Optimizing Wedding Wire Websites For Searchability And Discoverability

WeddingWire is a service that allows couples to set up a free wedding website. The website can be personalized with a unique design, photos, and other wedding details. Couples can also choose to password-protect their website and make it unsearchable. However, it is important to note that WeddingWire has no control over what Google crawls and indexes, so they cannot guarantee that the website will not be indexed by Google. To make a WeddingWire website searchable on Google, couples can try adding more photos or purchasing a custom domain name.

Make sure your website is published

Making sure your Wedding Wire website is published is a simple process. Firstly, you need to be using the desktop version of the website, as this feature is not available on the app. Once you are on the desktop version, follow these steps:

• Click on 'Planning Tools'.
• Select 'Guest List'.
• Click on 'Reception'.
• Choose 'Settings'.
• Make sure "track meals for this event" is selected.
• You can now add meals to your website.
• To make your website visible, select 'Wedding Website' under 'Planning Tools'.
• Click on 'Edit Website' to view which pages are public and private.
• Click on the settings icon to the right of the page you want to make public.
• Turn off 'Hide Page' and click 'Save Changes'.

Your website is now published and visible to your guests. You can repeat steps 9 and 10 for each page you wish to make public.

It is important to note that if you are using password protection on your website, guests will need the password to access it, even if it is published and visible.

Add a password to your website

Adding a password to your WeddingWire website is a great way to control who can access your wedding details. This is especially useful if you want to keep your wedding information private from people who are not invited or from appearing in search engine results.

To set up a password for your WeddingWire website, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access Your Wedding Website Dashboard

Log in to your WeddingWire account and hover over the 'Planning Tools' tab. From the dropdown menu, click on 'Wedding Website'. This will take you to your wedding website dashboard, where you can manage and edit your website.

Step 2: Locate the 'Pages' Tab

Once you are in the website editor, look for the 'Pages' tab and click on it. This tab will allow you to manage the visibility settings for each page on your website.

Step 3: Select the Page You Want to Password Protect

In the 'Pages' section, you will see a list of all the pages on your wedding website. Click on the box for the page you want to protect with a password. This could be your main page or specific pages like 'Details' or 'RSVP'.

Step 4: Set the Page Visibility to 'Private'

For the selected page, you will see three visibility options: 'Public', 'Private', and 'Hidden'. Click on the 'Private' option to select it. This will ensure that only people with the password can access this page.

Step 5: Go to the 'Settings' Tab

After setting the page visibility, click on the 'Settings' tab in the website editor. This tab will allow you to configure the privacy settings for your website.

Step 6: Locate the 'Privacy' Section

In the 'Settings' tab, scroll down until you find the 'Privacy' section. This is where you will be able to set up the password protection for your website.

Step 7: Toggle the 'Password' Switch to 'On'

In the 'Privacy' section, you will see a 'Password' switch. Toggle this switch to the 'On' position by clicking on it. The switch will turn green, indicating that password protection is now enabled.

Step 8: Set Your Password

With the password protection enabled, you will now see two fields where you can enter your desired password. Choose a secure password that you can share with your invited guests. Enter the same password in both fields to confirm it.

Step 9: Save Your Password

Once you have entered your password, click on the 'Save Password' button to store your changes. Your wedding website will now be password protected, and only people with the password will be able to access the private pages.

By following these steps, you can easily add a password to your WeddingWire website, ensuring that your wedding details remain private and accessible only to your invited guests. This feature gives you more control over your wedding information and enhances the security of your online presence.

Include your full names in the title of your website

Including your full names in the title of your wedding website is a great way to make it personal and memorable for your guests. It also adds a unique touch and showcases your personality as a couple. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create a catchy and creative website title:

Use both your first names:

This is a classic and chic option that is simple and to the point. It also puts the focus on the two of you and is easy for guests to remember. For example, "JackandDiane.com" or "JackandDianeGetHitched.com".

Get playful with your first names:

You can use a playful structure, reminiscent of romantic doodles, such as "JackplusDiane.com" or "KillianplusGeorge.com". This adds a fun twist to the traditional use of both your first names.

Use your surnames:

If you or your partner are taking the other's surname, your new shared surname can make for a concise and catchy URL. For example, "TheGoldsteins.com" or "TheSmithsWedding.com".

Combine your hyphenated surnames:

For couples planning to combine last names, you can debut your new hyphenated surname in the URL. This gives your guests a hint of how you'd like to be addressed and avoids any confusion. For instance, "ThePolanskiShens.com" or "TheSanchezSmiths.com".

Add your wedding year:

Including the year of your wedding after your names is a great way to build anticipation. It's less cluttered than the full date and still gives a clear indication of when your celebration will be. For example, "AikoandRachel2024.com" or "TheGoldsteinsWedding2024.com".

Remember, when creating your wedding website title, keep it short, simple, and easy to remember. Avoid using special symbols or purposely misspelling words, as this can cause confusion for your guests.

Add more photos to your website

Adding photos to your WeddingWire website is a great way to personalize your wedding and share your special day with your guests. WeddingWire allows you to upload photos to your website's photo album, creating a visual experience for your guests to enjoy. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Log in to Your WeddingWire Account

Start by logging into your WeddingWire account. This will give you access to the planning tools and features you need to manage your wedding website.

Step 2: Navigate to Your 'Wedding Website'

Hover over the "Planning Tools" option and click on "Wedding Website." This will take you to the dashboard where you can manage your website's content, including photos.

Step 3: Create a New Album or Edit an Existing One

If you're adding photos to an existing album, simply click on the 'Photo Album' page and select the album you want to edit. If you want to create a new album, click on the 'Add Album' button and enter a title and description. This is a great way to organize your photos into different categories, such as "Engagement Photos" or "Wedding Venue."

Step 4: Upload Your Photos

Once you've selected or created an album, it's time to add your photos! Click on the "Add Photos" button and select the images you want to upload from your files. You can upload up to 200 photos in total across all your albums.

Step 5: Arrange Your Photos

After uploading, you can rearrange the order of your photos by clicking and dragging them using the arrow icon on the right side of each image. This allows you to curate the viewing experience for your guests.

Step 6: Save Your Changes

Once you're happy with your photo selection and arrangement, click the "Save" button to finalize the changes. Your photos will now be visible to your guests when they visit your WeddingWire website!

Remember, your wedding website is a great way to share details and updates about your wedding with your guests. Adding photos enhances the visual appeal and makes it more engaging. You can also include other information such as date, location, accommodations, and RSVP options. Enjoy creating a beautiful and personalized wedding website with WeddingWire!

Share your website URL with your guests

Once you've created your wedding website, it's time to share it with your guests! Here are some tips to ensure your guests can easily access and navigate your website:

Finalise your URL

Before sharing your website, decide on a custom URL that is simple, concise, and memorable. You can use your first names or future surname, such as "HarryLovesSally" or "TheFutureJohnsons". This custom URL adds a personal touch and makes it easier for guests to find and remember your website.

Include essential details

Ensure your website includes all the practical details your guests need to know. This includes a timeline of events, parking and transport information, accommodation suggestions, and gift registry details. You can also use your website to address topics like kids and plus ones.

Share via invitations or save-the-dates

The best way to share your wedding website link is directly through your wedding invitations or save-the-dates. If you're having a destination wedding or want to give guests plenty of notice, include the link on your save-the-dates. For more formal invitations, you can include the URL on an additional insert card or discreetly at the bottom of the invitation.

Avoid sharing on social media

While it may be tempting to share your wedding website on social media, it's best to avoid this method. Sharing on social media can cause confusion and hurt feelings among those who are not invited. Instead, share the link directly with each guest through private messages or emails.

Make it password-protected

To maintain privacy and ensure only invited guests access your website, consider adding password protection. You can keep the password simple and memorable, such as your wedding date. This way, guests can easily access the website without the hassle of remembering a complicated password.

Update and maintain your website

Don't forget to update your wedding website as new details are finalised. This could include venue changes, dress codes, additional events, or travel recommendations. By keeping your website up-to-date, guests will have the most accurate information and won't need to bother the wedding party with frequent questions.

Frequently asked questions