What did couples do before wedding websites? Probably something crazy like call each of their wedding guests when wedding plans changed or wait weeks on end before getting an RSVP in the mail. Lucky for you, there are a ton of great wedding website builders available now that do all of this for you in one, easy-to-use place. Here’s why you need a wedding website and how to build one.
What’s the Point of a Wedding Website?
There are so many benefits to having a wedding website for both you and your guests. Because it acts as a central hub for all of your wedding information, you don’t have to worry about someone not getting the memo that the wedding attire is casual and showing up in a gown fancier than yours. Here are a ton more (common) reasons why you should have a wedding website:
To Capture Your Guests’ RSVP Responses
Wedding websites are an easy way for guests to RSVP online in a timely manner and for you to track those responses without misplacing any of them.
To Update Your Wedding Information
Wedding websites became even more valuable during COVID when couples were needing to constantly update their guests on their wedding plans. While we hope that’s not the case for your wedding, a wedding website still provides an easy place to keep all of your guests in the loop.
To Get the Numbers and Emails of Guests for Wedding Apps
If you are going to use a wedding photo sharing or chat app to increase guest interaction and engagement during your wedding weekend, you’ll likely need the phone number or email address of each guest to invite them to your channel. You can capture this information via your wedding website.
To Share a Detailed Schedule of Your Wedding Weekend
For those wedding guests that like to plan ahead, including a detailed wedding timeline or schedule of events on your website can ease worries and help guests plan their travel and accommodations.
To Suggest Things to Do for Out of Town Guests
For out-of-town guests who might not know the area well, a wedding website is a perfect place to share some of your favorite things to do, places to eat, and sights to see in the area.
To Include Your Wedding Registry Information
Having your wedding registry easily accessible is another benefit of having a wedding website.
To Share Your Couple Story and Photos
Of course, wedding websites aren’t all business. You can include your story as a couple, the proposal, and some photos to give your guests a little more insight into who you are as a couple. This is especially nice for family or friends who know you separately but not together.
Are Wedding Websites Free?
Good news! Yes, they are. Well, at least some of them are. There are wedding websites available for a variety of prices. Some are free for all, while others offer more bells and whistles at a cost.
Free wedding website builders offer the basics you need to create a simple, clear website for guests to easily navigate. Other wedding website builders, like Riley and Grey, are more expensive but for good reason. Riley and Grey is a luxury wedding website builder that offers a custom domain name, mobile-viewing, personalized design, and a full suite of paper files that perfectly match your website design. For those willing to pay the price, the result is worth it.
Best Free Wedding Website Builders for Couples
Here are the 4 best free wedding website builders for couples and the unique features they have to offer.
Minted is a free wedding website builder with unique features, such as the option to match your paper stationery to your website design. This way, guests have a streamlined experience from your physical wedding invitations to your digital wedding website. With a variety of website templates designed by independent parties, you have a variety of options to choose from, although building your website from scratch can be a little confusing in the beginning.
The Knot, on the other hand, offers free wedding websites that are super easy to use. So, for the not-so-tech-savvy bride looking for a clean and simple website, this is a good route to go. With hundreds of pre-made designs, you simply have to plug in your information and, just like that, your wedding website is up and running. The Knot can also live-stream your wedding from your website, so you can ensure nobody has to miss your special day even during COVID.
Zola offers free wedding website templates that are easily customizable, just like the rest of them. The really cool thing about Zola is that it is not just a website-building platform; it’s also a wedding registry. When you register at Zola, your registry will automatically integrate into your wedding website template so guests can RSVP to your wedding and buy your wedding gift all in one place.
Joy offers a free wedding website builder and a really awesome wedding guest list organizer. Not only can you collect RSVPs, but you can easily add guest information and send messages all from your guest list on the website. Plus with a mobile app and unlimited photo storage, Joy will be your go-to wedding app for managing your wedding on the go and long after your wedding day.
When Should You Create a Wedding Website?
The best time to create your wedding website is before you send out your Save The Date cards. This way, you can include your website URL on your Save The Dates so guests can start browsing your site right away. Make sure your registry is done and on your website, too!
Your Wedding Website is on Our Planning Checklist
At Epic Thyme, we believe every couple should create a wedding website. But we also know there is a long list of planning items to complete leading up to your wedding. We can help you stay organized and on-track by managing all of the details for you. Using our online planning platform, we help you prioritize and cross things off your to-do list left and right. Let’s start planning today!
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