Creating A Wedding Website: A Uk Couple's Guide

Wedding websites are a great way to keep your guests informed about the details of your big day. They can also be a fun way to document your journey as a couple and share your story with your guests. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to create your own wedding website, from choosing a platform and customising your pages to sharing your site with your guests. We'll also offer some tips and tricks to make the process easier and more enjoyable. So, whether you're looking for a free or paid option, read on to find out how to create a wedding website that's both informative and personalised.

Choosing a platform and template

When it comes to choosing a platform and template for your wedding website, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the level of customisation you want. Some platforms, such as Wix or Squarespace, offer highly customised styles, whereas others like Hitched have set templates that are easily customisable.

If you're looking for a platform with an array of templates and customisation options, The Knot and WeddingWire are good choices. WeddingWire also provides tools for RSVPs and registry links. For sleek designs and registry integration, Zola is a great option. Minted is another platform that includes elegant, coordinated designs.

If you're after a more DIY experience, Squarespace is perfect. They have a handful of lovely templates and you can also buy your own domain name. Wix is another good option if you want the freedom to choose any combination of elements.

When choosing a template, it's important to pick one that works best to display your event. Consider using your wedding theme for design inspiration. You can also look at other wedding websites for ideas before making your own. Most platforms offer templates in different formats, colours, typefaces and designs, so you can adjust them based on your preferences. Make sure the template you choose coincides with your wedding aesthetic and personality as a couple.

Adding key details

Include Start Times, Locations and Transport Details:

Provide clear information about the timing and location of your wedding events. Include start times and addresses for the ceremony, reception, and any other key events that all guests are invited to, such as the welcome party and after-party. Keep details of more exclusive events, such as the rehearsal dinner, off the website and only share them with the relevant guests to avoid confusion.

Offer Travel and Accommodation Suggestions:

If you're having a destination wedding or expect many out-of-town guests, offer suggestions on nearby airports, transportation options, and accommodation. Share a link to your hotel block booking, if applicable, and provide a range of lodging recommendations to suit different budgets. This will be a great help to your guests and ensure they have a smooth journey to your wedding.

Share Your Gift Registry:

Your wedding website is the perfect place to include a link to your gift registry. Whether it's a traditional registry or a honeymoon fund, your guests will appreciate having this information easily accessible. You can also add a short description expressing your gratitude for their contributions.

Provide an Online RSVP Option:

Include a dedicated page for guests to RSVP, allowing them to confirm their attendance, share meal preferences, and disclose any dietary restrictions. This will make it easier for you to track responses and plan accordingly. While online RSVPs are convenient, it's still a good idea to include a traditional RSVP slip with your invitations.

Outline Dress Codes:

Give detailed information about the dress code for each event listed on your website. If you have multiple festivities, such as a welcome dinner or post-wedding brunch, specify the recommended attire for each. For non-traditional dress codes, provide a clear description to ensure your guests understand what is expected.

Share Your Love Story:

Although optional, sharing your love story adds a personal touch to your website and gives guests insight into your relationship. Create a dedicated page titled "Our Story," where you can narrate how you met, fell in love, and got engaged. This page will make your website more engaging and meaningful to your guests.

Remember, when adding key details to your wedding website, it's important to strike a balance between providing essential information and maintaining a visually appealing design. Keep the content concise, well-organised, and easy to navigate.

Creating a gift registry page

A gift registry page is an important addition to your wedding website. It is the easiest way for guests to access your wedding gift registry, whether it's a traditional registry with a list of items or a honeymoon fund. Here are some tips for creating a gift registry page:

Choose a Platform

Select a website builder that offers templates and customisation options. Some popular options include The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola, Minted, Wix, and Squarespace. These platforms allow you to adjust colours, typefaces, and designs to match your wedding aesthetic.

Create a Gift Registry Page

Once you've chosen your platform, customise your template by adding relevant pages, including a gift registry page. This page should include a button or link that directs guests to your gift registry. You can also include a short description expressing your gratitude for their contributions.

Add Your Gift Registry Details

Provide all the necessary details about your gift registry, such as the types of gifts you're looking for or a link to your honeymoon fund. If you have a traditional registry, consider adding specific items that guests can choose from.

Personalise Your Page

Add your own touch to the gift registry page by including photos or custom designs that match your wedding theme and colour palette. You can also add a custom domain or URL for this page to make it easy for guests to find and remember.

Keep Guests Informed

Update your gift registry regularly to let guests know what items have already been purchased or contributed to. This helps avoid duplicate gifts and ensures guests have a variety of options to choose from.

Express Your Gratitude

Don't forget to thank your guests for their contributions, whether it's through a dedicated "Thank You" page or a personal message on the gift registry page. Let them know how much you appreciate their support and well-wishes.

Sharing travel and accommodation info

Travel Information

Provide detailed travel information for your guests, including transportation options and recommendations. If relevant, include information about the best airports to fly into, as well as any recommended transportation services such as taxi, shuttle, or ferry services. You can also suggest parking options for those who are driving.

Accommodation Suggestions

If you've coordinated a hotel block for your guests, include a link to the booking page on your website. It's also helpful to provide multiple lodging recommendations across a range of price points so that your guests can choose an option that suits their budget.

Maps and Directions

Include a map with your wedding venue's location, as well as the locations of recommended accommodations. This will make it easier for your guests to navigate and plan their travel. You can also integrate Google Maps into your website or app to provide turn-by-turn directions for your guests.

Contact Information

Provide contact information for local hotels and accommodations. This will make it easier for your guests to make reservations and inquiries. You can also include the contact details of a specific person whom guests can reach out to if they have any questions or need further assistance.

Early Booking Encouragement

Encourage your guests to book their accommodations early, especially if your wedding is during a busy season or if there are limited options in the area. You can include a gentle reminder on your website or send out an email reminder to your guests.

Transportation to and from the Venue

If you're providing shuttle services or other transportation to and from the wedding venue, be sure to include this information on your website. Let your guests know the pick-up and drop-off locations and the timing of the shuttle services.

By including these details on your wedding website, you'll make it easier for your guests to plan their travel and accommodations, ensuring that they have a smooth and enjoyable experience attending your wedding.

Making the site private

Making your wedding website private is a great way to ensure that only your invited guests can access the information you share. Here are some tips and steps to make your wedding website private:

• Password Protection: One of the most common ways to make your wedding website private is by adding a password. This will require guests to enter a password to access your website. You can communicate the password to your guests through your wedding invitations, or via text or email. This ensures that only those with the password can view your website.
• Platform Features: Some wedding website platforms offer privacy features built into their services. For example, The Knot, a popular wedding planning platform, allows couples to add a password to their wedding website with just a few simple steps. Other platforms like Hitched and WeddingWire also offer privacy settings, allowing you to make certain pages private or password-protected.
• Custom URL: Opting for a custom URL for your wedding website can add an extra layer of privacy. A shorter, personalised URL is easier for guests to remember and provides a sense of exclusivity. This can be particularly useful if you want to limit access to your website to only those with the direct link.
• Draft Mode: If you're still in the process of building your wedding website, you may want to keep it private until you're ready to launch. Some platforms like WeddingWire automatically make your website public once it's created. However, they also offer the option to make each page private or password-protected during the building process. This ensures that only those with the password can view your website while it's still in draft mode.
• Privacy Settings: When selecting a wedding website platform, look for one that offers robust privacy settings. This will allow you to control who can see what on your website. For example, you may want certain pages, such as your wedding schedule or guest list, to be visible only to specific guests. With the right privacy settings, you can customise the visibility of different sections of your website.
• Visibility in Search Engines: Consider whether you want your wedding website to be visible on search engines. On some platforms, you can change the visibility settings to prevent your website from appearing in search engine results. This ensures that only those with the direct link can access your website.

Remember, when making your wedding website private, always communicate the necessary login details or passwords to your guests clearly and in a timely manner. This will ensure that they can access the information they need without any hassle.

Frequently asked questions