How to Create a Wedding Website 2025

Creating a wedding website takes 30-60 minutes and costs nothing. With 87% of couples now creating wedding websites¹, your online hub is where guests will find everything they need: event details, travel information, RSVP forms, and registry links.

This guide covers platform comparisons, step-by-step setup, and exactly what to include so your guests stay informed without constantly texting you for details.

Why You Need a Wedding Website

Wedding websites have become essential. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, 79% of couples use their website as the primary communication channel with guests². Here's why:

Key Benefits

Centralized information One link answers every guest question: When is it? Where do I stay? What do I wear? Where's the registry?

Easy RSVP management Online RSVPs eliminate paper response cards, reduce postage costs, and give you real-time tracking. No more chasing guests for answers.

Instant updates Venue change? Timeline adjustment? Update once and everyone sees the current information immediately.

Reduces guest questions A comprehensive FAQ section means fewer texts asking the same questions. Your phone stays quieter.

Guest convenience Calendar integration, map links, and hotel booking buttons make attending your wedding easier for everyone.

Best Wedding Website Platforms 2025

Platform Comparison

Platform Deep Dives

Anatole stands out for couples planning multi-moment weddings. Unlike other platforms, Anatole handles complex European-style celebrations with multiple events: civil ceremony, religious ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, party, and next-day brunch. Guests RSVP to each moment separately, with plus-ones and dietary requirements tracked per event. The built-in gift registry (called "cagnotte") lets guests contribute to honeymoon funds or specific goals. Available in 9 languages, making it ideal for international guest lists.

Joy offers the most generous free tier among US-focused platforms. You get unlimited guests, RSVP tracking, and a full wedding website at no cost. Revenue comes from registry partnerships, so the free version is genuinely feature-complete³.

Zola provides an all-in-one planning experience. The website integrates seamlessly with Zola's registry, guest list management, and vendor directory. Best for couples who want everything in one ecosystem.

The Knot remains the most recognized name in wedding planning. The website builder is straightforward, templates are traditional, and the platform connects to The Knot's vendor reviews and planning tools. Over 16 million couples have used The Knot since 1996⁴.

Minted focuses on design quality. Their templates come from independent artists, offering unique aesthetics you won't find elsewhere. However, functionality is more limited than dedicated wedding platforms.

Squarespace provides maximum customization for couples with specific design visions. You'll build a standalone website rather than use wedding-specific templates, which means more work but complete control.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Create Your Account (5 minutes)

1. Visit your chosen platform (anatole.wedding, zola.com, theknot.com)
2. Enter your names and wedding date
3. Choose a URL (yournames.anatole.wedding or yournames.theknot.com)
4. Select a template that matches your style

Tip: Pick a URL that's easy to spell and remember. Avoid numbers, underscores, or unusual spellings.

Step 2: Customize Your Design (15-30 minutes)

1. Upload a cover photo (engagement photos work well)
2. Adjust colors to match your wedding palette
3. Select fonts that are readable on mobile
4. Add your names and wedding date prominently

Tip: Less is more. Clean, simple designs photograph better when guests screenshot directions.

Step 3: Add Essential Content (30-60 minutes)

Event details Include the full address (not just venue name), start time, and parking information. Add a map link.

Travel information List recommended hotels with booking links, airport details, and transportation options. Consider negotiating room blocks for group rates.

Your story A brief "how we met" section personalizes your site. Keep it under 300 words.

Registry links Add direct links to your registries. If using Anatole's built-in cagnotte, explain how contributions work.

Step 4: Set Up RSVP (10-15 minutes)

1. Import or manually add your guest list
2. Set RSVP deadline (typically 4-6 weeks before the wedding)
3. Choose what information to collect (dietary restrictions, song requests, plus-ones)
4. Test the RSVP flow yourself before launching

Multi-moment setup (Anatole): If your wedding spans multiple events, configure which guests are invited to which moments. Guests see only the events they're invited to.

Step 5: Launch and Share (5 minutes)

1. Review all pages on both desktop and mobile
2. Test every link and form
3. Share the URL on your save-the-dates
4. Include the URL on formal invitations

What to Include on Your Wedding Website

Essential Pages

Optional Pages

URL and Domain Options

Free URLs

Most platforms provide free subdomains:

• sarahandjohn.anatole.wedding
• sarahandjohn.zola.com
• sarahandjohn.theknot.com
• sarahandjohn.withjoy.com

These work perfectly well and are included at no cost.

Custom Domains

For a more polished look, purchase your own domain ($10-20/year):

• sarahandjohn.com
• sarahandjon2025.com
• thejohnsonwedding.com

Purchase through Google Domains, Namecheap, or GoDaddy, then connect to your wedding platform. Most platforms provide step-by-step connection guides.

Tip: After your wedding, redirect the domain to a photo gallery or thank-you page.

Regional Considerations

United States

American couples lead digital adoption. The Knot, Zola, and Joy dominate the market. Wedding websites are standard practice, with guests expecting online RSVPs. Custom domains are common but not required.

Typical approach: Create website 8-12 months out, include URL on save-the-dates, enable RSVP 6-8 weeks before the wedding.

United Kingdom

British weddings often involve multiple venues (ceremony at registry office, reception elsewhere) and multi-day celebrations. Platforms supporting multiple events work best. Anatole's multi-moment feature is particularly suited to UK wedding structures.

Key difference: Evening reception invitations are common. Your platform should handle tiered guest lists (ceremony + dinner vs. evening only).

Australia

Australia's geographic spread makes online communication essential. Guests may travel from different states or time zones. Include detailed travel sections with flight information and accommodation ranges.

Key difference: "Wishing well" (cash gift) culture is more accepted. Platforms with built-in fund collection (like Anatole's cagnotte) align with local expectations.

Privacy and Security

Password Protection

Most platforms offer password protection. Consider it if:

• You have privacy concerns about public information
• Your event is intimate and you want to control access
• You're a public figure

Skip passwords if:

• You want maximum convenience for guests
• Your guest list includes less tech-savvy relatives
• You're comfortable with public visibility

Middle ground: Some platforms hide your site from search engines without requiring passwords.

Information to Avoid

Never include on your wedding website:

• Home addresses (use venue addresses only)
• Specific gift value expectations
• Relationship drama or family tensions
• Anything you wouldn't want a stranger to read

Timeline for Your Wedding Website

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcomplicating navigation Guests need information quickly. Limit menu items to 5-7 pages maximum.

Forgetting mobile testing Over 60% of guests will view your site on phones⁵. Test thoroughly on mobile devices.

Outdated information Update your site as plans change. Old times or venues confuse guests.

No RSVP deadline Always set a clear deadline. Without one, responses trickle in indefinitely.

Ignoring accessibility Choose readable fonts and sufficient color contrast. Some guests have visual impairments.

Sources and References