes (External)	Yes (External)
App	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (Guest management, only)

Top Free Planning Websites Compared

Here are the top websites, detailing their free offerings and primary advantages.

Zola

Overview: Zola is the comprehensive all-in-one platform where the website, registry, paper, vendor marketplace, and planning tools are seamlessly integrated. It offers a clean, modern, ad-free experience focused on convenience for the couple and guests.

Key Features:

• Website Design: 300+ customizable website design options with matching paper
• Paper: Diverse wedding stationery collection including from free digital save the dates, to day-of paper and signage and everything in between. They also feature add-ons like belly bands and wax seals. Also includes free return and guest addressing printed on envelopes.
• Guest Management: Comprehensive Guest List Manager for RSVP tracking, address collection, and multi-event management. Also includes a “Contact Collector” link to send guests to fill out their details and Custom guest text messaging (upgraded cost).
• Registry: Universal registry system for physical gifts, zero-fee cash funds, and experiences. Options to add gifts from any store or sync external registries for one link for guests.
• Vendor Marketplace: Vetted vendors with large filtering options.
• Budget Tool: Breaks costs down by category, features contract upload, payment reminders, and vendor recommendations based on budget & location.
• Personalized Checklist: Customizable to your wedding date, provides month-by-month timelines, and includes expert tips to keep you on track.  
• Customer Service: Support team availability 7 days a week, as well as free 1:1 Advisor Services available to assist with building your website, registry, or invitations, or just to chat through any planning questions.

The Knot

Overview: The Knot is a massive, highly visible directory offering a wide range of free planning tools. It’s ideal for couples who want high visibility and access to a broad vendor marketplace. 

Key Features:

• Website Design: 100+ customizable website design options with matching paper
• Paper: Offers coordinating wedding invitations, save the dates, place cards, and thank you cards for a cohesive look.
• Vendor Access: Large vendor directory access with reviews
• Guest Management: Comprehensive Guest List Manager for RSVP tracking, address collection, and multi-event management.
• Registry: Universal registry linking and integration with The Knot Registry store.
• Budget Tool: The Budget Advisor helps you set smart estimates by exploring average local wedding costs.   
• Wedding Checklist: Customizable to your wedding date, provides month-by-month timelines. 

WithJoy

Overview: WithJoy is a modern platform that prioritizes a clean interface and guest experience. Its strength lies in smooth RSVP tracking and flexible cash fund options. 

Key Features:

• Website Design: 100+ customizable website design options with matching paper
• Paper: Offers coordinating wedding invitations & save the dates that matches wedding website designs for a cohesive look.
• Guest Management: Comprehensive Guest List Manager for RSVP tracking, address collection, and sending messages. Also includes a “Contact Collector” link to send guests to fill out their details.
• Registry: Universal registry linking and zero-fee cash funds. More limited Joy Shop than competitors. 
• Budget Tool: Offers minimal budgeting functionality.

WeddingWire 

Overview: WeddingWire offers a large vendor catalog and planning tools, with a unique strength in vast vendor listings and reviews. 

Key Features:   

• Website Design: 100+ customizable website design options.
• Paper: Does not offer wedding stationery.
• Vendor Catalog: Comprehensive catalog with over 166,000 reviewed vendors.   
• Guest Tools: Full guest management and RSVP features, including checklist synchronization.
• Registry: Links existing registries for one link for guests. Does not have owned registry store or completion discount. 
• Budgeting: Unique Budget Planner Tool automatically distributes estimated costs based on your total budget.   

Minted

Overview: Minted is a stationery-first company that offers a free website builder that matches their wide range of artist-designed invitations. 

Key Features:

• Website Design: Offers over 1,000 free design templates.   
• Paper: 1,000+ beautiful, unique designs from independent artists including full suite options and add-ons. 
• Guest Tools: Create and manage separate guest lists for multiple wedding events, including private events.

Free Wedding Planning Website FAQs

Which free planning website offers the best balance of features, integration, and design aesthetic?

The best free platform depends on whether you prioritize logistics, design, or vendor access. Zola is best if you prioritize integrated planning and time savings, as it seamlessly connects your website, registry, budget, and guest list into one system. WithJoy is ideal for a clean, modern interface and zero-fee cash funds. While The Knot or WeddingWire have a massive vendor directory for vendor discovery.

Which free wedding planning website doesn't have intrusive ads?

Zola and WithJoy are excellent options for couples seeking a clean, ad-free planning experience. Unlike general platforms like Wix, which includes advertisements on its free tier, Zola focuses on ensuring the user interface remains modern and uncluttered.

Why do cash funds require a small fee if the service is free?

The fee associated with cash funds (typically 2.5% for platforms like The Knot) is the standard credit card processing fee required by financial institutions to process the transaction, regardless of the planning website used. This fee is non-negotiable for credit card transactions. Companies like Zola or Joy offer no-fee cash funds when using peer-to-peer apps, like Venmo. 

Do I need a custom domain for my wedding website?

While not strictly required, a custom domain (e.g., yournameswedding.com) is highly recommended. It looks more professional and is easier for guests to remember and navigate. The cost is standard across the industry, typically falling between $14.95 and $19.99 per year, regardless of the platform chosen.

Can I integrate my planning checklist with my budget tracker?

Yes, integration between the planning checklist and budget tracker is essential for stress-free organization. Zola’s budget tool allows couples to track payment deadlines and manage expenses alongside vendor search. WeddingWire also offers strong integration, enabling the budget tracker to sync with the checklist to manage vendor payment deadlines.