The tools that can help you plan your wedding cover a wide range. Everything from a simple pen and paper to the most sophisticated software could be included. You can benefit from taking advantage of many within that broad spectrum.

A simple spreadsheet can go a long way, provided you lay it out logically and keep it up to date. No tool will substitute for your creativity and input. But some are easier to use than others.

Microsoft Excel is still hugely popular, but Open Office Calc (http://www.openoffice.org/) is just as good and it's free. It also runs on Mac, Windows and Linux so there are no limitations. Google Docs and Spreadsheets is newer and less functional, but it has the advantage of being accessible from anywhere you have a computer/Internet connection.

More sophisticated planning software is available at various prices from free to outrageous.

Microsoft's Project is a powerful project planning tool that can be used for weddings or any other effort that requires coordinating multiple people and events. It does have a learning curve of a few days to weeks depending on your computer expertise level and it has a hefty price tag.

Other 'total package' software, chiefly online or web-based, is available, too, and many are oriented towards weddings in particular. Prices run everywhere from free to $25 per month or more. That may not sound like much, but keep in mind that you may be using it for 1-2 years. It can add up.

Wedding Wire has a number of discrete tools. (http://www.weddingwire.com/shared/WeddingMain) A comprehensive package is available at Wedding Soft (http://www.weddingsoft.com).

Online software applications differ in other ways. Some are for specific purposes. For example, they may be geared to allowing for web-based RSVP, making it easy for your guests to respond online. That makes tracking much easier. Others help you keep track of seating arrangements at the reception.

Keep in mind when evaluating software one simple rule: you have to use it. You may already be familiar with a word processor or text editor that allows you to make lists. You might already know Excel. That makes Calc or Google Spreadsheets equally easy to use. But wedding planning software will have some things that are simple and familiar and some things that operate differently. The time you spend learning or struggling with software is time taken away from other things. It's always necessary to strike a balance somewhere.

The best way to decide which, if any, suits your style and your needs is to spend a few hours using different ones. Free trials are available on just about anything. Reviews can be helpful, but each person and each wedding is just different enough that a short amount of time spent actually using the site/software will give you much more information.

If you find one you like the (often low) price can well be worth the investment. Free software is usually very limited, though occasionally it will have everything you want. A product that costs $30 can be the best investment you can make in your wedding. After all, the savings in stress by staying organized is well worth that. If you need more financial incentive, just consider how much you'll save in aspirin...