| Feature | Why SeatPlan.io does it better |
|---|---|
AI Floor-Plan Import | Upload a venue photo or PDF and AI builds an editable, to-scale layout in seconds — Zola has no AI floor-plan import, so every table is placed by hand. Available on every SeatPlan.io plan, with one free import to try; Event Manager adds free CAD/DXF imports at exact scale. |
Seating as Core Product | Our entire business is seating tools - not a feature to drive registry sales |
Web-Based Access | Full desktop interface - plan on a proper screen, not just a mobile app |
Transparent Pricing | Pay directly for seating features - not bundled with paper purchases |
Professional Flexibility | Works for any event type, integrates with any wedding service |
Real Collaboration | Share with planners, venues, and clients via link - instant access |
11 minutes
to seat 80 people
“Took me 6 hours to seat 80 people on paper. Took me 11 minutes on SeatPlan.io.”
<30 minutes
for a 120-person wedding
“I had my entire 120-person wedding seated in under 30 minutes.”
200 guests
with 8 dietary needs and 4 wheelchair users
“200 guests. 8 dietary requirements. 4 wheelchair users. 1 complicated family tree. SeatPlan.io handled all of it.”
Frequently asked
SeatPlan.io vs Zola: common questions
- Do I need to use Zola's other services to use SeatPlan.io?
- No. SeatPlan.io is dedicated seating chart software. There is no registry, invitation, or website lock-in — bring your own RSVP and stationery providers.
- Does SeatPlan.io work on desktop browsers?
- Yes. SeatPlan.io is a full web application that runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, iPad, and Android. Zola's seating chart is iOS-app only.
- Are there guest count limits?
- No guest cap on paid tiers. Zola caps the free tier at 15 guests, which is below most weddings; SeatPlan.io's £8/$8/€8 one-time tier handles weddings of any size.
- Can wedding planners and venues use SeatPlan.io professionally?
- Yes. The Event Manager subscription (£25/$25/€25 per month) is built for planners and venues — unlimited events, reusable templates, and client collaboration links.
- Does SeatPlan.io have AI floor-plan import that Zola doesn't?
- Yes — on every plan. SeatPlan.io turns a photo or PDF of your venue into an editable, to-scale seating template automatically — tables, seat counts, and areas detected for you, then refined in the designer. Zola has no AI import. The free designer includes one AI import to try; paid plans include 3 a month with cheap top-ups, and Event Manager adds free exact-scale CAD/DXF imports.
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