Plan a Big Event from Your Laptop

© iStockphoto/ThinkstockParty and event planners don’t tell people about event-planning software packages. That’s because many of them use such software themselves and fear that if the secret gets out, they’ll lose business.

Instead of hiring a party planner or wedding coordinator, you can spend the $75 to $200 for software and do it yourself. Here are just a few good packages:

• Mountain Cow’s Printing Press.
  Printing Press is an invitation software package that helps you design
  and print perfect invitations or “save the date” cards. Features modern
  fonts and graphics. Available at www.mountaincow.com.
• My Wedding Companion CD. The
  longest-selling wedding planning software on the market, My Wedding
  Companion organizes every aspect of your wedding, from the registry and
  seating chart to your honeymoon. Available from fivestarsoftware.com.
• B’nai Mitzvah. This bar and
  bat mitzvah planning software can also be used for planning other types
  of parties and events. Can be purchased at castlecomputer.com.
• Reunion Planner Software.
  Helps you organize a reunion celebration; keeps tabs on your budget,
  contact information, name tags, and seat assignments. Available at reunionplanner.com.
• The Ultimate Wine and Cheese Pairing Guide.
  Never be confused about wine again. This software has lists of the most
  popular white, red, and dessert wines, as well as classic food pairing
  matches for each. Available from Amazon.com.

See also: 13 Things Your Wedding Planner Won’t Tell You