When you think about all the details involved in your wedding day, it seems a little silly that your wedding invitations are the only way to communicate with your guests. After all, you can only put so much information on a 5×7 card!

Thankfully, couples have another option: wedding websites!

A wedding website is a simple, convenient way to keep guests informed and organize the details of your big day in one location. However, the more effort you put into your wedding website, the more you’ll get out of it.

From what information to include to the best wedding website builders, here is everything you need to know about wedding websites.

 

5 Best Wedding Website Builders

Wedding websites have been around for long enough that there are dozens of building tools to choose from. And no, you don’t have to be a professional web designer!

Most of these tools offer easy-to-use, drag-and-drop technology and all of them have a free option, so they don’t have to break the bank either!

1. The Knot – The visual dashboard is super easy to use and the integrated registry makes it super easy to add wish lists from multiple stores.
2. Zola – Zola is a great option for couples who want to take the stress out of wedding planning. Check out the seating chart manager!
3. Joy – Voted “Best Experience” by Brides.com, Joy offers a great website building experience as well as a host of wedding planning tools. We love the RSVP management feature!
4. Minted – Minted started out as a place to showcase independent stationery artists, and their focus is still on great design. A style quiz lets couples narrow down the 1,000+ template options.
5. Wix – While it’s not marketed specifically for weddings, Wix is still a favorite for its easy-to-use functionality. They offer endless customization options, which is perfect if you’re willing to overcome the learning curve.

 

Why Do I Need a Wedding Website?

While wedding websites aren’t typically a replacement for paper invitations, they do offer several advantages over stationery:

1. They can’t get lost.

It’s easy to misplace a wedding invitation (or one of the many cards that often go along with them), but websites are forever.

As long as your guests have the link and the password, they can access all the information they need.

2. They help set guest expectations.

There’s a lot of information that wedding guests need—especially if they’re coming in from out of town. Your wedding website is the perfect place to communicate those details that won’t fit on a wedding invitation.

And if something changes, it’s much easier to update everyone via a website rather than endlessly texting guest after guest.

3. They simplify the RSVP process.

Most wedding websites have RSVP functionality, allowing guests to respond with a simple click. And because you don’t have to keep track of 100+ response cards, it’ll be much easier to keep track of who is coming (and what their entrée selection is)!

4. It’s a cost-saver!

In most cases, wedding websites are an addition to paper invitations, not a replacement for them. However, you can opt for a more robust wedding website to take the place of RSVP cards and detail cards, cutting down on your invitation costs.

Many couples might also opt to use their wedding website as their save the date card, another cost-saver!

5. They build excitement for the big day!

Having all that additional info (plus images) in one location helps your wedding guests get excited for the main event!

 

What To Include On Your Wedding Website

Think of your wedding website as a “stand-in” for the two of you. The more information you include on the site, the less often you will have to answer phone calls and texts asking “What’s the dress code again?”

Event Details

It sounds obvious, but don’t forget to include the basic details about your ceremony and reception:

• Your names
• Wedding date
• Ceremony time
• Location
• Venue

Weekend Itinerary

Weddings are rarely just one event these days. If you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner, after party, or morning-after brunch, provide those details as well.

Dress Code

Whether your dress code is “white tie” or “Texas chic,” your guests want to know what to wear to your wedding. One benefit of a wedding website is that you can provide lots of inspo pics (your guests will appreciate it)!

Travel Accommodations

It’s customary to reserve a hotel block for out-of-town guests, so update your wedding website with this information. You should also include the nearest airport as well as any other local restaurants or tourist attractions.

Special Announcements

Wedding guests always appreciate it when they know what to expect. For example, if you’re having an unplugged ceremony or an adults-only event, prep everyone ahead of time by putting that information front-and-center on your website.

Personal Info

Your wedding website is the perfect chance to share your love story! Share how the two of you met or got engaged. Share your hopes and dreams for the future. If nothing else, write a heartfelt message telling your friends and family how much you appreciate their support. Don’t forget to include lots of pictures of the two of you!

Wedding Registries

It’s considered proper wedding etiquette to leave the wedding registry off of your paper invitations, as it sends the message that gifts are expected. A wedding website, however, is the perfect place for it! Many website builders will even integrate your wedding registry into your template. (Check out these wedding registry ideas!)

Introduce the Wedding Party

Bridesmaids and groomsmen play an integral role in weddings. Introduce them on your wedding website: who they are, their role for the day, and how you met them.

FAQs

Finally, if there are any other questions you find yourself answering over and over again (or ones you anticipate answering!), include those in a frequently asked questions section. Not sure what to include? Your venue and vendors will likely have a few suggestions.

 

How To Share Your Wedding Website

Your wedding website is only useful if people know how to find it! When it comes to sharing websites, you have a few options:

• URL – If your website’s URL is short and sweet, feel free to type it in a clear, legible font (no script fonts, please!) on your save the date card, the invitation, or an enclosed card.

• QR Code – QR codes are super simple to create and most guests know how to use them by now. All they have to do is view the code through their phone’s camera and a link will pop up on the screen.

• Email/Text – Odds are, you have everyone’s contact information already. A simple email with a clickable link is a tried-and-true method that even the least tech-savvy person can handle.

• Social Media – Create a private Facebook group and provide a link to your wedding website.

Share The Love!

A wedding website isn’t just a modern convenience—it’s a way to make your planning easier, keep your guests informed, and showcase your personality as a couple.

By putting a little extra thought and care into its creation, you’ll ensure that your guests feel just as prepared and excited for your special day as you are. Now that you know the essentials, it’s time to start building a wedding website that’s as unforgettable as your celebration!