Creating A Wedding Website: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding websites are a great way to share crucial details about your big day with your guests. They can include information such as the location, date, and time of the wedding and other events, travel and accommodation suggestions, dress codes, and your gift registry. You can also use your wedding website to share your love story, photos, and other personal touches.

There are several website-building platforms to choose from, including Wix, Squarespace, The Knot, Zola, and Minted, each offering its own unique features and designs. You can also opt to build a website from scratch if you prefer.

Once you've chosen a platform, the next steps are to personalise the look and feel of your site, add your wedding details, answer common questions your guests may have, include registry information, pick a custom domain name, and finally, share your website with your guests.

Choose a website builder and template

Choosing a website builder and template is the first step to creating a wedding website. A user-friendly website builder can help you figure out how to make a site in a matter of minutes. Wix, for example, is a popular choice because it includes a drag-and-drop editor as well as step-by-step instructions, so you can get started with any type of website, even if you don't know how to code.

The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola, Minted, Wix, Squarespace, and WithJoy are also popular platforms for creating wedding websites. Most of these platforms offer templates, ranging in format, colours, typefaces, and designs, that can be adjusted based on your preferences.

• Select a website builder that offers templates that match your wedding aesthetic and include essential capabilities like an event page with information on your wedding's time and location, the ability to add a detailed wedding day schedule, and built-in tools for sending email invitations and managing guests.
• Consider the level of customisation you want. Some platforms offer highly customised styles, while others provide a limited number of templates to choose from.
• Think about the features you want your website to include. For example, do you want to include a photo gallery, password protection, custom pages, or the ability to live stream your wedding for guests who can't attend in person?
• Decide on your budget. Some website builders are free, while others charge a subscription fee. Additionally, you may want to purchase a custom domain name for your website, which typically costs a small fee.
• Read reviews from other couples who have used the platform to create their wedding websites. This will give you an idea of the pros and cons of each platform and help you make an informed decision.

Once you've chosen a website builder and template, you can start personalising the look and feel of your site, adding your wedding details, and customising the content to match your wedding style.

Customise the look and feel

Customising the look and feel of your wedding website is a fun and important part of the process. This is where you can really let your personality shine through and give your guests a glimpse into the style and theme of your wedding.

Choose a Colour Palette

Start by selecting a colour palette that complements your wedding's overall style and colour scheme. This will help create a cohesive and elegant look for your website. You can choose colours that match your wedding stationery or go with something completely different to add a unique touch.

Select a Layout

Most website builders offer multiple image and text layouts to choose from. Decide on a layout that showcases your content in the best way possible. Consider the number of images and text sections you want to include, and choose a layout that highlights these elements effectively.

Customise with Images and Text

Add your own images to your website to make it truly yours. Replace stock photos with engagement photos, venue photos, or illustrations that reflect your wedding theme. You can also add text sections to introduce yourselves as a couple, share your love story, or provide additional details about the wedding.

Match Your Wedding Style

Try to tie the look and feel of your website to the overall style and theme of your wedding. This could mean using the same colour schemes, fonts, or design elements that you plan to use on your wedding day, such as on your wedding programs or place cards.

Customise with a Theme

If you're using a website builder, you can usually find a theme that suits your style and customise it further from there. This way, you can achieve a cohesive look across your website, with colours, fonts, and design elements that reflect your taste and personality.

Seek Inspiration

Look at other wedding websites for inspiration. You may be surprised at the creativity of other couples, and it can help you come up with unique ideas for your own website.

Use a Website Builder

Website builders like Wix offer an array of customisation options. They provide step-by-step instructions and drag-and-drop editors, making it easy to personalise the look of your site. You can also use their built-in photo editing tools to resize, animate, or add filters to your images.

Seek Expert Help

If you need assistance, many platforms offer wedding concierge services or customer support to guide you through the customisation process. They can help you navigate the platform, make design suggestions, and ensure your website looks exactly how you envision it.

Add wedding details

Adding wedding details to your website is a crucial step in the process of creating your wedding website. This is where you can elaborate on the basic details and provide your guests with all the information they need to know about your big day. Here are some key points to include when adding your wedding details:

Who, What, Where, and When

Start by covering the basics: clearly state who is getting married, the wedding date and time, and the venue location. This is especially important if you're not sending out traditional invitations and are using your website as the primary means of communication with your guests. Make sure this essential information is easy to find and prominently displayed on your website.

Location and Travel Information

Provide detailed information about the venue location, especially if it's a bit off the beaten track or if you have guests coming from overseas. Include a virtual pin on a map to make it easy for guests to find. If the venue is in a remote location, consider adding written directions as well. For destination weddings or if you have many international guests, go the extra step and provide recommendations for accommodation, local restaurants, and things to do in the area.

Schedule of Events

While you don't need to provide a comprehensive timeline, a rough schedule of events is helpful for your guests. Let them know what's happening after the ceremony and how the evening will run. Provide timings and locations for each aspect of the day, such as celebratory drinks or a sit-down reception. If you're providing transportation for guests, such as a bus or coach, include those details as well.

Dress Code

Let your guests know the expected attire for the wedding. Whether it's a black-tie affair or a casual backyard gathering, giving them a heads-up will ensure they feel comfortable and prepared. You can also include any specific details about the venue, such as soft grass that might be tricky for stilettos or cool breezes that might require a jacket.

Food and Drink Details

Give your guests an idea of what to expect in terms of food and drink. For example, if you're only serving light canapes, they can plan to eat a full meal beforehand. Let them know about the alcohol situation as well – will there be a cash bar or an open bar?

RSVP and Dietary Requirements

Include an RSVP section on your website to make it easy for guests to confirm their attendance. You can also use this section to ask about plus-ones and any dietary requirements they may have. This will save you time and hassle in the long run!

Wedding Party and Bridal Party Bios

Introduce your bridal party, parents, and MC on the website. This will help your guests feel more connected to the people involved in your special day. You can share brief biographies, fun facts, and even photos to make it more engaging.

Registry Information

Your wedding website is an excellent place to include your gift registry information. Many people struggle to choose the perfect gift, so providing a link to your registry will be appreciated by your guests. You can also include details about any cash funds or donations you may prefer.

FAQs and Additional Information

Anticipate your guests' questions and create an FAQ section to address them. This can include information about parking, transportation, accommodation, and any other relevant details. You can also include a contact email or phone number for any further questions.

Create a custom URL

Creating a custom URL for your wedding website is a great way to make your special day memorable for your guests. Here are some tips to help you create a unique and personalised URL:

Be Creative

Get creative with your URL by using a fun play on words with your first or last names, the date of your wedding, or even your venue. For example, you could use a wedding-related phrase like 'happilyever', 'gethitched' or 'sayido' to tie your names together. This will make your URL catchy and fun, while still being easy for your guests to remember and type.

Keep it Concise

A shorter URL will be easier for your guests to recall and type, especially if you plan on including it on paper invitations, where space is limited. Combining your first names and adding '.com' at the end (e.g. jennieandmarc.com or jennieandmarcwedding.com) is a simple and effective formula. You could also use a free domain name generator to help you come up with ideas.

Use Nicknames

If one or both of your names is long or hard to spell, consider using nicknames in your URL. This can add a fun and unique touch while also making it easier for your guests. For example, if your names are Elizabeth and Alexander, you could use 'lizandalex.com'.

Avoid Symbols and Numbers

Avoid using symbols and numbers in your URL, as these can be forgotten or lost in translation. Stick to letters and words to make it as simple as possible for your guests to remember and type.

Check Availability

Before finalising your URL, be sure to check that the domain name is available. You don't want to settle on the perfect URL only to find out that it's already taken!

Purchase a Custom Domain

If you want a completely personalised URL, you'll need to purchase a custom domain. This will allow you to have a unique web address that reflects your style and personality. You can usually do this through your website builder platform or a separate domain registrar.

Share Your URL

Once you've created your custom URL, it's time to share it with your guests! Include it on your save-the-dates, invitations, or even on a details card. You can also share it via email or on social media to create and promote a wedding hashtag.

Creating a custom URL for your wedding website is a great way to add a personal touch and make it easier for your guests to find and remember your website. Have fun with it and get creative!

Share the website with your guests

Sharing your wedding website with your guests is the final step in the process of creating a wedding website. Here are some tips on how to do it:

• Print your wedding website URL on your save-the-date cards and invitations: Include the URL or a QR code that directs guests to your wedding website on your save-the-date cards and invitations. This ensures that guests have easy access to your website and can refer to it for any information they may need.
• Send the link via email: If you have the email addresses of your guests, you can send them the link to your wedding website directly. This can be a more personal approach and allows you to include a message with the link.
• Share on social media: If most of your social media followers are friends or family, you can also share your website link on your social media profiles. This is a good way to create and promote a wedding hashtag, which guests can then use to share any pre-wedding or day-of posts.
• Make your website public or private: Decide whether you want your wedding website to be public or private. A public website can be viewed by anyone online, while a private website requires a password or invitation to access. Consider the level of privacy you want for your wedding information.
• Share with immediate family and wedding attendants: Make sure that your immediate family members and wedding attendants know about your website in case other guests inquire. They can help spread the word and direct guests to the website if needed.
• Notify guests of updates: If any details change, be sure to update your website and notify guests about the changes via email or social media. This ensures that your guests have the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions