Looking for a Total Party Planner alternative?
The simpler Total Party Planner alternative,
The simpler Total Party Planner alternative,
minus the chaos.
One simple app from the first enquiry to the final invoice, with an AI assistant that keeps every event moving.
- Every enquiry, contract, deposit and invoice in one place
- BEOs for the kitchen, without re-typing anything
- An event calendar that blocks double bookings
- Works in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Dutch
- Free 30-minute demo with our team, or a 14-day trial with no credit card
Comparing with Total Party Planner?
LightCater vs Total Party Planner at a glance
Both are made for catering. LightCater is quicker to start and adds event-venue tools, floor plans, AI and documents in six languages.
| Total Party Planner | LightCater | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Caterers, venues, universities and stadiums | Caterers, banquet halls and event venues, from a team of one to several properties |
| How to start | Book a demo | 14-day free trial with no credit card, or a 30-minute demo |
| BEOs, menus, invoices | Yes | Yes |
| Menu costing | Yes | Yes, with recipe management |
| Online payments | Yes | Yes |
| Staff scheduling | Yes | Yes, staff claim shifts from their phone |
Why caterers choose LightCater
- Start on your own today: build your first event and send a proposal in the trial
- Room calendar that blocks double bookings, for venues and banquet halls
- Floor plans in 2D and 3D, built in
- Proposals, contracts, invoices and BEOs in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Dutch
- AI assistant that drafts client emails, or bring your own ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini
When Total Party Planner may fit better
Large catering operations that already run on it, or that need its online ordering for drop-off menus.
Based on each company's public website, October 2026. Total Party Planner is a trademark of its owner. Spotted something out of date? Write to support@pxier.com.
Core features
Everything you need to run your events
Click any feature to see how it works.
Customers & CRMEvery client, contact and past event in one place.
Event calendarAll rooms and events at a glance, no double bookings.
Events, menus & packagesBuild an event in minutes from your packages and menus.
ContractsYour terms and layout, filled in from the event.
InvoicesTaxes, service charges and discounts calculated for you.
Payments & depositsClients pay deposits online; the balance updates on every event.
Payment plans & split billsSchedule instalments or split one event across payers.
BEOs & function sheetsTimes, guests, menu, room and dietary notes on one sheet.
Pack lists, checklists & tasksEquipment lists, plus checklists and reminders with due dates on every event.
Off-site deliveryDelivery address, arrival time and on-site contact on each event.
Recurring eventsWeekly lunches or regular bookings, set up once.
Reports & dashboardBookings, revenue and balances due, ready to export.
More features
Turn on more when you need it
Switch them on with one click from inside the app.
ProposalsBranded proposals that turn into contracts.
E-signatureClients sign contracts online, from any device.
Floor plans 2D & 3DLay out tables and walk clients through the room.
Online bookingClients book rooms and packages on your website 24/7.
AI assistantDrafts client emails and flags what needs attention.
Bring your own AIConnect your own ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini account and LightCater's AI runs on it.
Lead managementEnquiries in one inbox with follow-ups and website forms.
Recipe management & food costingRecipes with ingredient costs, so you know what each menu costs you.
Crew schedulingPost shifts; staff claim them from their phone.
Rental inventoryRent out chairs, linens and equipment without double-booking them.
QuickBooks & XeroSend invoices and payments to your accounting.
Google & Outlook calendarEvents in the calendar your team already uses.
Bulk emailNewsletters and offers to your client list.
Guest feedbackAsk for reviews after each event.
Event registrationSell tickets with card payment, QR codes and check-in at the door.
Appointments & tastingsBook tastings and site visits, with Meet, Teams or Zoom links.
Inbox AI summaryEach morning, a short summary of your email and the tasks in it.
Table reservationsRestaurant bookings and walk-ins on a live floor map.
Restaurant POSOrders by table, split bills and payments.
Digital signageToday's events on lobby and room screens.
Multi-location room searchFind free meeting rooms across every property in one search.
Caterer portalWorking with outside caterers? Each one sees only the events you assign.
Kitchen sheet (ESO)One printed sheet per customer and day for the kitchen and service team.
Batch printPrint BEOs and documents for a whole date range at once.
Quick bookingCustomer, event, menu and services booked on one page.
Document customizationYour own layouts for BEOs, contracts and invoices.
Cloud storageAttach and store the documents for every event.
pxierMeetAI notes and follow-ups from your client calls.
API accessConnect your own tools, with priority support.
Also available: table reservations, restaurant POS, hotel PMS integration, digital signage and document customization. See all features →
Want to see it with your own events?
Let us show you around in 30 minutes, or try it yourself for 14 days.
Inside the app
ProposalPackages and menus, ready to accept online.
ContractYour terms and layout, signed online.
InvoiceTaxes, service charges and balance due.
Banquet event order (BEO)Menu, run of show and team notes on one sheet.
AI assistant that drafts client emails and briefs your day. 
Floor plans in 2D and 3D for every room.
Documents your clients will love
Real proposals, contracts, invoices and BEOs made by LightCater, with your logo and layout. Sample data.