Comparison
STEVEN vs The Knot: which one fits your wedding?
The Knot is the better pick if you want a free US registry, a wedding website, and a big vendor marketplace. STEVEN is the better pick if you want to actually run the wedding - RSVPs, seating, budget, QR check-in, and Filipino roles like sponsors and entourage - for a one-time $15.
Free to start · No credit card required
Feature by feature
| Feature | STEVEN | The Knot |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free up to 50 guests; $15 one-time per wedding (up to 200 guests) | Free for couples (monetized through registry and vendor advertising) |
| Best for | Filipino weddings and couples planning their own event | US couples who want vendor discovery, a website, and a registry |
| Online RSVP collection | Shareable link, works over Messenger or SMS | Through your The Knot wedding website |
| Wedding website builder | Public event + RSVP page, not a full website builder | Full website builder with templates |
| Gift registry | Universal registry across stores | |
| QR code guest check-in | Scan or name search at the door, live arrival counts | |
| Filipino wedding roles (ninong/ninang, sponsors, entourage) | Built into guest groups | Generic guest list categories |
| Guest photo/video sharing (Memories) | Guests upload straight from the reception | Limited photo features |
| Seating chart | Tied to your RSVP list, with floor-plan sketching | |
| Budget and expense tracking | Budgeter tool included | |
| Vendor marketplace | Track your own vendors instead | Large US vendor marketplace |
| Real-time collaboration | Partner, family, and coordinator with own accounts | Shared account access |
The Knot details based on publicly available information as of mid-2026. If something has changed, tell us and we'll fix it.
Where each one wins
Pick STEVEN if…
- One-time $15 payment for your wedding - no subscription to cancel later
- Filipino wedding context built in: principal sponsors, entourage, ninong/ninang roles
- QR check-in with live arrival tracking on the wedding day itself
- Guest memories gallery - photos and videos collected from your guests
- Real-time collaboration where everyone gets their own login
Pick The Knot if…
- Completely free for couples - revenue comes from vendors and registry
- Huge US vendor marketplace with reviews and pricing
- Polished wedding website builder with many templates
- Universal gift registry across multiple stores
- Well-known brand with planning checklists and inspiration content
STEVEN vs The Knot, answered.
Is The Knot free to use?
Yes. The Knot is free for couples because it earns from vendor advertising and registry purchases. STEVEN's free Starter tier covers events up to 50 guests; the $15 one-time Plus payment unlocks publishing your RSVP page and up to 200 guests.
Can I use STEVEN and The Knot together?
Yes. Many couples use The Knot for vendor discovery, a wedding website, and a registry, then STEVEN for the operational side - guest list, RSVPs, seating, budget, and day-of QR check-in. They complement rather than conflict.
Does STEVEN have a vendor marketplace?
No. STEVEN lets you track your own booked vendors, payments, and contacts, but it is not a discovery marketplace. If you need to find and compare US vendors, The Knot's marketplace is stronger.
Why pay for STEVEN when The Knot is free?
You pay for things The Knot doesn't do well: QR check-in at the venue, Filipino wedding roles like sponsors and entourage, guest photo collection, and collaboration where your coordinator gets their own login.
Does STEVEN work for weddings outside the Philippines?
Yes. STEVEN is Filipino-first but works for weddings anywhere. The Knot, by contrast, is heavily US-focused, especially its vendor marketplace and registry.
Comparing other tools? Read STEVEN vs Zola or STEVEN vs Google Sheets.