Seating chart: Excel, Canva or a dedicated tool? Our 2026 comparison

While Excel is useful for guest lists and Canva for static name tags, only a dedicated tool like CéSAR combines interactive 2D room layouts, automatic spreadsheet imports, and a live QR code for guests on the day—completely free.

1. Excel or Google Sheets: essential for lists, poor for floor plans

Almost every planner starts with a spreadsheet. It is ideal for tracking RSVPs and dietary requirements. However, trying to visualize a room layout with shapes in Excel quickly turns into an ergonomic nightmare when shifting tables.

2. Canva: pretty for print, rigid for the live event

Canva offers beautiful templates for printed wedding signage. The core flaw remains: once printed, it is frozen in stone. Any last-minute change forces you to redesign and reprint.

3. CéSAR: the modern, 100% free all-in-one choice

CéSAR brings together the best of both worlds: import your Excel sheet in 1 click, arrange tables fluidly on a 2D floor plan, and let guests scan a sleek QR code on the day to see their table on their smartphone.