Hello lovely brides-to-be and everyone else that's hopped aboard the wedding train! Are you ready for a magical journey? If Cinderella had a laptop, I bet even she would want a wedding website. And guess what? Building one is easier than you think, and *oh-so-much* fun! It's like creating your own little corner of the internet, just for you and your happily ever after.

Why You Should Have a Wedding Website

Why Do You Need a Wedding Website, Anyway?

Before we dive into the "how-to", let's start with the "why". A wedding website:

  • Provides a centralized location for all your wedding info.
  • Saves paper (eco-friendly for the win! ?).
  • Is easily updated for last-minute changes.
  • Gives a sneak peek of your wedding style and vibe to your guests!

Alright, lovely souls, grab a cup of tea (or a glass of bubbly ?), and let's get started!

Choose a Platform for Your Wedding Website

The first step in creating your wedding wonderland is choosing the right platform. Some of the most popular ones include:

  • Wix. Known for its drag-and-drop simplicity.
  • Squarespace. Stylish designs and seamless interface.
  • Zola. Specifically designed for weddings, with built-in registry features.
  • WordPress. For those with a bit of tech-savviness, offers limitless customization.

When choosing, consider how much you're willing to pay, how much customization you want, and how user-friendly you'd like it to be. Some platforms are free but might charge you for premium features.

Pick A Domain Name for Your Wedding Website

This is the fun part! Your domain name is like your digital address. Examples include:

  • JamesAndLilyTieTheKnot.com
  • ForeverWithFinnAndFaye.net
  • SamWedsSophie.org

Make it personal, cute, or even quirky! But remember, keep it simple and memorable.

A Good Wedding Website in 3 Words: Design, Design, Design!

When your guests click on that wedding website link, the design is the first thing they’ll notice. Your website's aesthetic sets the tone for what they can expect on the big day. Whether it's whimsical, elegant, or avant-garde, make sure your design sings true to you and your partner's style.

  • High-Quality Images: Invest in some stunning visuals. If you've had an engagement shoot, sprinkle those beautiful moments throughout the site. Candid moments, those with genuine emotions, often make the most impactful visuals.
  • Color Palette: Be consistent with your choice of colors. If your wedding colors are blush and gold, reflect that on your website for a cohesive feel. But remember, less is more; stick to 2-3 dominant colors to avoid overwhelming the eyes.
  • Mobile-Friendly Design: With many of us glued to our smartphones, ensuring your wedding website is mobile-responsive is essential. Check how it looks on different devices and browsers. Your guests should have a seamless experience whether they're viewing from a tablet, phone, or desktop.
  • Typography Matters: Choose fonts that are easy to read and echo your wedding's vibe. A flowy script might be great for headings, but for the bulk text, go for simplicity.
  • Interactive Elements: Consider adding subtle animations or parallax scrolling effects. It adds an element of fun and keeps the guests engaged.

8 Must-Have Details for Your Wedding Website

Your wedding website should be a treasure trove of information for your guests. Here's what you need:

  • Story Time. How did you two meet? The first date, the proposal... weave your story.
  • The Big Day Details. Date, time, venue, dress code. Don't make Aunt Sue wear heels if you're having a beach wedding!
  • Accommodation & Travel. Suggest places to stay, transport options, and maybe a handy map.
  • RSVP. Simplify the process by allowing guests to RSVP online.
  • Registry. If you have one, link it up!
  • Wedding Party. Showcase your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and anyone else playing a special role.
  • Frequently Asked Questions. Address dress code, plus ones, child policies, etc.
  • Photos. Engagement pictures, or even cute snaps from your dating days.
8 Must Have Items for Your Wedding Website

Extra Sprinkles of Magic for Your Wedding Website

For those wanting to go the extra mile:

  • Countdown Timer. Add excitement as the big day approaches!
  • Guestbook. Allow guests to leave you sweet notes or advice.
  • Special Requests. Maybe you have a fun shoe game planned and need guests to write questions, or perhaps you're compiling a playlist from song requests. Use the website as a platform to involve your guests!
  • Guest Features. Introduce a "Guest Spotlight" where you feature fun facts or stories about some of your guests. It's a great way for people to get to know each other before the big day!
  • Sneak Peeks. Building anticipation is always fun. Share a teaser of the wedding décor, a silhouette of the dress, or any other exciting snippets.

How to Keep Your Wedding Website Safe

Privacy is essential, even for something as simple as a wedding website. Be sure to:

  • Add Password Protection. Only those with the password can view your site.
  • Hide Your Wedding Website from Search Engines. Ensure your site doesn't pop up on Google searches.

Spread the Word!

Once your website is live, share the link:

  • Save-the-Dates & Invitations. Add your website link.
  • Social Media. A quick and casual way to let friends and family know.

Keep Your Wedding Website Updated!

Just set it and forget it? Not quite, dear brides-to-be! Your wedding website is like a living entity, growing and changing as your plans crystallize. As the day approaches, there's bound to be new information, a few alterations, and perhaps even delightful surprises to share with your guests. Let’s dive into the details.

  • RSVP Reminders. Noticed a few guests who haven’t responded? A gentle nudge or a fun update can be a subtle reminder for them to RSVP.
  • Itinerary Enhancements. Perhaps you've decided on a cocktail hour, or there's a post-wedding brunch. Update your day's schedule so guests can plan accordingly.
  • Weather Forecasts. If you're having an outdoor wedding, it might be handy to update guests on the expected weather. This can be especially helpful if there are sudden changes or if they need to bring an umbrella or a hat!
  • Health & Safety Protocols. Given the times, if there are specific health guidelines or measures to follow, make sure to communicate them clearly.

Remember, every time you update, you're not just keeping information current; you're keeping the excitement alive! So, pop in regularly and keep that website as fresh and fabulous as your upcoming wedding!

All the Reasons for A Wedding Website!

Building your wedding website is like crafting a digital fairy tale. It's a labor of love, sprinkled with personal touches that represent both of you. So, dive in, have fun, and remember, at the heart of it all, it's about celebrating love, commitment, and the start of a magical journey together.

Here’s to your happily ever after!

About Ellie Wren

Ellie Wren is a custom wedding shoe and accessory boutique dedicated to helping brides design their dream custom wedding shoes. Through a high-touch process, brides work directly with an Ellie Wren bridal shoe consultant to realize their wedding shoe design.

Whether brides are looking for a unique twist on ivory wedding shoes, comfortable wedding flats in the perfect shade of blush, sparkly wedding shoes with an open-toe or highly personalised wedding shoes, Ellie Wren is uniquely qualified to make their vision a reality.