Paperless Post earns its reputation on design — and loses people on Coins, the per-guest currency that makes a nice invitation to a long guest list surprisingly expensive. Here’s an honest map of the alternatives, including where each one genuinely wins. (Full disclosure: we make the first one.)
1. RevelPost — that's us — judge accordingly
Instead of a template library, you describe your event in a sentence and AI designs a unique invitation — with your text set as real type (never garbled), the date and address verified, and the guest list importable from anything, even a screenshot of a group chat. Automatic reminders chase the RSVPs. Free to design and share; no per-guest Coins.
Best for: Hosts who want a premium, one-of-a-kind invitation without design work — and the guest logistics automated. · Try it free →
2. Evite
The biggest name in casual invitations, with a genuinely free ad-supported tier. Design quality is basic on free templates and the experience includes ads, but for a low-stakes BBQ it does the job at $0.
Best for: Quick, casual events where free matters more than the design. · Full comparison →
3. Greenvelope
Polished, stationery-faithful digital invitations with eco positioning and per-event pricing. Strongest for weddings and formal events, with mature multi-event RSVP tooling.
Best for: Formal weddings that want printed-stationery elegance in digital form. · Full comparison →
4. Punchbowl
The family-party specialist: licensed characters (Disney, Marvel, Star Wars) no one else can offer, with an animated envelope. Membership unlocks the premium designs.
Best for: Kids' parties where the character on the card is the whole point. · Full comparison →
5. Canva
A general design tool, not an invitation platform: enormous creative freedom if you enjoy designing, but no RSVP tracking, reminders, or guest management — you export an image and handle logistics yourself.
Best for: DIY designers who only need a graphic, not an event system.