Summer has arrived, and as we head back home for the holidays a main priority is reunions with friends.

Whether it’s a ladies lunch or a football tournament, planning these events is made so much easier with a variety of web applications.

1. First things first, find out when everyone is available with Which Date Works. Simply describe your event, select who is invited, list your own availability and wait for the replies to flood in. This is an easy way to find the date which works for everyone.

2. Once the date’s been set, it’s time for invitations! My Punch Bowl allows you to virtually produce your invitations, making them as personal and creative as you like; from fun photographs to fancy font.

Send them to your guests, with the opportunity to include reminders and gift reminders, so no excuses!

3. Another creative way to plan events is SetDot, which includes a variety of themes available to you to make your invite more interesting.

Additional useful features are a free messaging service to keep your guests updated, and maps and directions to invites.

4. Anyvite is ideal for mini events – movies or a barbeque. It is quick and simple, and also allows guests to receive updates about the event through text messages, so that everyone is always clear on the plans.

5. Of course, sometimes it’s nice to stick to what we know. Facebook Events is the ideal place to create a page for an occasion.

This can be open to everyone, or private to just a few specific members. Oh, and it’s perfect for uploading photographic memories afterwards!

With these cost free ways to plan, organise and invite guests, let the partying commence.