Creating A Wedding Website: The Knot Guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but The Knot offers a free wedding website service that can help you stay organised and save time. The Knot's website builder tools are free of charge and include RSVP tracking, and you can also purchase a custom domain for an additional fee. The Knot's wedding website templates match their paper wedding invitations, helping you create a cohesive look and feel for your big day. You can also add fun features like a wedding day countdown, engagement photos, and a song request widget. The website will be a go-to resource for your guests, providing them with all the information they need, from the location and start time to the dress code and travel directions.

Choose a template and add your wedding details

Now that you've found your dream wedding venue, it's time to create a space for your guests to find all the details about your big day. The Knot's wedding website tool is a great way to do this, and it's free!

To get started, head to The Knot's website and browse the wedding website templates. There are hundreds of free options to choose from, with themes to suit every couple. Whether you're going for a bohemian or gothic vibe, you'll be able to find a design that represents you and your partner.

Once you've chosen a template, it's time to add your wedding details. This is where you can include all the essential information your guests will need, such as:

• Your and your partner's names
• The wedding date and location
• The ceremony start time
• Dress code
• Travel directions and accommodation suggestions
• Your gift registry and RSVP details

You can also add some fun, personal touches to your website, like engagement photos, wedding party bios, and a "Things to Do" section with recommendations for local restaurants and activities.

The Knot's website builder makes it easy to add and edit your information, so don't worry if you don't have all the details finalized right away. You can always go back and make changes as needed.

Creating a wedding website is a great way to keep all your wedding information in one place and save yourself time answering guest questions. So browse those templates, choose your favourite, and start adding your personal touches!

Write a welcome message and share your story

Creating a wedding website on The Knot is a great way to share your love story and keep your guests informed of all the details they need to know about your big day. Here are some tips for writing a welcome message and sharing your story:

Write a Welcome Message

The welcome message is the first thing your guests will see when they visit your wedding website, so it's important to make it warm and inviting. Include a short and simple note that welcomes your guests to your website and expresses your excitement for your upcoming wedding. Be sure to include your names, the wedding date, and the location as these are the most important details for your guests to know.

You can also use this space to set the tone for your wedding and give your guests a glimpse into your relationship and how you met. This is your "Our Story" moment, so feel free to share intimate details about your relationship, your proposal, or any other special moments that have brought you to this day. Get creative and let your personality shine through!

Share Your Engagement Photos

Visuals are a great way to enhance your welcome message and give your website a personal touch. Add your favourite engagement photos to support the story you're telling. These could be snaps from the proposal, an engagement photoshoot, or even throwback photos from the early days of your relationship. Your loved ones will adore seeing these special moments captured in time, and it's a wonderful way to personalize your website.

Write Wedding Party Bios

Introduce your wedding party to your guests! Write brief biographies of the people who will be standing by your side on your wedding day. Include their names, roles in the wedding, and maybe even a fun fact or two. You can also add their photos and share memories of when you met and why they are special to you. This is a great way to add colour to your website and give your guests a better understanding of the people who will be a part of your big day.

Include a FAQ Section

Creating a FAQ section on your wedding website is a great way to anticipate and answer any questions your guests may have. This will save you time from answering individual queries and will provide a central place for guests to find information. Include details such as whether the wedding will be indoors or outdoors, if guests are allowed to bring a plus one, and any dress code specifications. By providing clear and concise answers to common questions, you'll make it easier for your guests to plan and attend your wedding.

Include photos and wedding party bios

Adding photos and wedding party bios is a great way to personalise your wedding website and make it fun for your guests. Here are some tips to help you include these elements effectively:

Photos

When it comes to photos, engagement photos are a must-have. These images will add a personal touch to your website and give your loved ones a glimpse into your special moment. You can also add a few throwback photos from the early days of your relationship to make your guests say "awww". If you have had an engagement photoshoot, pick your favourite shots to include on the website.

Wedding Party Bios

Once you've introduced yourselves, it's time to write biographies for your wedding party. These are the people who will be standing by your side on your big day, so take the time to introduce them to your guests. Include their names, roles, and even a few fun facts about them. You can also add their photos to make it more interesting. Write a few lines about when you met, your favourite memories together, and why they are a part of your special day. Your loved ones will be curious about your bridal party, and your friends will appreciate the special shout-out.

Other Tips

In addition to photos and bios, you can also include other fun elements on your website. For example, you can add a wedding day countdown, song request widget, and helpful information for your guests, such as your favourite activities, eateries, and hotels in the area. If you have a gift registry, be sure to include that as well.

Remember, your wedding website is a space for you to be creative and share your story with your guests. So, have fun with it and make it memorable!

Add dress code, travel and accommodation details

When it comes to your wedding website, you'll want to give your guests a clear idea of what to wear, as well as practical information about travel and accommodation. Here are some tips for adding these important details:

Dress Code

It's a good idea to include the dress code on your wedding website, especially if you've requested a unique style of attire such as "dressy casual" or "beach formal". This will help to ease any concerns your guests may have about what to wear and ensure they feel well-prepared for the occasion. You can also use this section to give examples and explain your vision in more detail. For instance, if you've requested "black-tie optional", you can clarify that this means a dark suit and tie for men, and an evening gown or cocktail dress for women.

Travel

In the "Travel" or "Transportation" section of your website, it's important to provide clear information about how guests will get to the venue. This includes details such as parking options, guest shuttles, and public transport links. If there are any parking restrictions, be sure to mention them here. For example, if cars cannot be left overnight at the venue, or if the only parking available is on the street.

Accommodation

It's also helpful to include a list of recommended accommodations for your guests, with a range of options to suit different budgets. If you've reserved rooms at a particular hotel, include the promo code and any other relevant information. It's also a good idea to suggest a couple of alternative options that are close to the venue. Don't forget to include the phone numbers for the hotels, as well as any other places where guests may need to call to make reservations or inquire about room availability.

Maps and Directions

To make things even easier for your guests, you can use the map feature on your website to help them navigate to the ceremony, reception, and hotels. You can also include notes about landmarks or signage that will confirm they're in the right place. Adding approximate travel times between places is another helpful detail.

By including these details on your wedding website, you'll ensure your guests feel well-informed and prepared for your special day.

Link your registry and collect RSVPs

Linking your registry and collecting RSVPs are two of the most important features of your wedding website. Here's how to set them up:

Link your registry

On The Knot, go to the All-In-One Registry section to sync your gift registry. From there, you can add gifts and cash funds from The Knot Registry Store and track everything in one place. This makes shopping stress-free for your guests and ensures they stick to your wishlist. You can also use The Knot to link other registries if you have them.

Collect RSVPs

All of The Knot's free wedding websites offer an RSVP function, allowing guests to respond virtually. This makes it easy to keep your guest list organized and up-to-date, as all the information will be collected in real time. You'll be notified each time someone responds, making it simple to track your RSVPs.

Even if you opt for online RSVPs, you may want to send physical RSVP cards too. Some guests, especially older relatives, may prefer to use a traditional method to respond. Having two options will help ensure everyone RSVPs in a timely manner.

You can also use The Knot's helpful message templates to send reminders to your guests to RSVP, with a link to your website's RSVP page.

Frequently asked questions