The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Dream Wedding Website

Wedding websites are a great way to keep your guests informed and excited about your big day. They can also help you stay organised, acting as a central hub for all the important details about your wedding. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about creating the perfect wedding website, from choosing a website builder to customising your template and adding all the essential information.

First things first, you need to decide on the purpose of your wedding website. Do you want to use it to give guests practical information about the wedding, tell them more about you as a couple, or list your wedding registry?

Once you know the purpose of your website, it's time to choose a website builder. There are hundreds of options available, but some popular choices include Wix, Squarespace, and The Knot. These builders offer a range of features, from easy-to-use templates to registry integrations and live-streaming tools.

Next, you'll want to pick a unique domain name and customise your template to reflect the tone and style of your wedding. Add your own photos, colour schemes, and fonts to make it truly unique.

Now it's time to add all the important details, such as the date, time, and location of your wedding, as well as any travel and accommodation information for your guests. You can also include an About Us page to tell your love story, an FAQ section to answer common questions, and a guestbook for people to leave messages.

If you want to make it even easier for your guests to respond, you can include an RSVP form and registry information on your website. This will help you keep track of responses and gift preferences in one place.

Finally, review and test your website to make sure everything works perfectly, then share the link with your guests via email or social media, or even create a bespoke QR code.

Creating a wedding website is a fun and easy way to keep your guests informed and involved in the build-up to your special day. So, follow these simple steps and start building your dream wedding website today!

Choose a website builder

When it comes to choosing a website builder, there are several great platforms to select from, each offering its own unique advantages. Here are some of the most popular options:

Wix

Wix is a highly recommended website builder due to its ease of use and flexibility. It offers a vast amount of creative freedom, enabling you to design a unique and personalised website. Wix provides a range of customisation options, including the ability to add your own photos, videos, and text. You can also incorporate interactive elements, such as a guestbook, photo gallery, and even a countdown timer to build excitement for your big day. Additionally, Wix includes a drag-and-drop editor and step-by-step instructions, making it a user-friendly choice even for those without coding experience. Wix also offers a free plan, as well as premium plans for more advanced features.

Squarespace

If you're looking for elegant and sophisticated designs, Squarespace is an excellent choice. They offer the best designs in the market, making it perfect for showcasing your photos and videos. Squarespace provides a range of stunning templates specifically designed for weddings. While they don't have a free plan, they do offer a 14-day free trial, giving you the opportunity to try it out before committing.

The Knot

The Knot is a specialised wedding website builder that doubles as an online wedding planner. It offers a range of features tailored specifically for weddings, such as registry integrations and RSVP management. The Knot also provides over 39 designs to choose from, ensuring you find the perfect template for your site. While the designs may not be as stylish as other options, The Knot excels in functionality and practicality. It is also completely free to use.

Minted

Minted is another excellent choice for wedding websites, offering elegant and coordinated designs. Their websites are designed to match your wedding invitations and stationery, creating a cohesive look for your special day. Minted provides free features such as photo and video galleries, password protection, and custom pages. You can also upgrade to a custom URL for a more personalised touch.

WithJoy

WithJoy is a great all-around option for creating your wedding website. It offers customisation options, such as the ability to add multiple pages and photos. WithJoy also excels in guest and RSVP tracking, making it easy to manage your guest list and collect important information. While some users have noted that the platform can be a bit slow when updating information, it is still a highly recommended choice overall.

Other Options

Other notable mentions include Zola, which offers free custom website designs and simple customisation options. Bliss and Bone provide beautiful and affordable designs, with monthly plans starting at $12. Additionally, platforms like Wedding Wire, Wedsites, and RSVPify are also worth considering for their user-friendly features and bilingual capabilities.

When choosing a website builder, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Some platforms may be better suited for certain tasks, such as photo display or RSVP management. Be sure to explore the features and customisation options offered by each platform before making your final decision.

Pick a domain name

Picking a domain name is an important step in creating your wedding website. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you choose the perfect domain name:

• Keep it short and memorable: A short and memorable domain name will make it easier for your guests to remember and type into their browsers. Avoid using long or complicated words, and try to keep the length to around two or three words.
• Use your names: Combining your names is a great way to create a unique and personalised domain name. For example, "johnandjane.com" or "smithwedding.com". If your names are very common, you may need to get creative as someone else may have already taken that domain.
• Avoid numbers and punctuation: Stick to letters and avoid using numbers and punctuation marks in your domain name. This will make it easier to type and remember for your guests.
• Consider a custom domain: If you want a completely unique domain name, you can purchase a custom domain from your website builder or a third-party registrar. This will give you more flexibility and help your website stand out.
• Check availability: Before finalising your domain name, be sure to search and check if it's available. You don't want to choose a name that's already taken, as it will cause confusion for your guests.
• Keep it simple and reflective: Choose a domain name that is simple, straightforward, and reflective of your website's purpose. It should give your guests a hint about what to expect when they visit your wedding website.
• Compare costs: Different website builders offer varying prices for domain names. For example, Wix and Squarespace provide a free domain for the first year, while The Knot offers a custom domain for $19.99 for one year or $39.98 for two years. Compare the costs and features offered by different builders before making your decision.

Remember, your domain name is an important part of your wedding website's identity, so choose something that represents you and your partner and is easy for your guests to remember and find.

Customise the template

Customising the template is where you can really make your wedding website your own. You can edit the template to reflect your relationship and the vibe of your wedding.

• Use the same colour scheme you've picked out for your wedding.
• Add photos of yourself, your partner, your families, bridesmaids and groomsmen.
• If you've chosen a particular font for your invitations, use the same or a similar font on your site.
• Add your story or "Our Story" page, describing your love story and sharing photos.
• Add an "About Us" page with your favourite photos and a short version of your relationship.
• Add a page introducing the wedding party with photos and short bios.
• Add a page with photos and introductions for parents, siblings and other "top table" figures.
• Add a page with photos from your engagement.
• Add a countdown timer to count down to the big day.
• Add a guestbook for guests to write messages.
• Add a Google map to show the location of the venue.
• Add a FAQ page to answer common questions, such as parking availability, shuttle availability, dress code, whether children are invited, and dietary requirements.
• Add a contact page with details for a best man, maid of honour, parent or friend who can answer queries.
• Add a page with recommendations for restaurants, coffee shops, salons and local attractions.
• Add a page with a Google map showing local attractions.
• Add a photo and video gallery, including engagement photos and videos.
• Add a page with a live stream of the wedding for guests who can't attend.
• Add a page with a custom hashtag for guests to share photos.
• Add a page with a custom Instagram feed powered by your wedding hashtag.
• Add a password to protect your website.
• Add a custom domain name.

Add the details

Now that you've got your design and your site is starting to look fabulous, it's time to get all the nitty-gritty details down.

If you're still in the very early stages of planning, your site can act as a "save the date" – be sure to include your names, the location, and the date, and be clear that more important information will be shared soon. This lets guests know they're not missing out on important details (such as the dress code or exact time of the ceremony).

If you've already sent out save-the-dates and invitations, and have a clearer plan for your wedding, you can have more fun with displaying all of this on your site. Add new pages, text boxes, images, maps, and more to give your guests a helping hand.

• An "About Us" page telling the short-but-sweet version of your relationship, along with your favourite photos.
• A page with photos and very short introductions for bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, siblings, and other "top table" figures. This can help people coming to the wedding be clear on who's who!
• Time, date, location, dress code, a full schedule of the day (or weekend), a copy of the menu, and a list of events happening around the wedding – these are all things that will help your guests out by knowing in advance.
• Only list events you want everyone to come to, however – if you’re having private gatherings (such as a bachelorette party or groom’s brunch), it’s best to keep those private to avoid confusion, unwanted guests, or ruffled feathers.
• Be very clear about the location of the venue, including instructions for drivers and those taking public transport. You should also include directions to the hotel, or local accommodation recommendations (with links to relevant booking sites) if guests are booking their own stays.
• Another nice touch is to add restaurant recommendations, plus a list of things to do in the area.
• It’s also a good idea to add a Google map to your site to help people find their way!
• If you’ve already been fielding question after question from your relatives about this and that, put them to good use by creating an "FAQs" section for your site. Here, you can list common questions people might want to know the answer to – remember, they might be too shy to ask!
• Make sure to put down a couple of contact details that people can use if they have any issues or pressing questions. This doesn’t have to be your number or email – it could be a best man, maid of honour, parent, or friend who steps up to answer queries.
• Incorporate a guestbook – guestbooks are a great memento from your special day but sometimes your guests are having too much of a good time at your wedding to remember to sign them. Adding a guestbook to your website, therefore, allows all your guests to have the chance to write you a message, even if they forget on the day. Encourage guests to visit your website after the wedding to sign your guest book.
• Include a gallery of engagement photos – if you have special photos from your engagement, include them on your wedding website! A section about your engagement, including photos from the moment itself, is the perfect way to include your guests in your love story.
• Make sure your photos are high-quality and be clear with your guests about how you do or don’t want your personal photos used… just in case Aunt Helen saves them and uploads them to her Facebook without your permission!
• Add a countdown timer – of course, you are counting down to your wedding day but why not get your guests involved too? Include a countdown timer on your wedding website that counts down to the big day. Not only will this help to drum up excitement with your guests, but it will also act as a reminder that the day is fast approaching and ensure everyone is organized and prepared.

Before moving on, make sure you have added all the important information your guests need to know and included extras such as maps, links, galleries, booking forms, and contact details.

Include an RSVP form

Including an RSVP form on your wedding website is a great way to make your life easier and manage your guest list. This is especially useful if you have a large number of guests or if you're expecting a lot of responses. Here are some tips and suggestions for including an RSVP form:

• Digital RSVPs: Instead of the traditional method of sending out invitations with RSVP slips, you can use online RSVPs for a more modern approach. This allows guests to respond with just a few clicks and helps you keep track of responses in one place. However, consider including a traditional RSVP slip as well, especially if you have older family members who may not be comfortable with digital RSVPs.
• Information to Collect: Your RSVP form should collect basic information such as the guest's name, contact information, and whether they are attending. You can also use it to gather details about their plus-one, meal preferences, dietary restrictions, and any additional assistance they may need.
• Streamline Guest Management: Automating RSVPs saves you time and effort in managing your guest list. It simplifies the process of keeping track of who's coming, who's cancelled, and any special requests they may have. This helps you stay organised and ensures you have an accurate headcount for your wedding.
• Customise Your Form: Make sure your RSVP form aligns with the design and style of your wedding website. You can use the same colour scheme, fonts, and even include engagement photos to personalise the form.
• Clear Instructions: Provide clear and simple instructions for your guests on how to use the RSVP form. Let them know what information you need and how they can access the form through your wedding website.
• Password Protection: Consider password-protecting your wedding website, especially if it includes private information or RSVP forms. This ensures that only invited guests can access the site and respond to the RSVP form.
• Test and Review: Before making your website live, test the RSVP form to ensure it functions properly. Review the form to make sure it collects all the necessary information and that the submission process is user-friendly.
• Mobile Optimisation: Many guests will likely access your wedding website on their mobile devices, so it's important to optimise your RSVP form for mobile. Make sure it is easy to fill out on a smartphone, and consider using mobile-specific features such as clickable buttons and swipe galleries.

Frequently asked questions