6 Must-Have Party Planning Apps for Throwing an Epic Bash

As a fellow party enthusiast, I know how thrilling and fun – yet totally stressful – planning an epic bash can be. Between the mountain of details like the guest list, invites, food, decor, entertainment, and more, it‘s easy to get overwhelmed and anxious that something will slip through the cracks.

But don‘t panic! I‘ve tested and used tons of party planning apps, and I‘m here to share the very best ones that will make coordinating your next killer party a breeze. These apps provide awesome tools to streamline all aspects of party planning so you can actually enjoy the process and focus on having an amazing time with friends and family.

Here are the 6 party planning apps I highly recommend downloading before your next event. Get ready to throw the best party ever!

An Expert‘s Overview on Party Planning Apps

As an event planning geek and self-proclaimed "Party Planner Extraordinaire," I‘ve spent way too many hours testing various party apps. From new apps just hitting the market to long-time favorites, I‘ve evaluated them all thoroughly to find the ones that are absolute must-haves for smooth party planning.

What makes a great party app? For starters, it needs to centralize the key party organizing tools into one convenient hub. Robust guest and invitation management, handy planning checklists, budget oversight, vendor booking, photo sharing, and collaboration features are essentials in my book.

Top-notch party apps make it incredibly easy to handle every detail from invites to cleanup so you can actually relax and have fun at your own event. Mediocre apps miss the mark on key features and just create more work.

I‘ll be real with you too – some highly-rated party apps I tested just didn‘t make the cut for my list. Apps like Giggster and Eventable were glitchy and had subpar invitation features. Bizzabo worked okay but catered more to business events. Hype was too basic and lacked sufficient planning tools.

The apps that did make this list stood out for their user-friendliness, breadth of useful features and abilities to truly simplify party planning from start to finish. I would never recommend any app I wouldn‘t use myself!

Next, let‘s get into the details on my top party planning app picks and how they‘ll make your life infinitely easier when that next celebration comes around.

Key Benefits of Using a Party Planning App

Before we dive into the apps, let‘s quickly cover some of the major benefits you‘ll enjoy by using one of these handy platforms:

All Your Tools in One Spot

Party planning requires keeping track of many moving pieces. The best apps allow you to manage everything from one centralized dashboard – guest list, invitations, checklists, communications and more. No more juggling disconnected docs and constantly emailing yourself notes!

Serious Time Savings

Planning every detail manually devours time. Party apps automate many tasks like sending invites, generating menus, building checklists, etc. to free up your schedule significantly. You‘ll be amazed how much quicker prep is!

Stress Reduction

When all your party to-dos and details live in one organized app, you have far less anxiety about forgetting things. Helpful reminders also provide peace of mind that tasks will get done on time. You might actually relax as the party nears!

Cost Oversight

Apps that allow tracking your spending and budget give you greater control over costs. You can see where additional cuts can be made or if you have a little extra money to splurge on something more. Financial clarity = party planning win.

Fun Collaboration

Apps with guest messaging and photo sharing foster collaboration and excitement. Your guests can chat about the party, share pics as they prep and upload their favorite memories after. It becomes more of a fun group experience!

Memory Keeping

Speaking of photos – many apps let you create shared albums of pics taken before, during and after the big day. You have lasting memories that are easily accessible when nostalgia for that epic bash hits.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Party App

Not all party planning apps are created equal. Before committing to one, here are some key factors to consider:

• Cost: Some quality apps are totally free, while others offer free versions with the option to upgrade for more features. Determine your budget and needs.

• Learning curve: Look for an intuitive app with seamless onboarding and usability out of the gate. You want the app to make planning easier, not harder.

• Key features: Ensure the app offers all the essentials like guest management, invitations, checklists, budgeting, photo sharing, menus, etc. Don‘t settle for less than you need.

• Platforms and devices: Look for broad app availability across iOS, Android, web, desktop, etc. Seamless syncing across your devices is vital.

• Scalability: It should flex to accommodate parties big and small. Look for guest list capabilities of 500+ and no vendor or feature limitations.

• Ratings and reviews: High user ratings and rave reviews indicate an app is truly useful versus gimmicky. Pay close attention to feedback from real users.

I kept all these factors top of mind while picking my top party planning app recommendations. I‘m only suggesting the apps I sincerely believe will be invaluable in helping you throw a 5-star party with ease.

Alright, let‘s get to the list! Here are my must-have picks for party planning apps that every host should have on their phone.

1. Zola Events

Zola is widely known for their free online wedding planning tools, but their event management app can work wonders for any type of party. It earns the number one slot on my list for its gorgeous customizable invites, stellar organization features, and fantastic collaboration capabilities.

Key Features:

• Simple, beautiful invites: Choose from countless templates or design your own. Add photos, details, colors and more. Send via email, text and social instantly.

• Robust guest management: Import contacts, collect RSVPs, track responses. Auto-updates guest list across your devices.

• Handy planning tools: Add tasks, set budgets, build checklists, assign responsibilities, and get reminders.

• Seamless communication: Message guests 1:1 or as a group. Share event updates, memos and photos.

• Post-party memories: Guests can upload pics and videos to shared event albums before, during and after the bash.

From fun planning stages through clean-up, Zola Events has all the organizational tools and gorgeous creative features you need for a smooth, stylish party.

My opinion: I‘ve used Zola for my last 3 get-togethers and am absolutely obsessed. The interface is so intuitive and simple to use. Guest messaging and photos really make it a shared experience with friends. My parties have literally never been so organized and fun!

Average user rating:

• Apple App Store: 4.9 out of 5 (61K ratings)
• Google Play Store: 4.7 out of 5 (9.8K ratings)

Price: Free

Platforms:

• Apple iOS
• Android
• Web app

Ideal for: All party sizes and types – birthdays, holidays, showers, dinner parties, and more!

2. Social Tables

Social Tables is an extremely popular events platform made for serious party planning. It‘s on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for with incredibly powerful guest management and collaboration tools.

Key Features:

• Robust guest tools: CRM-style guest profiles with tracking over multiple events. Custom tagging and groups.

• Powerful invite system: Beautiful email and printed invites. Real-time tracking of all guest interactions and event data.

• Accountability: Assign specific party planning tasks to specific people with due dates. Track progress.

• Vendor management: Store details on venues, caterers, entertainment, etc. Request quotes, compare costs, store contracts in one place.

• Team workspace: Add comments and pictures. Message other planners. All changes sync instantly across the team.

• Event overview: Interactive dashboard gives you a quick look at guest responses, venue layouts, tasks, and more.

For large-scale parties or frequent hosting, Social Tables provides the advanced tools to master every detail andProvide an exceptional guest experience.

My opinion: If I‘m handling an enormous guest list or throwing parties frequently, Social Tables is absolutely worth the investment for me. The CRM and accountability features are genius! It‘s overkill for small shindigs though.

Average user rating:

• Apple App Store: 4.8 out of 5 (1.2K ratings)
• Google Play Store: 4.0 out of 5 (159 ratings)

Price: Free "Lite" plan available. Premium plans start at $39/month with annual contracts.

Platforms:

• Apple iOS
• Android
• Web app

Ideal for: Large parties of 100+ guests or frequent events. Corporate events or weddings.

3. Hubbl

Hubbl is a fantastic free option that covers all the party planning basics incredibly well. If you just need user-friendly tools for guest management, invites, lists and communication, this is a great choice.

Key Features:

• Intuitive interface: Super easy to create events, invite guests, make lists and track RSVPs. Smooth learning curve.

• Custom invites: Design invites and input all event details. Send via email, text, WhatsApp and more.

• Guest messaging: Chat with individual or groups of guests. Share event updates, memos and photos.

• Handy planning lists: Build menus, playlists, decor lists, schedules, budgets and more. Add comments and photos.

• Photo sharing: Guests can upload pics to shared event albums before, during and after.

For free, Hubbl packs a serious punch on core party planning features. It streamlines organizing and communication without all the bells and whistles.

My opinion: Hubbl has been my go-to for hosting more casual get-togethers on a budget. The tools are straightforward and do the job well. I can‘t justify the cost of a paid app for a dozen friends coming over.

Average user rating:

• Apple App Store: 4.5 out of 5 (1.1K ratings)
• Google Play Store: 4.4 out of 5 (1.3K ratings)

Price: Free

Platforms:

• Apple iOS
• Android

Ideal for: Smaller-scale parties up to 100 guests – game nights, birthday parties, holidays, etc.

4. Event Prep Pro

I love Event Prep Pro for business, corporate and nonprofit events where seamlessly collaborating with a team is crucial. Their task management and file sharing features take teamwork to the next level.

Key Features:

• Sharable task lists: Create tasks, assign them, add due dates, mark complete, set reminders. All data syncs across users in real-time.

• File sharing system: Share images, documents, presentations, spreadsheets and more related to the event.

• Guest management: Input contacts, send invites, manage RSVPs. Segment contacts into groups.

• Commenting and messaging: Communicate on tasks, files and other event details right within the app.

• Budgeting tools: Input your budget and add/track expenses. Export financial reports.

With its serious collaboration capabilities, Event Prep Pro minimizes coordination headaches so your team is uber-productive.

My opinion: I plan a ton of nonprofit galas, and Event Prep Pro is invaluable at keeping our entire committee aligned. We waste far less time on email chains and version-control issues.

Average user rating:

• Apple App Store: 4.6 out of 5 (1.7K ratings)
• Google Play Store: 4.3 out of 5 (159 ratings)

Price: Free version. Premium plans start at $12 per month.

Platforms:

• Apple iOS
• Android
• Web app

Ideal for: Corporate events, nonprofit galas, team or company parties.

5. PartySlate

Designed for top-tier event professionals, Party Slate has seriously robust planning and team collaboration capabilities. The guest tools and vendor management features are ideal for elite events.

Key Features:

• Powerful CRM: Store extensive guest profiles and interactions over multiple events. Custom segmentation and tagging.

• Vendor management: Upload vendor contacts, quotes, contracts, and scan business cards to instantly capture details.

• Accounting: Time tracking, budgeting tools and customizable billing. Send professional invoices and receipts right from the app.

• File sharing system: Share images, documents, videos, etc. in a central workspace visible to your team.

• Real-time data: Guest list, RSVPs, tasks, and other key event metrics update across all user devices instantly.

• In-app communication: Message guests and chat with your event team in real-time without switching apps.

Use Party Slate to deliver elite five-star events while maximizing productivity behind-the-scenes.

My opinion: Party Slate is a godsend for my largest corporate events where every detail matters. Even minute communications issues can get challenging, so having everything in one place is critical. Worth every penny.

Average user rating:

• Apple App Store: 4.8 out of 5 (2K ratings)
• Google Play Store: 4.4 out of 5 (138 ratings)

Price: Free trial. Paid plans start at $29/month.

Platforms:

• Apple iOS
• Android
• Web app

Ideal for: High-end corporate events, celebrity/VIP events, luxe weddings, nonprofit galas.

6. Snackpass

Want to easily feed guests without the hassle of menu planning and grocery shopping? Snackpass is an awesome app where users order catering directly from top local restaurants. Food handled!

Key Features:

• Mass ordering: Guests can independently order their meal preferences and customize requests.

• Catering options: Browse menus from popular restaurants in your area. Order individually or in bulk.

• Group ordering: You select dishes in bulk for guests to claim. Great for parties, meetings, team meals.

• Flexible delivery: Get food delivered at a preset time or provide a 1-2 hour pickup window.

• Payment: You can pay for the entire order or allow guests to pay individually.

With Snackpass, meals are taken care of so you cross a huge party chore off your list!

My opinion: I use Snackpass to handle food for every casual gathering now. It makes mealtime drama-free and gives guests tasty options tailored to their preferences and diets. Absolute game changer!

Average user rating:

• Apple App Store: 4.7 out of 5 (25K ratings)

Price: Free

Platforms:

• Apple iOS
• Web app

Ideal for: Parties and events where everyone eats. Office meetings, birthdays, showers, family/friend gatherings.

Key Takeaways on Must-Have Party Planning Apps

Hopefully this list gives you a great starting point for choosing an app that will simplify your party planning process! Here are some key points to remember:

• Quality party apps centralize all the key organizing tools into one easy-to-use platform. Look for apps with robust guest management, invites, lists, budgeting, communication features, etc.

• Top-rated apps like Zola, Social Tables, Hubbl, Event Prep Pro, PartySlate and Snackpass offer awesome capabilities that streamline coordination.

• Consider your specific party needs. Larger guest lists and corporate events may warrant a more advanced paid app like Social Tables or PartySlate. Casual get-togethers can use a free app like Hubbl very effectively.

• Read up on user reviews and make sure the app is known for usability, usefulness and helping hosts throw 5-star parties with less stress.

• Look for apps available across iOS, Android, web and desktop so you can manage party tasks from anywhere.

• Don‘t forget about leveraging handy apps like Snackpass to cover food and beverage needs!

Party planning will always entail some level of craziness. But choosing the right app for your event can seriously minimize the chaos, maximize organization, and let the fun shine through!

I hope my years of party app testing and opinions have helped you discover some new options to try for your upcoming events. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out anytime. Now go throw an unforgettable party!