Designing Your Own Wedding Website: The Knot's Guide

The Knot offers a free wedding website service with customizable templates. You can also purchase your own custom domain name for your wedding website for $19.99 per year. The Knot's website builder has hundreds of design templates to choose from, ranging from classic to modern styles. You can also match your website to your wedding invitations for a cohesive look. The Knot's website builder is easy to use, allowing you to drag and drop photos, crop and edit images, and create a photo timeline. You can also add your own creative touch using the many cool features, such as a wedding day countdown, wedding party introductions, engagement photos, and a song request widget.

Customising your URL

The Knot offers the option to upgrade to a unique URL for an added fee. A personal wedding website domain through The Knot costs $19.99 per year. This includes the registration and setup, and there are no additional fees after the initial payment.

Here's how to create a custom domain for your wedding website on The Knot:

• Log in to your account on The Knot and click on "Wedding Website" in the top navigation bar to access your website dashboard.
• Scroll down and click on "Personalize Your Domain" on the right-hand side.
• Type in your desired custom domain name and select it if it is available.
• Choose your desired registration length. The default length is set at two years.
• Finalise the domain name purchase by entering your credit card information and confirming the purchase.

Your wedding website can now be reached from your new, personalised web address.

If you already have a domain that you would like to use with your wedding website, you can set up domain name forwarding through your registrar. Contact your registrar's domain management tool to redirect your domain to your free wedding website address.

Keep in mind that custom domains on The Knot do not renew automatically. You will be notified before the domain expires, and you can choose to renew it for $19.99 per year.

Adding a photo gallery

First, log in to your account and access your wedding website dashboard. From there, you should be able to find a “Photos” section. Click on “add more to photos”, and then on “photo gallery”. You can then drag and drop photos, as well as crop and edit images. You can also create a photo timeline, where you can share images from throughout your relationship, complete with dates and captions.

You can also share your engagement photos by adding your favorite snaps from the proposal and engagement photoshoot. You can even add a few throwback shots from the early days of your relationship. Your loved ones will adore you for creating this album of pictures.

If you want to make your photo gallery even more unique, you can add a video to it.

Creating a FAQ section

Anticipate common questions:

Think about the types of questions your guests might ask, such as whether the wedding will be indoors or outdoors, if guests are allowed to bring a plus one, or if there will be an open bar. Addressing these topics in your FAQ section will save you time and reduce pre-wedding stress.

Keep it concise and informative:

Provide clear and concise answers to each question. Your guests should be able to find the information they need quickly and easily. Avoid long, complicated explanations, but make sure you include all the essential details.

Organise the FAQs logically:

Group similar questions together to make it easy for guests to find the information they need. For example, you could have sections for "Location and Travel," "Dress Code and Attire," "Plus Ones and Guests," and so on. This will make your FAQ section more user-friendly and ensure your guests can find what they're looking for without hassle.

Use a simple and readable format:

Make sure your FAQ section is easy to read and navigate. Use clear headings, bullet points, or numbered lists to present the information clearly. Break up the text with appropriate spacing, and consider using a larger font size or bold text for the questions to make them stand out.

Include a mix of practical and unique questions:

While it's important to cover the practical details, don't be afraid to add some personality to your FAQ section. Include some light-hearted or unique questions that showcase your style as a couple. For example, you could answer questions about how you met, your proposal story, or any special themes or activities guests can expect at the wedding.

Remember, your FAQ section is a great way to enhance your wedding website and make it a go-to resource for your guests. It will save you time, provide valuable information, and add a personal touch to your wedding website on The Knot.

Writing a welcome message

Yes, you can design your own wedding website on The Knot. The Knot offers a free wedding website service with fully customisable templates.

The welcome message is the first thing your guests will see when they visit your wedding website, so it's important to make it engaging and impactful. Here are some tips and ideas to help you craft the perfect welcome message:

The Purpose of a Welcome Message

When guests visit your wedding website, your welcome message is the very first thing they'll read. It's a way to say hello and welcome visitors to your website, but it also helps guests navigate their way around the different elements of your site and reminds them to take action on things like RSVPs. This is particularly useful for older guests or those who may not be familiar with wedding websites.

What to Include in Your Welcome Message

• A tagline: e.g., “Kurt and Jemima are getting married!”
• A greeting or welcome
• The purpose of your wedding website
• The key features of your wedding website
• An invitation to explore your site/navigation tips
• A reminder for any actionable elements like RSVPs or song requests
• A thank you/sign off

Welcome Message Wording Tips and Examples

• Keep it short and sweet: A brief paragraph is usually enough to communicate everything you need.
• Use an upbeat, friendly, and warm tone to build excitement for the big day.
• Keep the wording style and language consistent with the other areas of your wedding website and invitations.
• Begin with a tagline: Think of this as the “title” or “heading” of your wedding website welcome page, in a larger or bolder font.
• Include a greeting: e.g., "Welcome to our wedding website! We're so glad you're here."
• Provide a brief summary of the key features of your wedding website.
• Sign off with a thank you: e.g., "Thanks so much for all of your love and support so far! We can't wait to celebrate this special day with all of our favourite people."

> Kurt & Jemima are tying the knot!

>

> Welcome to our wedding website – we’re so glad you’re here.

>

> We’ve created this website as a helpful resource for all of the need-to-know details in the lead up to our big day. Here you’ll find our schedule of timings and venue directions, along with our bridal party introductions and relationship history.

>

> We’d love for you to take a look around to learn more about our wedding day plans. Don’t forget to RSVP and let us know about any dietary preferences, too.

>

> And finally, thanks so much for all of your love and support so far! We can’t wait to celebrate this special day with all of our favourite people.

> It’s wedding time!

>

> Hi there, thanks for stopping by.

>

> Here you’ll find everything you need to know about our upcoming nuptials. Check out our schedule for the day, local accommodation options for those travelling, and learn more about our awesome bridal party and MC.

>

> Don’t forget to RSVP and leave us a song request for the dance floor, too!

>

> We are so looking forward to celebrating with you all – sing out to either of us if you have any questions.

>

> Lots of love, Josie and James x

Different Types of Welcome Messages

Depending on your personality and the tone you want to set for your wedding, you can tailor your welcome message to be heartfelt and sensitive, funny, traditional and formal, or themed around your wedding destination.

For example, if you're having a destination wedding, try something like:

> Aloha, Friends and Family! Pack your bags and your sense of adventure because you're invited to our destination wedding extravaganza. From beachside vows to sunset soirees, we can't wait to share this unforgettable experience with you. Dive into this site for all the info you need to join us in paradise!

Collecting RSVPs

However, it is recommended to also send physical RSVP cards, especially if you have older relatives who may be more comfortable with a traditional response method. This ensures that all your guests can respond in a timely manner. You can include an RSVP deadline on your invitations and wedding website to encourage guests to respond by a certain date.

Additionally, The Knot's website builder allows you to activate online RSVPs and manage and track RSVPs using their app, with push notifications for easy updates. You can also allow guests to see who else is attending your wedding.

The Knot also offers a unique feature where guests can ask custom questions through their digital RSVP response, providing a text or multiple-choice option. This can be a fun and interactive way to engage with your guests and get additional information or feedback from them.

Frequently asked questions