Securing Your Wedding Website: A Private Celebration Guide

Wedding websites are a great way to keep your guests informed about the details of your big day, but you may not want the world to know the ins and outs of your wedding. There are several ways to make your wedding website private, including password protection, hiding your website from search engine results, or using a pseudonym. This can help protect your personal information from uninvited guests and prevent wedding crashing. You can also control the visibility of your website on search engines like Google, but it may take some time for these changes to take effect.

Password protection

How to Password Protect Your Wedding Website:

On The Knot, log in and navigate to the "Wedding Website" toolbar. Select "Manage My Website" to edit your website. Underneath your website URL, you will see two blue icons. Click on the pen icon and a pop-up will appear. In the middle of the pop-up, there will be a section labelled "Privacy". Click the toggle switch next to "Require a Password" and set your chosen password. Save it, and you're done!

On Zola, the process is similar. Under "Account" on the top right-hand side of the website, click on "Privacy Settings". Scroll down to "Website Password" and click "Yes" under "Do you want your wedding website password-protected?". Enter your chosen password and hit save.

Communicating the Password:

It is important to communicate the password to your guests so they can access the website. You can include the password on your save-the-date, wedding invitation, gift registry, or text/email it to your guests. A simple and memorable password is best, perhaps something related to your wedding date or venue.

Benefits of Password Protection:

Downsides of Password Protection:

Some guests may lose or forget the password, which could result in extra work for you as they will need to contact you to ask for it again. Additionally, if you are trying to limit your guest list, some uninvited guests may still obtain the password and access the website.

Controlling search visibility

If you're concerned about your wedding website showing up in a Google or other search engine results, there are a few things you can do to control its search visibility. Firstly, check the privacy settings of your wedding website platform. Most platforms, such as Zola, offer the option to control whether your website appears in search results. In your account settings, look for the Privacy section, where you can usually find a toggle button or switch to control the visibility of your website. Keep in mind that it may take some time, up to 30 days, for these changes to take effect and for your website to be removed from search engines.

Another way to control search visibility is by adjusting the website's URL. Consider creating a custom URL that is less likely to be guessed or searched for by unwanted visitors. Opt for a shorter URL that includes your names and a ".com" address, making it easier for guests to remember and type in. Alternatively, you can create a random URL that is less likely to be associated with your wedding.

Additionally, you can use a website builder platform that offers password protection, such as Wix or Squarespace. By requiring a password for access, you add an extra layer of privacy and make it less likely for your website to appear in search results. This also ensures that only invited guests with the password can access the website.

It's important to note that even with these measures in place, there is still a chance that your website could be found by unwanted guests through other means, such as word of mouth or social media. Therefore, it's essential to be cautious and selective about the information you include on your wedding website.

Lastly, be mindful of the registries and other websites you use and their privacy settings. Some registries, like Amazon, allow you to create private registries that can only be accessed with a link. However, other registries may automatically share your information with other websites, so be sure to read the fine print carefully.

Keeping personal life under wraps

If you're concerned about keeping your personal life private, there are several steps you can take to ensure your wedding website remains under wraps.

Firstly, you can make your wedding website completely private, meaning no one will be able to access it. Alternatively, you can add a password to protect the site, and share the password only with your guests. This means that only those who enter the correct password will be able to access the details of your wedding.

You can also control whether your wedding website is searchable online. If you'd prefer it didn't appear in search results, you can adjust your privacy settings accordingly. However, it's important to note that it can take up to 30 days for these changes to take effect, and for your website to be removed from search results.

If you're using a website builder like Wix or Squarespace, you may be able to purchase a custom URL, which can also help keep your website private. A custom URL, particularly one with your names and a ".com" address, will be easier for guests to remember and won't give away any personal details.

Another way to keep your personal life private is to be mindful of the information you include on your wedding website. While it's common to include details such as the wedding date, location, and your love story, you may want to avoid sharing anything that could be considered sensitive or confidential.

Finally, if you're concerned about specific individuals accessing your wedding website, such as exes or gossipy neighbours, you can create a password that only your guests will know. This way, you can control who has access to your personal information and wedding details.

Limiting the number of guests

One of the main reasons to make your wedding website private is to limit the number of guests. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Make it Clear Who is Invited

It is important to be clear about who is invited to your wedding. This can be done in multiple places, including the outer envelope, invitation, and RSVP card. When printing guests' names and addresses on the main envelope, ensure you include the names of only those who are invited. For example, if you are inviting an entire family, write "Mr Jason & Mrs Stacey Miller and Family". If you are inviting only adults, write "Mr Jason & Mrs Stacey Miller".

Specify the Number of Guests

On the RSVP card, you can include a line that states the number of guests invited from each household. For example, "We have reserved ____ seats in your honour" or "____ of _____ attending". This will make it clear that there is a limit to the number of guests and help prevent people from bringing extra guests.

Be Clear About Children

If you are not inviting children to your wedding, be sure to state this clearly on both the wedding invitation and RSVP. This will help you limit the number of guests and avoid any confusion or hurt feelings.

Limit Plus Ones

If you need to save space or are on a tight budget, you can ask your guests not to bring a plus one. Make this clear on the RSVP cards and, if possible, on the invitations as well. Address the invitations specifically to those who are invited, rather than using "and guest". This will help you manage the number of guests more effectively.

Create a Guest List

Before sending out invitations, create a guest list that includes your "A-list" and "B-list" guests. Break down the list into smaller groups, such as coworkers, family, friends, etc. This will help you stay organised and ensure you don't invite more people than your venue can accommodate.

Remember, it is your decision as a couple to limit the number of guests, and it is important to clearly communicate your expectations. By following these tips, you can politely limit the number of guests without hurting anyone's feelings.

Using a custom URL

Choose a Memorable Name

Select a custom domain name that is catchy and memorable. You can combine your names, wedding date, or wedding hashtag to create a unique and personalised URL. For example, "smithwedding2026.com" or "jordanandavery2025.com". Try to keep it short and sweet, as this will make it easier for your guests to type and remember.

Include It on Your Printed Materials

If you plan to include your wedding website URL on printed materials like save-the-dates or invitations, a custom domain can make it look neater and more professional. A shorter, personalised URL will be easier to fit on these materials without taking up too much space.

Protect Your Privacy

If you're concerned about privacy, a custom domain can help. By registering your domain through a third-party registrar, you can maintain your anonymity. This way, your personal information won't be associated with the domain in public records.

Consider the Cost

Creating a custom URL for your wedding website typically comes with a cost. For example, on The Knot, a personal domain costs $19.99 per year. This cost may vary depending on the platform you're using, and some platforms may offer additional features or benefits for a higher price.

Timing is Important

It's recommended to start building your wedding website 10 months to a year before your wedding. This gives you plenty of time to design and update your website as details are confirmed. However, it's best to wait until important details like the date, time, venue, and guest list are confirmed before making your website public.

Keep It Private

If you want to make your wedding website private, you can password-protect it. This will allow only those with the password to access the site. You can include the password on your save-the-date, invitation, or gift registry, or send it directly to your guests via text or email.

Share Your Story

Your wedding website is a great place to share your love story and inject some personality into your special day. Consider including a section called "Our Story," where you can share photos and narrate how you met, fell in love, and got engaged. This adds a personal touch and helps your guests feel more connected to your journey.

Frequently asked questions