Comparison
STEVEN vs Google Sheets: which should you plan in?
Google Sheets is free and endlessly flexible, and for a small guest list it can be enough. STEVEN is the better pick once you want RSVPs collected automatically, live QR check-in on the day, and a seating chart that stays in sync with who's actually coming - and it imports your existing sheet.
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Feature by feature
| Feature | STEVEN | Google Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free up to 50 guests; $15 one-time per wedding (up to 200 guests) | Free with a Google account |
| Best for | Couples who want guest list, RSVPs, and seating connected | DIY couples who like total control over their own layout |
| Guest list management | Purpose-built fields, groups, and roles | Whatever columns you build yourself |
| Online RSVP collection | Shareable link updates the list automatically | You copy replies in by hand (or build a Form) |
| QR code guest check-in | Scan or name search at the door, live arrival counts | |
| Seating chart tied to RSVPs | Plus-ones counted, capacity warnings | Manual, and drifts from your guest tab |
| Filipino wedding roles (ninong/ninang, sponsors, entourage) | Built into guest groups | Only if you build the columns |
| Guest photo/video sharing (Memories) | ||
| Budget and expense tracking | Planned vs actual, linked to suppliers | If you build and maintain the formulas |
| Collaboration without breaking formulas | Everyone has their own login and safe edits | One wrong drag can break a formula |
| Works on phones at the venue | Designed mobile-first for the wedding day | Spreadsheets are awkward on mobile |
Where each one wins
Pick STEVEN if…
- RSVP links that update your guest list automatically - no manual copying
- Live QR check-in on the wedding day, impossible in a spreadsheet
- Seating chart that stays in sync with RSVPs and counts plus-ones
- Filipino wedding roles and guest groups built in
- Imports your existing Excel or Google Sheet so you don't start over
Stick with Google Sheets if…
- Completely free with any Google account
- Total flexibility - build any column or formula you want
- Familiar to almost everyone
- Easy to share a view-only link
- Great for very small or very custom guest lists
STEVEN vs Google Sheets, answered.
Is it cheaper to just use Google Sheets?
Sheets is free, and for a small guest list it can be enough. STEVEN's free Starter tier is also free for up to 50 guests; the $15 one-time Plus payment adds RSVP publishing, QR check-in, and live seating for up to 200 guests - things a spreadsheet can't do.
Can I import my existing wedding spreadsheet?
Yes. STEVEN imports CSV and Excel files and maps your columns automatically, including plus-ones, dietary notes, and table preferences, so you keep the work you've already done.
What does STEVEN do that a spreadsheet can't?
Collect RSVPs through a shareable link that updates your list automatically, check guests in with a QR code on the day, and keep a seating chart in sync with your RSVPs - all things that require manual upkeep or are impossible in Sheets.
Will my formulas break if my partner edits the list?
In a shared spreadsheet, one accidental drag can break a formula or shift a column. STEVEN gives each collaborator their own login and structured fields, so edits stay safe.
Can I still keep a spreadsheet alongside STEVEN?
Yes. You can export your guest list and budget to CSV anytime, so nothing locks you in. Many couples keep a backup export while running the day-to-day in STEVEN.
Prefer Excel? Read STEVEN vs spreadsheets or see our guest list guide.