PlanSeats Free
$0/month
- 1 event, up to 20 guests
- Up to 4 tables
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Guest management
- PNG/CSV export
- No credit card needed
PlanSeats is the modern seating chart software that makes event planning simple. Drag-and-drop simplicity, real-time collaboration, and pricing that works for everyone, from intimate gatherings to 500+ guest events.
Free plan for your first event, no credit card.
The Knot is one of the largest wedding planning platforms in the world, and their seating chart tool is included as part of their comprehensive wedding suite. However, because it's a bundled feature rather than a dedicated application, The Knot's seating functionality is more limited compared to purpose-built tools like PlanSeats.
The most significant difference is independence. The Knot requires you to create a wedding account and integrates tightly with their RSVP system, vendor directory, and wedding website. PlanSeats works as a standalone tool that complements whatever wedding services you're already using: including The Knot itself. Many couples use The Knot for their wedding website while using PlanSeats for superior seating chart capabilities.
PlanSeats offers features The Knot simply doesn't have: intelligent auto-assign that groups guests based on relationships and meal preferences, real-time collaboration for simultaneous editing with your partner or planner, and support for non-wedding events. If you're planning a corporate event or birthday party, The Knot won't help: but PlanSeats handles any event type.
For professional wedding planners, PlanSeats' vendor sharing features are essential. Generate a universal link that any caterer or venue coordinator can access without creating an account. The Knot's sharing is more limited and works best within their ecosystem.
See why PlanSeats is the top The Knot alternative for seating charts.
| Feature | PlanSeats | The Knot |
|---|---|---|
| Starting priceBoth offer free seating tools, but The Knot requires a full wedding-planning account; a PlanSeats account is just an email and takes seconds. | Free | Free (The Knot account) |
| Standalone toolPlanSeats works independently. The Knot's seating chart is part of their broader wedding planning suite. | Yes | No |
| Drag-and-drop builderBoth platforms provide visual drag-and-drop interfaces for guest placement. | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple table shapesRound, rectangular, and custom table configurations are available in both tools. | Yes | Yes |
| Custom floor plan uploadPlanSeats Pro allows uploading venue floor plans as background images. The Knot uses template-based layouts only. | Pro | No |
| Guest list import (CSV)Import your guest list from spreadsheets in either platform. | Yes | Yes |
| PDF/Image exportBoth tools export seating charts for printing and sharing. | Yes | Yes |
| Shareable view linkPlanSeats generates universal shareable links. The Knot's sharing works best within their platform. | Yes | Partial |
| Real-time collaborationEdit seating charts simultaneously with PlanSeats Pro. The Knot doesn't support real-time collaboration. | Pro | No |
| Auto-assign seatingPlanSeats Pro intelligently suggests guest placement. The Knot requires manual assignment only. | Pro | No |
| Meal preference trackingTrack dietary restrictions and meal choices in both platforms. | Yes | Yes |
| Non-wedding eventsPlanSeats handles corporate events, parties, and any seated gathering. The Knot is wedding-only. | Yes | No |
Unlike The Knot, PlanSeats offers clear pricing with no hidden fees.
$0/month
$8.99/month
Free (with The Knot account)
Yes, The Knot includes a free seating chart tool as part of their wedding planning suite. You need a The Knot account to use it. PlanSeats is also free and works as a standalone tool: no wedding suite required.
For dedicated seating chart functionality, PlanSeats offers more: auto-assign with rules, real-time collaboration, and support for non-wedding events. The Knot's tool is solid for basic needs within their ecosystem.
Yes! Keep your The Knot wedding website and RSVP system, but use PlanSeats for your seating chart. Export your guest list from The Knot as CSV and import it directly into PlanSeats.
Absolutely. Unlike The Knot, PlanSeats isn't wedding-specific. It handles corporate galas, birthday parties, conferences, and any event with assigned seating.
Yes! PlanSeats Pro includes auto-assign with rules: group guests, assign by meal preferences, and keep certain people apart. The Knot's seating is manual only.
Yes! The PlanSeats free plan covers your first event with up to 20 guests. No credit card required. The Planner plan is $8.99/month for unlimited guests and tables.
Add your tables, import your guests, and share the chart with your partner, planner or venue.
Free plan for your first event, no credit card.