Best Software to Run an
Event Planning Business
The best software to run an event planning business combines a CRM, proposals, contracts, and invoicing with event planning tools in one place. Ripluo is the top all-in-one pick, HoneyBook is best for client documents alone, and 17hats is best for simple solo operations. Here is the full ranked breakdown.
Start Free with RipluoWhy the Software You Run On Decides Your Margin
Planning a beautiful event is only half of the job. The other half is running a business: capturing leads, sending proposals, signing contracts, collecting deposits, and getting paid on time. The tool you run that on shapes how much of your day goes to admin and how much profit survives to the end of the event.
The most common mistake is buying for one half of the job. A CRM-only tool handles proposals and invoices but cannot build a timeline or track a budget. A planning-only tool does the opposite. So you buy both, log into two systems, and re-enter the same client data twice for every event.
The common two-tool stack:
- A CRM tool for proposals, contracts, and invoicing
- A separate planning tool for timelines, budgets, and guests
- Two logins, two bills, and data that never fully syncs
The operators who keep the most margin tend to run on one platform, where closing a deal flows straight into a ready-to-plan event with no re-entry. That is the lens we used to rank the tools below.
How We Ranked These Tools
Each tool was judged on the four jobs of running an event business:
- Win clients - lead capture, CRM pipeline, follow-up
- Get paid - proposals, contracts, e-signatures, invoicing
- Plan the event - timelines, budgets, guests in the same tool
- Value - true cost including any second tool you would need
The 7 Best Tools to Run an Event Planning Business
Ranked for operators who need to win clients, get paid, and plan the event without juggling two systems.
Ripluo
Best PickAll-in-one platform that runs the business (CRM, proposals, contracts, invoicing) and plans the events (timelines, budgets, guests) in one place.
Pros
- Full CRM pipeline with lead capture, deal values, and BCC email logging
- Proposals, contracts, e-signatures, and invoicing built in
- Event planning tools (timelines, budgets, guest lists) included on every plan
- Free plan with real tools, no credit card required
- Buildr AI drafts timelines, checklists, and client emails from your event context
- One-click deal-to-event conversion, so the business and the event share data
- 25 team members on Pro at $49.99/mo
Cons
- No native mobile app (web-based, works on any browser)
- No mood board or visual design presentation tools
- Workflow automation is on the roadmap, not yet released
HoneyBook
Client management platform for creative freelancers, focused on proposals, contracts, invoicing, and a polished client experience.
Pros
- Beautiful proposal and contract templates out of the box
- Integrated invoicing and online payments in one flow
- AI tools for email drafting and lead follow-up
- Dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android
Cons
- No event planning tools (no timelines, budgets, floor plans, or guest lists)
- Most planners add a second tool, pushing the real cost past $120/mo
- No free plan
- No BCC email logging to CRM contacts
Dubsado
Business management platform for freelancers with deep workflow automation and customizable client forms.
Pros
- Advanced workflow automation with conditional logic
- Highly customizable forms, questionnaires, and lead capture
- Client portals for proposals and contracts
- No platform fee on payments (Stripe fees only)
Cons
- No event planning tools (no timelines, budgets, floor plans, or guest lists)
- Steep learning curve to build out automations
- No AI assistant
- Not purpose-built for event professionals
17hats
Simple all-in-one business management for solo creative professionals, focused on ease of use.
Pros
- Very easy to learn with minimal setup time
- Proposals, contracts, invoicing, and basic workflows included
- Bookkeeping and expense tracking built in
- Affordable entry price for solo operators
Cons
- No event planning tools (no timelines, budgets, floor plans, or guest lists)
- Designed for solopreneurs, not event teams
- No AI assistant
- Limited room to scale as you add staff
Aisle Planner
Design-forward wedding planning platform with mood boards, a client portal, and basic business tools.
Pros
- Mood board and design tools for client presentations
- Proposals, contracts, e-signatures, and invoicing included
- Client portal for sharing timelines and seating charts
- Comprehensive wedding-specific checklist templates
Cons
- Built for weddings, not multi-event-type businesses
- No AI assistant or automated timeline generation
- No sales pipeline with weighted deal values
- Pricing scales by number of active projects
Planning Pod
Event management software with strong venue tools, invoicing, and banquet event order generation.
Pros
- Full venue management with room availability calendars
- Invoicing and payment processing built in
- BEO (Banquet Event Order) generation
- Established platform with many integrations
Cons
- Starts at $59/mo with no free tier
- Overkill for independent planners who do not manage a venue
- No AI assistant
- No BCC email logging to CRM contacts
Cvent
Enterprise event management platform for large conferences, trade shows, and corporate events.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade attendee registration and ticketing
- Venue sourcing network (Cvent Supplier Network)
- Event marketing, email campaigns, and virtual event support
- Robust reporting and analytics for enterprise teams
Cons
- Pricing starts at $5,000+/year, far out of reach for small businesses
- Complex setup requiring dedicated implementation time
- No meaningful free tier
- Overkill for independent planners and small event businesses
Best Pick by Type of Event Business
Best All-In-One
Ripluo
Runs the business and plans the events in one platform, so closing a deal flows straight into a ready-to-plan event with no re-entry.
Best Free Option
Ripluo
The only pick with a genuinely free plan that includes both basic CRM and real planning tools. No credit card required.
Best for Solo Operators
17hats or Ripluo
17hats is simple and cheap for solos who only need quoting and invoicing. Ripluo's free plan wins if you also plan the events yourself.
Best for Client Documents Only
HoneyBook
If you only need polished proposals, contracts, and payments and plan the events elsewhere, HoneyBook is a strong client-facing tool.
Best for Automation-First Teams
Dubsado
If deep conditional workflow automation is your priority and you do not need planning tools, Dubsado has the most flexible automation.
Best for Agencies and Teams
Ripluo
Up to 25 team members on Pro with granular permissions, shared client and event data, and multi-event budgets for a growing business.
All-In-One vs. CRM-Only Tools
CRM-only tools (HoneyBook, Dubsado, 17hats) run the business side well. Here is what they leave you to buy a second tool for.
| Capability | CRM-Only Tools | Ripluo |
|---|---|---|
| Run the Business | ||
| CRM Sales Pipeline | Deal values + probability | |
| Proposals and Contracts | ||
| E-Signatures | ||
| Invoicing and Online Payments | ||
| Lead Capture Forms | ||
| BCC Email Logging to CRM | ||
| Plan the Event | ||
| Timeline / Run-of-Show | Breakout sessions | |
| Budget Tracking | Multi-event budgets | |
| Guest Lists and RSVP | ||
| Vendor Management | ||
| Convert Deal to Event (1-click) | ||
| AI, Team, and Price | ||
| AI Assistant | Email drafts (some tools) | Buildr AI for timelines, checklists, budgets |
| Free Plan | Real tools, no card | |
| All-In-One Price | $120+/mo (two tools) | $49.99/mo (Pro, everything) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Run the whole business in one place.
CRM, proposals, contracts, invoicing, and event planning together.
Start free, no credit card required. Upgrade when you are ready for contracts, payments, and a full CRM.
Start Free with Ripluo