Creating A Wedding Website: A Couple's Guide To Diy

Creating your own wedding website is a great way to share details about your upcoming nuptials with your loved ones. Wedding websites are a one-stop shop to help you communicate crucial details with your friends and family, such as venue details, the weekend itinerary, dress code, travel information, and more.

The good news is that you don't need to be a tech whiz to create a wedding website. There are many website builders that offer templates and customisation options to help you get started. You can also choose to build a website from scratch if you're feeling adventurous.

In addition to being a practical tool for invitees, wedding websites can also be visually appealing and fun to create. Whether you opt for a simple template or a fully customised design, your wedding website is a great way to share your love story and get your guests excited for your special day.

Choosing a website builder

Creating your own wedding website is a great way to keep your guests informed and excited about your big day. But with so many website builders out there, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are some things to consider when selecting a website builder for your wedding website:

Ease of Use and Creative Freedom

Look for a website builder that strikes a balance between ease of use and creative freedom. Wix, for example, combines both, allowing you to create a unique website without requiring any technical skills. Squarespace is another popular option, known for its elegant designs and user-friendly interface. If you're looking for something more specialized, The Knot is a wedding website builder that doubles as an online wedding planner, offering practical features like registry integrations.

Cost

When choosing a website builder, consider your budget. While many builders offer free plans and trials, others charge a small monthly fee. For instance, Squarespace has a 14-day free trial, after which it costs $16 per month. Wix also offers a free plan, but if you want a more professional website, you can opt for their premium plans.

Customization Options

Think about the level of customization you want for your website. Some builders offer highly customized styles, like Wix and Squarespace, while others provide elegant, coordinated designs, such as Minted. If you want to match your website to your wedding invitations and stationery, Minted is a great choice as they offer personalized wedding websites designed to complement your wedding suite.

Integration with Other Tools

If you're using other tools for your wedding planning, look for a website builder that integrates seamlessly with them. For example, Zola's wedding website builder integrates with their Guest List Manager and Registry tools. This makes it easy to manage all your wedding details in one place.

Privacy and Sharing Options

Consider the privacy settings and sharing options offered by the website builder. Some platforms allow you to make your website private through password protection, ensuring only your invited guests can access it. Additionally, think about how you want to share your website with guests. You can include the link on your save-the-dates, invitations, or even create a bespoke QR code that guests can scan to access your site.

Template Designs

The design of your website is important, and most builders offer a variety of templates to choose from. Browse the template galleries of different builders to find one that complements your wedding's style and vibe. You can also look for builders that offer coordinated website and invitation designs, like Minted, for a cohesive look throughout your wedding stationery.

Additional Features

Finally, consider any additional features you may want. For instance, some builders offer an app store where you can install social streaming apps to share photos and videos directly on your site. Others provide features like Google Maps integration, online RSVP forms, or the ability to add a countdown timer to your website. Think about what features are most important to you and your guests when making your decision.

Selecting a design

Choose a Template

First, you'll want to select a website builder that offers a range of templates to choose from. Popular options include Wix, Squarespace, The Knot, Zola, and Minted, among others. These platforms offer a variety of designs, from elegant and classic to modern and minimalist. Browse through their template galleries and preview the different options to find one that speaks to you and your partner.

Customization Options

Once you've chosen a template, it's time to make it your own! Look for a template that allows for customization so you can change colours, fonts, layouts, and add personal touches. Match your wedding website to your wedding stationery, colour scheme, or even your wedding venue's aesthetic. You can also incorporate your engagement photos, wedding hashtags, and other personal details to make it unique.

Mobile-Friendly Design

It's important to ensure that your wedding website is mobile-friendly. Many guests will likely be accessing it on their phones or tablets, so opt for a responsive design that adjusts to different screen sizes. This will ensure that your website is user-friendly and accessible to all your guests.

Custom URL

Consider creating a custom URL or domain name for your wedding website. This adds a special touch and makes it easier for guests to remember and access your site. You can use a combination of your names or something creative and unique to you as a couple. Keep in mind that custom domains usually come with an additional cost.

Keep it Concise

While you want your wedding website to be informative, avoid overwhelming your guests with too much text. Break down information into easily digestible sections and use concise, clear language. This will make it easier for guests to navigate and find the information they need.

Add Personal Touches

Incorporate elements that reflect your relationship and wedding style. This could include your engagement photos, a timeline of your relationship, a personalized message to your guests, or even a wedding countdown. These additions will make your website feel warm and inviting.

FAQ and RSVP Sections

Don't forget to include an FAQ section to anticipate and answer common questions your guests may have. This will save you from multiple emails and calls clarifying details. Also, if you plan to collect RSVPs through your website, ensure you have a dedicated RSVP page with clear instructions.

Match Your Wedding Aesthetic

If you want to go the extra mile, try to match your wedding website to your wedding aesthetic. Use similar colour schemes, fonts, or design elements that tie into your wedding theme. This creates a cohesive experience for your guests and showcases your attention to detail.

Remember, your wedding website is a reflection of you as a couple, so have fun with the design process and let your personalities shine through!

Creating a custom URL

Keep it Short and Simple:

It is recommended to keep your URL short, simple, and easy to remember. Avoid making it too long or complicated, as this may lead to errors when guests type it out. A concise URL also looks neater and more professional on printed materials, such as invitations or save-the-dates.

Use Names:

A creative way to personalise your URL is to incorporate your names. You can use your first names, last names, or even nicknames. This adds a unique touch and can be a fun way to represent you as a couple. For example, "jordanandavery2025.com" or "thethompsons.com".

Include Wedding Details:

If you're finding it challenging to get a URL with just your names, you can add wedding-related words or phrases. Consider including the year of your wedding or a word like "wedding". For instance, "smithwedding2026.com" or "thepolanskishens.com".

Get Creative with Puns or Alliteration:

If you and your partner have names that lend themselves to puns or alliteration, you can create a playful and memorable URL. For example, "herecomesthelees.com" or "robinmarriesspencer.com".

Avoid Symbols and Numbers:

It is generally best to avoid using symbols, ampersands, hyphens, and numbers in your URL. These can be confusing and may lead to errors when guests try to access your website. Stick to letters to make it easier for your guests.

Choose a Domain Extension:

While "\.com" is the most common domain extension, it is not your only option. If your desired URL is already taken, you can explore other extensions like ".net", ".date", ".wedding", or ".love". For example, "peggyandsteve.love".

Check Availability and Purchase:

Before finalising your URL, be sure to check its availability. You can do this through a website builder or a third-party domain registrar. Once you've confirmed it's available, go ahead and purchase your custom domain.

Adding event details

Logistics and Timing:

Start by including essential information such as the wedding date, time, and location. This may seem obvious, but it is crucial to ensure your guests can easily find these details. You may also want to include an itinerary or timeline for the wedding day and any related events, such as a welcome dinner or post-wedding brunch.

Travel and Accommodation:

Provide travel information to help guests get to your destination and/or wedding venue. This can include driving routes, the nearest airport, public transportation options, and parking instructions. If you have a room block at a hotel, include all the relevant details, such as booking deadlines and any special rates.

Contact Information:

Include contact information for any follow-up questions. You can provide your own contact details, and/or that of your wedding planner, if you have one. This will make it easy for guests to reach out with any queries or surprises they may have planned.

Child-Friendly Guidelines:

Clearly state whether your wedding is a child-friendly affair or an adults-only celebration. If children are not invited, consider offering childcare options or a list of recommended babysitters. It is also a good idea to include this information in your loose itinerary to help guests plan their attendance.

Insider Information for First-Timers:

If your wedding venue is in an unfamiliar location for most guests, include some insider tips to help them navigate the area. This can include recommendations for local attractions, restaurants, and activities. Additionally, provide any specific venue instructions, such as parking availability or shuttle services, to ensure guests know what to expect.

By including these details on your wedding website, you will provide your guests with a wealth of information to help them plan their attendance and ensure they have a positive experience throughout your special day.

Sharing the website

Sharing your wedding website with your guests is an important step in the process. You can share your website in a number of ways, including:

• Printing the URL or a QR code on your save-the-date cards and invitations.
• Sending the link via email to your guests.
• Informing your immediate family members and wedding attendants about your website in case other guests inquire.
• Creating a wedding hashtag and sharing it on your website and invites.

It's also a good idea to make sure your wedding website is mobile-friendly, as many guests will likely be accessing it on their phones.

Once your website is live, you can continue to update it with new information and send guests quick reminders to RSVP or notify them of any changes.

Frequently asked questions