How to Create a Beautiful Wedding Website in 7 Easy Steps

Once the just-engaged hype has eased, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed and unsure where to start with wedding planning! One of the biggest mistakes we see couples making is going full steam ahead with the wedding day without taking a breather and putting a plan in place first. We’d always recommend using these early stages wisely by seeking out a wedding website builder where you can create your own wedding website which holds detailed event information and can track RSVPs. This is going to be one of the easiest ways to relieve some of the initial challenges that may come your way during the wedding planning process.

Wedding websites serve as a brilliant online hub where your guests can access all the essential details they need ahead of the big day, such as whether there’s a bridal shower, a rehearsal dinner, and who the bridal party is. This is as well as your wedding website simply being an amazing organizational tool where you can keep all your wedmin in one easy-to-access place!

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect wedding website which can also act as your digital wedding planner, stay with us as we walk you through how to create a totally gorgeous wedding website with Say I do in seven easy steps. Keep reading as we guide you through everything from choosing the perfect wedding template to how to organize your online RSVPs; it’s all here…

1. Custom URL

Yep, that’s right - before you start choosing and creating your wedding website design, you get to select a custom domain for your web page! Keep things simple and go for your and your partner’s names, your married name, your wedding date, or your wedding venue - the choice really is yours. Alternatively, if you want a truly unique URL, why not select something wedding specific or a fun detail from your love story?! This is a really fun way to inject some personality and lightheartedness into your dream wedding right from the start.

2. Choosing the right template

You thought choosing a unique web address was fun? Well, this is the really fun bit! Once you’ve submitted the basics (your names, roles, wedding date, etc.) you are free to design and create a wedding website, and we’ve got 50+ designs for you to choose from! But don’t panic; you don’t have to commit to the first one that catches your eye - you can swap your design at any time should you change your mind halfway through.

Depending on your wedding theme, choose from a variety of different website templates; there really is something for everyone. From understated chic, watercolor botanicals, colorful urban, and everything else in between! Once you’ve selected your favorite design, you can then personalize it even further by changing the font, color scheme, and how your wedding date is displayed.

Follow the step-by-step guide, and no detail will be missed. Creating a free wedding website doesn’t require a graphic design degree; in fact, Say I do’s range of pre-made templates are both stylish and user-friendly, with some additional fun features too. Just take your time and ensure you’re happy with all design elements before pressing send! Your website and online wedding invitations are going to be the first glimpse your guests will have of your upcoming celebrations, and as we all know…first impressions count!

3. Add your wedding events

Ok, so once your design is complete on your wedding website builder and your guest list has been populated, it’s time to add in your wedding events. Some couples may have just one intimate ceremony celebration to invite their guests to, and some may have a week-long wedding bursting with festivities and activities. Either way, if you want your guests to join in and keep on top of what’s happening where (whilst avoiding wedding crashers!) – this is where to do it.

Create any number of other events to invite your guests to. For example; family breakfast, wedding ceremony (the main event), reception, after party, and even brunch/lunch the next day. Here you can include as much information as you like relating to that particular event and notify guests of any change to proceedings. Include the venue location/address, start and finish time, and any additional notes such as the dress code and if there are any extra details that might need to be communicated.

4. Build your guest list

When creating a wedding website, you can add your guests directly to the platform by starting from scratch, or you can upload a spreadsheet if you already have a list. If you don’t have access to everyone’s email addresses, physical addresses, or phone numbers, Say I do have a handy tool where couples can simply copy and paste a custom link, and guests can enter their contact details themselves! This a super easy, time-saving way to collect contact information from your friends and family, perfect for when you’re ready to send those all-important wedding invitations.

When inputting all your guests’ information, you can list a person as ‘single, a ‘couple,’ or ‘family.’ The next step is to add each guest’s name under the lead contact. You can even select whether they’re on one of the couple’s sides, a wedding day VIP, included in the wedding party, or part of a custom group you create - ‘uni mates,’ for example. These sub-groups will be especially helpful when it comes to sending an individual wedding invitation to your guest list covering the multiple events happening over your wedding day/s (if applicable).

5. Customize your wedding sections

Before you press publish and send it to your nearest and dearest, there are some other important sections within your wedding website that need to be updated.

We always recommend that couples customize their wedding website as much as possible to give it a truly personal feel and build excitement before the big day. Include information on how you met, a photo gallery of you as a couple, and maybe even an engagement snap! Add in details of your wedding party – don’t forget to include fun facts and photos of your close friends, and you can upload videos too if you wish.

From the more practical side, there is room within the website builder to include practical wedding information such as how to get to the wedding, guest accommodation tips, the dress code, and helpful tips or things to do in the local area.

To avoid those unnecessary questions (there will be some, you can’t avoid them!), you can create an FAQ section so that all areas are covered, and guests feel confident that they have all the information they need to attend your wedding celebrations.

6. RSVP feature

Surely, one of the main reasons to create a wedding website is to be able to collate and organize your RSVPs in one place. Therefore, don’t forget to utilize this feature and personalize your online RSVP form. Make sure you request all the practical details you need from your guests to avoid lots of additional emails having to be sent out at a later date. Check whether they have any dietary requirements, do they require accommodation for the duration of your wedding, or find out whether they need travel assistance.

7. Gift registry/Wishing Well

Finally, regardless of whether you’re having a gift registry, a wishing well, asking guests to donate to a beloved charity, or you don’t want any gift/contributions at all, it’s always best to be transparent and let them know via your wedding website. Most websites allow room for couples to include their gift registries, so go ahead and set one up before sending your save the dates and wedding invitations - before you know it, you might have 10 of the same cushion and too many wine glasses to count!

As you can see, wedding websites and digital RSVPs can seriously free up some of the heavy wedding admin along the way. This explains why they’re a popular choice for wedding couples in the planning phase of their wedding journey.

Ok, that’s enough from us. Why not use the seven steps listed above, create a wedding website, and test it out for yourself with Say I do…