An action alignment system for event planning and execution searches out web sites relating to event planning and, based on web site content, constructs a database of various tasks that might be desired for different events (tasks can also be manually added to the database). The tasks have associated tags which allow a task search engine to match a user query representing a proposed event to potential tasks. This list of potential tasks is presented to the user who may then select the tasks as desired to customize the event plan. Vendors can provide pre-packaged deals for the tasks, and this information can be included with the task database, selected by the user, and added to the event plan. A scheduler and alert engine then inserts appropriate entries into the user's calendar, and sends timely alerts to the user which include links that simplify event management.