Seatly vs TopTablePlanner — 2026 Comparison
Both are dedicated seating chart tools — but Seatly starts free and includes online RSVP collection. TopTablePlanner charges per event and requires you to collect RSVPs separately. Here's the full breakdown.
Seatly is free to start, includes online RSVP links that automatically populate your seating canvas, and its organizer mode covers unlimited weddings on one account — making it the clear choice for professional planners and any couple who hasn't already collected RSVPs through a separate tool.
TopTablePlanner has been a dedicated seating chart tool for over a decade. It does the core job well — drag-and-drop canvas, all table shapes, dietary fields, and notably, built-in place card printing templates. It costs around $20 per event with no free plan beyond a limited trial. For a couple who's already collected RSVPs on paper or through another app and specifically needs place card layouts, it's a solid niche choice. For most modern weddings, the missing RSVP integration is a real gap.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Seatly | TopTablePlanner |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | ✓Free plan (up to 20 guests, ongoing) | ~$20 one-time per event |
| Free tier | ✓Ongoing free plan — no expiry | Trial only — no permanent free option |
| Online RSVP collection | ✓Yes — unique per-guest links, auto-updates list | No — manual status field only |
| RSVP → seating automation | ✓Confirmed guests ready to drag to seats | No automation — manual data entry required |
| Seating canvas | ✓Drag-and-drop, all shapes, snap-to-grid, touch-friendly | Drag-and-drop, all shapes — solid but older UX |
| Dietary tracking | ✓Per-guest, visible on canvas with indicators | Per-guest field present |
| PDF export | A4, A3, poster — venue-ready | Yes — multiple formats |
| Organizer mode (planners) | ✓Yes — unlimited weddings, one account | No — licence per event |
| Per-event cost for planners | ✓One organizer plan covers all weddings | $20 per wedding × number of events |
| EU / international | Fully international | Works internationally |
| Place card templates | Via poster PDF (no dedicated card layout) | Built-in place card printing layouts |
| Track record | Newer — modern stack | 10+ years dedicated to seating charts |
✓ = clear advantage in this category
Where Seatly wins
- ✓Free, forever, for small weddings. Up to 20 guests with every feature — no trial expiry, no licence fee. TopTablePlanner has no permanent free option.
- ✓Online RSVP collection built in. Every guest gets a unique link. When they respond, they're automatically marked confirmed and ready to assign to a seat. TopTablePlanner has no online RSVP — you collect responses yourself and update statuses manually.
- ✓Organizer mode for planners at no per-event cost. One Seatly organizer account, unlimited client weddings. TopTablePlanner licences per event — a planner with ten active weddings pays $200 in licences.
- ✓Modern, touch-friendly canvas. Snap-to-grid, responsive on tablets and touch screens. TopTablePlanner's interface reflects its age — functional but less fluid on modern devices.
- ✓Full wedding management. Catering counts, vendor notes, timeline, travel and accommodation tracking — all in Seatly alongside the seating chart. TopTablePlanner is seating-only.
Where TopTablePlanner genuinely wins
- ○Built-in place card templates. TopTablePlanner has dedicated stationery layouts for printing individual place cards — a feature Seatly doesn't match. If printing physical place cards from the same tool matters to you, this is a real advantage.
- ○Track record. Over ten years of focused seating chart work. If stability and a long-established product matter to you, TopTablePlanner has that history.
Who should choose which?
Choose TopTablePlanner if you've already collected all RSVPs another way, you specifically need dedicated place card printing templates, and a one-time $20 fee is your preferred payment model.
Choose Seatly if you want RSVPs and seating in one tool, you want a free tier that doesn't expire, you're a planner managing multiple weddings, or you want the seating chart to be part of a wider wedding management workspace.
Verdict: Seatly wins for most modern weddings
The missing RSVP integration in TopTablePlanner is a meaningful gap for any wedding where responses are still coming in while you're planning seats. Seatly's free tier, built-in RSVP, and organizer mode make it the stronger choice for the vast majority of couples — and the unambiguous choice for professional planners.