How Much Does Event Planning Software Cost in 2026?
Event planning software ranges from free to $5,000+/year. Here's a breakdown of what you'll pay for Ripluo, HoneyBook, Dubsado, Aisle Planner, Planning Pod, and Cvent.
Event planning software costs range from $0 to over $5,000 per year, depending on the platform, plan tier, and number of users. Most small-to-mid-size event businesses spend $20-$60/month on their primary tool - but many end up paying for 2-3 tools because no single platform covers both planning and CRM.
2026 Pricing Comparison
| Platform | Starting Price | Includes Planning Tools? | Includes CRM? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ripluo | Free (paid from $15.99/mo) | Yes | Yes (every plan) |
| HoneyBook | $19/mo | No | Yes |
| Dubsado | $35/mo | No | Yes |
| Aisle Planner | $49/mo | Yes (weddings) | No |
| Planning Pod | $59/mo | Yes | Yes |
| Cvent | $5,000+/year | Partial | Enterprise |
The Hidden Cost of Multiple Tools
Many event planners use HoneyBook for CRM ($59/mo) plus Aisle Planner for timelines ($49/mo) - that's $108/month for two platforms that don't share data. Ripluo includes both planning tools and CRM on every plan (including free), with Pro ($49.99/mo) unlocking unlimited contracts, e-signatures, and AI CRM tools.
What to Look For
- Does the platform include the planning tools you need (timelines, budgets, tasks)?
- Does it include CRM, proposals, and contracts - or will you need a second tool?
- What are the payment processing fees? (Ripluo: ~3.4% total including Stripe, HoneyBook: 2.9% + $0.25)
- Is there a free plan to try before committing?
See the full breakdown: Ripluo pricing | vs HoneyBook | vs Dubsado