Welcome to May—aka prime wedding planning season. If you’re tying the knot soon (or just like looking like you have it all together), you’ve probably got a few things swirling through your brain right now: seating charts, budget spreadsheets, RSVPs, plus figuring out why Aunt Karen now claims she’s “allergic to anything that’s not champagne”—the list goes on.
At Foundry 45, we know firsthand that planning a wedding can feel like herding glitter—beautiful, but absolutely everywhere. So let’s make life easier, shall we?
We rounded up the best wedding websites that’ll help you keep your cool, stay organized, and maybe even have fun doing it (imagine that). Whether you’re the ultra-planner or the “I’ll wing it” bride/groom (who really shouldn’t wing it), these sites have your back.
The Knot: The OG Wedding Wingman
Why You’ll Love It:
The Knot is basically the Beyoncé of wedding planning—legendary, reliable, and always showing up when you need it most. It’s packed with tools like a budget tracker, guest list manager, and a customizable wedding website (so your guests stop texting you “What time is the ceremony again?” every 5 minutes).
Standout Features:
- Vendor search with reviews
- Master checklist that tells you exactly what to do and when (aka, your new boss)
- Wedding website builder with RSVP tracking and registry links
Fun Fact:
The Knot’s checklist will remind you of things you didn’t even know you had to do, like “Get a marriage license.” (Kinda important.)
Zola: The Cool Kid of Wedding Planning
Why You’ll Love It:
Zola is like The Knot’s trendier cousin who’s super organized but makes it look effortless. Its tools are clean, modern, and simple to use, even if your tech skills stop at “I know how to screenshot.”
Standout Features:
- Website builder with gorgeous designs (no coding needed, promise)
- Guest list & RSVP tracking (goodbye, paper RSVPs… and Aunt Suzie’s chicken-scratch handwriting)
- Registry that lets you add physical gifts and cash funds
- Seating chart planner (drag-and-drop your way to harmony… or keep Cousin Eddie as far as possible from the open bar)
LOL Moment:
Zola will let you add a honeymoon fund, which is a polite way to say: “We already have a toaster. Help us get to Fiji.”
WeddingWire: The Deep-Dive Detective
Why You’ll Love It:
Are you a review reader? (You know, the type who won’t order fries without scrolling through 100 Yelp reviews first?) Then WeddingWire is your soulmate. It’s loaded with detailed vendor reviews, budget tools, and planning guides for every scenario—including the stuff you didn’t know was a “thing” (looking at you, bathroom baskets).
Standout Features:
- Vendor directory with reviews galore
- Budget tool with realistic spending estimates (aka, your dose of reality)
- Seating chart maker (the most fun you’ll ever have with a diagram)
- Wedding forums full of brutally honest advice from real couples
Too Real:
You’ll find yourself asking things like, “Do we need a second photographer?” and the forums will have 86 very passionate answers.
Joy: The App You Didn’t Know You Needed
Why You’ll Love It:
Joy is for couples who love keeping it digital—and for guests who will definitely not read a paper invite past the RSVP card. It’s sleek, interactive, and totally extra (in the best way).
Standout Features:
- Mobile app for guests (they can check the timeline and post selfies from the dance floor)
- Digital RSVPs & schedule updates
- Guest photo uploads (goodbye, grainy Snapchat screenshots)
- Interactive guestbook (let the love-fest begin)
The Bonus:
Joy lets you include love stories, bridal party bios, and even quirky quizzes. “How well do you know the couple?” Yes please.
💡 Foundry 45 Tip: Use Joy’s app to share directions, parking info, and emergency rain plans—because we love Wisconsin, but the weather? Always a surprise.
Minted: Where Design Dreams Come True
Why You’ll Love It:
For the couple who cares about aesthetic, Minted is the ultimate wedding glow-up. Their stationery and websites are designed by actual artists, so everything from your invites to your website feels cohesive and classy AF.
Standout Features:
- Wedding websites that match your invites (yes, it’s as satisfying as it sounds)
- Luxe invitation suites (you’ll want to frame them)
- Free address collection (because texting your friends for their addresses 10 times is… exhausting)
- High-end print options for that extra “wow”
Warning:
You will fall down a rabbit hole of designs and emerge three hours later, inspired and broke (but in the best way).
Wrapping It Up: The Foundry 45 Secret Sauce
Here’s the thing: all these websites are amazing—but even the best digital planner can’t replace having a rockstar team behind you. That’s where we come in. Foundry 45 offers a full-service experience with an Event Manager who’s basically your wedding fairy godmother. We’ll help you iron out the details, answer the questions you didn’t know to ask, and make sure your big day runs smoother than your signature cocktail.
This May, let’s raise a glass to organization, peace of mind, and (of course) gorgeous weddings.
