8 Wedding Planning Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do)

 

8 Wedding Planning Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do) | City of Creative Dreams

Looking for wedding planning tools? I hear ya! I am all about pinning to Pinterest boards, but it’s the overflowing inbox with vendor quotes, and staring at the same guest list five times today is what truly feels overwhelming. Everyone wants something from you when you are planning a wedding.

Now, don’t get me wrong—wedding planning can be fun, beautiful, and full of joyful decisions. I mean, the ultimate goal is getting to the big day, but to get there can feel exhausting.



If that sounds like you, first, take a deep breath. Second, I’m about to save your sanity with a few wedding planning tools that most brides don’t even realize they need until it’s too late.


These digital besties will make your life so much easier. Honestly, it’s the behind-the-scenes tools that will make you feel like you are ready for your wedding day.

1. Wedding Planning Tools & Apps That Actually Works for You

8 Wedding Planning Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do) | City of Creative Dreams

Honestly, these days, there is an app for everything. However, not all wedding planning tools are created equal when it comes to wedding planning apps. The last thing you need is an app that stresses you out. What you need is a planning app that acts like your digital binder.

To find an app that works best for you, here are a few worth checking out:

  • Zola – Perfect for timelines, registries, and guest list tracking
  • WeddingWire – Vendor reviews, budgeting tools, and seating chart templates
  • Asana – I used this for my wedding to help me organize everything. All you need to do is create tasks, and you can upload pictures, contracts/ documents and assign deadlines.
  • Notion (custom wedding dashboard) – If you love creating customized digital spaces, you can build a wedding hub with checklists, inspiration, and links all in one place
  • Trello – Create boards for each category and drag-and-drop your way to clarity

2. Google Drive or OneDrive = Your Wedding Control Center

8 Wedding Planning Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do) | City of Creative Dreams

Google Drive and OneDrive are both simple to use, and most importantly, both are free. You can easily make them into your virtual wedding binder in seconds, so you can have everything you need in one spot.

Here’s how I recommend setting it up:

  • Create folders for each vendor: Photographer, Florist, Planner, Venue, etc.
  • Upload PDF contracts, receipts, and important email screenshots
  • Use Google Sheets for your budget, guest list, and RSVP tracking
  • Share it with your partner and/or planner for seamless collaboration

3. Canva (Yes, Even for Wedding Planning!)

8 Wedding Planning Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do) | City of Creative Dreams

You know I love Canva, so you should not be shocked when I say Canva was my wedding planning best friend! So, if you’re a visual bride like me (aka you like to see the vision and vibe), Canva is your creative planning secret weapon. There are endless things you can do with a free account. Use it for:

  • Mood boards (to show your planner or florist exactly what you’re dreaming of)
  • Save-the-dates and invitations if you’re going DIY
  • Seating charts, signage, or day-of timelines

With a little imagination, Canva lets you design pieces that feel custom to you and your love story. Here are some of my Canva-related projects:

4. Digital Contracts & E-Signature Tools

8 Wedding Planning Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do) | City of Creative Dreams

Remember the day when you had to print, scan, and fax contracts? Since E-Signature tools, I barely even need to print anymore. Enter: HelloSign or DocuSign.

  • These tools make it easy to:
  • Sign contracts digitally
  • Send agreements to vendors (especially helpful for remote bookings)
  • Store everything in one place so you don’t have to chase paperwork

Bonus: You’ll look super professional and stay organized in the process.

5. A Personal Wedding Binder (Either Physical or Digital)

8 Wedding Planning Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do) | City of Creative Dreams
I am not against having a physical wedding binder because there’s something powerful about having a personal wedding binder in your hands. It’s perfect for the following things:
  • A printed copy of your timeline and budget
  • Swatches or inspo clippings
  • Business cards, contracts, and receipts
  • Notes from consultations
However, I do think that a digital binder and guide can be practical if you happen to be on the go. I loved my digital wedding planner I made on Canva, but I also used the free printables I have in my free resource library as well. There is truly no right or wrong choice!

6. A Shared Calendar

8 Wedding Planning Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do) | City of Creative Dreams
Whether you are having a big wedding or a small wedding. You and your fiancé aren’t the only ones involved in this wedding, right? There are vendors, family members, bridesmaids, and more.
To avoid confusion and miscommunication, think about creating a shared Google Calendar with key dates:
  • Vendor meetings
  • Dress fittings
  • Final payments
  • Rehearsal and travel schedules
Even if this is just for two of you, it is so important to have these important dates accessible. Plus, you will only get fewer “Wait—what time is that again?” texts.

Final Thoughts

I don’t want you to feel like you are all alone planning your wedding. There are wedding planning tools out there that can help you manage everything that needs to get done so you feel more in control. Remember, it’s not about being perfect. You don’t need every fancy spreadsheet or every single app—just the right few that speak to you. Share in the comments wedding planning tools that are currently helping you plan your wedding or that have helped you in the past!

Related:
  
free wedding printables
Wedding Vow & Speech Workbook Template Set - City of Creative Dreams
What’s your take? I welcome you to share yours below!
 

 

*This post contains no affiliate links. My opinions are 100% my own. For more information, see my disclosures page.* 
Is that all? Of course not! Go on and explore. I’d love to share more with you. Check out my About page! I hope you have some time. I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment to say how much you enjoyed my post or even say hi. Follow me on TwitterFacebookPinterestInstagramand YouTube pages or even subscribe.  Have a wonderfully creative week!
     

Leave a Reply