Many people overlook the idea of making a wedding website, but it can actually serve as an invaluable tool for couples looking to simplify their communication with invited guests. When I was planning my own wedding our formal invitations were actually lost in the mail (still missing to this day…) so I leaned heavily on my wedding website as the main source of information for guests. It’s helpful for invited guests to have that resource to refer back to when purchasing a gift, or planning their arrangements for the big day. By mentioning your website on Save The Date announcements it allows you to keep the physical cards simple and aesthetically pleasing, while all the nitty gritty details can be accessed online.
I’ll be sharing 7 tips for creating your wedding website, based on my experience as both a professional web designer and a former bride. To provide visual examples I’ll be including screenshots from my own personal wedding website. (NOTE: For privacy purposes, some text and images have been changed from my original wedding website.)
Wedding Website Tip #1
Customize Your URL
Purchase a custom domain for your wedding website. If you only listen to one piece of advice from this article, please let it be this. (Bonus: No need to make room in the budget, your domain will likely cost less than $10!)
Let me start by explaining what a custom domain is. Essentially, it’s your URL. The domain is like a street address and the website itself is like a home. When you want people to visit your home (website) you give them your address (domain).
Oftentimes, website builders (or services like The Knot or Zola) will provide you with a URL that looks something like this: CoolWeddingWebsites.com/couples/AmyAndJoe2023. Not only is that a visual eyesore, it can be difficult for your guests (especially older folks) to manually type in that URL- since it will likely be printed on a Save The Card card.
Also, long and complicated URLs like that are difficult to remember. Your guests may want to refer back to your website months later to check out your registry or get directions to the ceremony- so you want to make it as easy as possible. I recommend getting a domain name that is short, simple, and easy to read. Try something like {YourName}and{PartnersName}{WeddingYear}.com.
If you want to learn more about purchasing domain names, check out this article.
Wedding Website Tip #2
Add Some Heartwarming Pics
Photos are what personalize your website. Use a variety of photos, from a few different stages of your relationship. Friends and relatives will enjoy seeing the progression from first date to engagement. If you took formal engagement photos definitely include those on your website as well.
Try to avoid using low quality or overly filtered photos. This is not the time or place for Snapchat screenshots. Also, your Great Aunt Pam doesn’t need to see that pic of you two at a basement party in college with beer bong in the background.
Wedding Website Tip #3
Be A Local Guide For Your Guests
Offer some local recommendations for lodging, dining, and fun. Even if your wedding is going to be held in your hometown, you’re most likely inviting someone who isn’t familiar with the area. It’s helpful for your guests to have recommendations ahead of time so they can plan accordingly, and you won’t be fielding questions like “where can I get some good coffee around here?” on the morning of your wedding.
Some guests may have an extra day or two to explore the area, while they’re in town. By letting them know about a few hidden gems nearby you can ensure that they have a good time and think fondly of the trip.
Even if you don’t have any out-of-town guests coming in for the wedding it’s STILL a good idea to offer hotel recommendations. Some guests may want to stay in a hotel nearby so that they can drink at the reception, or maybe they just don’t want to drive home late at night.
(Above) I used fake hotel names and addresses here, as an example, but this is the exact format I used on my wedding website for both lodging and local recommendations. I added the 'Distance From Venue' metric so guests that were unfamiliar with the area could quickly weight their options. You certainly don't have to do anything as elaborate on your website- a few simple links will do the trick!
Wedding Website Tip #4
Provide The Backstory Behind Your Love
Create a short write-up explaining how you two met, and your journey as a couple. Just write in your own voice and feel free to have fun with it. Tell the story behind your first date, and then have your partner explain it from their perspective. Definitely consider including the story (and photos!) from your engagement as well. This section can be whatever you want it to be. The goal here is really just to provide some insight and backstory for those distant relatives, old friends, or guests that may not be familiar with your partner. This is especially nice if your parents are inviting their friends or colleagues, who might not be familiar with either of you!
I personally really enjoy reading this section on couple’s websites because it makes watching and celebrating their union even more enjoyable.
Wedding Website Tip #5
Make It Easy To Access Your Registry
Wedding websites make it so easy to access wedding registries. (Does anyone else remember going into a store and having to search for a couple’s registry within their directory, and then printing it out so you could hunt down the items?) Include links to your registry right on the main page if possible. It may feel impolite to push it up front, but all of your guests will need to access it at some point so you might as well make it convenient. (Quick aside, I know registries can feel greedy and uncomfortable at times but its important to remind yourself that you will attend a lot of weddings in your lifetime and you’ll be purchasing a gift for each one. This is just your turn to be on the receiving end.)
Wedding Website Tip #6
Tell Your Guests Everything They Need To Know
Now for, arguably, the main purpose of this website- event details! Include dates, times, and locations for the ceremony and reception. Provide driving directions (Google Maps links if possible) and parking instructions if needed. Let them know if there is suggested attire or dress codes. This is a great place to fit all those details that didn’t make it onto the formal invitation.
If it’s not immediately clear, it may be worth clarifying if it’s an indoor or outdoor venue so that guests can dress appropriately. If you need to implement a strict end time this is a great place to casually offer that type of information. Is it a child-free event? DEFINITELY clarify that on the website as well. (You wouldn’t believe how many people assume their kids are welcome, unless it’s explicitly told to them.)
Wedding Website Tip #7
Collect Responses Entirely Online
Allowing your guests to RSVP through your wedding website can be extremely helpful for both sides- but only if you’re prepared and comfortable doing so. You may be using the traditional method of including response cards with your invitation, in which case you can track responses entirely offline. No matter which RSVP method you choose, make sure you’re prepared to keep track of the responses once they start coming in- I recommend creating an Excel document with your guest list and include a column that calculates your running count.
If you do want your guests to respond virtually, Some wedding website service providers have this capability. If you’re constructing the site through WordPress or another website builder, try researching some well-trusted plugins or integrated response services. These services may ask you to input your entire guest list into the system, so when guests go to RSVP they will just need to search for their name and respond accordingly. The great thing about this format is that it clarifies the exact number of guests invited in each party (so no unexpected plus ones.)
Another option for website builders (which I personally used on my wedding website) is to simply embed a form (Forminator and Ninja Forms are my top choices for WordPress users) But you could opt for a simple Google Form and just provide a link on your website. On the form I used the following fields;
- First Name, Last Name
- (Checkbox) Attending? Yes/No
- # of Attending Guests in Your Party
- Blank Message Field for Additional Notes from Guest
Inquiring about the number of guests attending from their party is helpful because if you’re inviting an entire family it’s possible that some, but not all, family members will be attending. I also included the optional blank message field where guests could input additional notes (such as names of family members that can’t attend).
If you are concerned about elderly, or less tech-savvy guests won’t be comfortable RSVPing online then offer an alternative contact method (like your maid-of-honor’s phone number perhaps).
Where To Start Making Your Wedding Website
You have a few options for building your wedding website. You may already be familiar with wedding planning tools like The Knot and Zola, who also offer free wedding websites. This is certainly the easiest option as everything is prebuilt, you just input your specific details. Unfortunately these sites have lots of limitations, as you can only pick from a handful of their templates, and you’re stuck with their specific format and design. Alternatively, you could utilize website builders such as a SquareSpace or WordPress. You do need to pay for a hosting plan, but you will unlock unlimited possibilities in terms of what you can do with your website.
Get Creative & Have Fun With It
Your wedding website should not be ‘just one more thing to worry about’. Use it as a creative outlet to re-inspire you when wedding planning gets stale and frustrating. Pull out your wedding vision board (or make one if you haven’t already!) and use that to guide you. I hope my 7 Tips For Making A Wedding Website have provided you with some ideas to get started, but please feel free to make it your own. Enjoy, and happy planning!