Help and questions

How do I make an event?

Make a free account, press "Make an event", fill in the name, the date and the place, and press "Make it". You get a link to share. It takes about two minutes.

What is the difference between an event and an invitation?

They work the same way. An invitation is set up for private gatherings such as a birthday or a backyard party: it is not listed anywhere and the street address stays hidden until a guest answers yes or maybe. An event is set up to be found: it can be listed in the Barrie events list.

Who can see my event?

You choose. "Only people with the link" means the page is not in any list and search engines are told to ignore it. "List it in the events list" means anyone can find it, and search engines may show it.

Can I keep the address private?

Yes. Choose "Show it only to guests who say yes or maybe". Everyone else sees only the town. The address is also left out of the calendar file for people who have not answered.

Do my guests need an account?

No. They type a name and an email address, answer yes, maybe or no, and get a confirmation by email with a link to change their answer.

How do reminders work?

The day before the event we email everyone who said yes or maybe, once. You can switch this off on the event. Guests can stop emails about an event with one click.

Can I write to my guests?

Yes, once your email address is confirmed. Open the event, press "Write to guests", and choose who gets it. Every email says who it is from, why the guest got it, and has a link to stop emails.

Why was my public event not listed right away?

The first public event from a new host is checked by a person before it appears in the list. The link works straight away. After your first event is approved, the next ones are listed at once.

Can I use tickets instead of RSVPs?

Yes, for events (not invitations). When you make an event, choose "Tickets (free)", then add the kinds of ticket you want and how many of each. Guests choose how many they want and get a QR code for each ticket by email. A ticket can only be used once, and a guest who cannot come can give theirs back.

How do I check people in at the door?

Open the camera on your phone and point it at the QR code of a guest while you are signed in. The ticket opens with a big Check in button. You can also search the check-in list by name or ticket code. It works on any phone and needs no app.

Can I sell tickets?

Free tickets work today. Paid tickets are coming, and they will use your own Stripe account so the money goes straight to you. We do not offer ticket resale.

How do I report an event?

Open the event and press "Report this event" at the bottom. A person reads every report.

How do I delete an event, or my account?

Open the event and use "Delete for good", or open "Your account" and delete everything. Events and their guest lists are also deleted automatically a year after the event.

Something else? Write to hello@sonatina.ca.