Yesterday, we reported on how to make your small wedding ceremony and large wedding reception work. In that piece, Logan Doerries with Pop of Love Nola mentioned that creating a wedding website is a great way to keep the details organized, as well as help with ensuring your out of town guests have all the need-to-know information for your Big Day.
But creating a wedding website may be a little more daunting than you think. There are countless outlets on the internet there to help you and your honey when it comes to your own website. So how do you choose the right one for you?
There are a few easy questions to ask first. For example, are you willing to pay for a website? Also, how much effort do you want to put in to your website?
Here are a few companies coming to the aid of couples on their digital footprints.
FOR FREE:
The Knot
The Knot is probably the most popular place couples go to create their wedding website. It’s free to use, has over 100 design options (which you can switch at any time) and is pretty easy to operate. Once you enter in your basic information, just insert the rest of the information as prompted. Couples can add in their story, additional wedding info, wedding party details, a registry, a section for people to R.S.V.P. and there is even a guestbook. This is great for couples that don’t want to create an entire website from scratch.
Minted
Minted is the place for all things stationery. They have also branched out to home décor and holiday items, but Minted is exceptional when it comes to creating beautiful cards, save the dates and even wedding invitations. Websites are under the free section, however there is a fee for certain premium items. We personally think the site is a little more difficult than The Knot, but it still makes adding all of your information exceptionally easy. You click which page you want to edit and it gives you the space to add your information. We do, however, like the layouts and design better than The Knot.
Wix
Wix is popular for many website needs, both personal and professional. Most people know Wix for its business offerings, but there is also a special website for events, which includes adorable layouts for couples. This is not a site for those looking to just enter some information and have the computer do the work. It involves more from the creator, but allows for you to customize more than The Knot and Minted. You can add a number of different items to your website, add tabs that aren’t typical of most wedding sites and really add in your personality. Though it is free, Wix does have some other premium options if you’re looking to take your site to the next level.
Zola
Zola seems to add a lot more than the typical website-building assistance. Labeled the “heart of your wedding,” the dashboard alone shows that this site offers a registry setup, along with a guest list manager and checklist, on top of creating the website. We really enjoy that it’s essentially a one-stop shop. You have your registry items, guest list, checklist and schedule organized in one place. The website section features an element we haven’t seen on any of the other sites. There is a box to check if you want a website and matching invitations – and they are quite charming, but limited to nine options. Many of the other details of the site are similar to the others. You can insert all of your information and the site is created for you.
Joy
At first glance, Joy is a bit underwhelming. The layouts are pretty and simple, though there are some that are too over the top. The actual look of the website you create, once all the information is added, could be the best part. It’s all one page, which scrolls, there is a live countdown to the wedding day and looks nice when viewed on a mobile device. There is also an app that goes along with this site so you can update your wedding website in real time.
There are a few paid sites that we like as well – Appy Couple and Squarespace. Squarespace is, like Wix, applicable for personal, business and wedding websites. Apply Couple looks sleek and clean with nice designs. It also has layouts created by famous designers and companies such as Williams-Sonoma, Wedding Paper Divas and Brides. If you’re willing to put out an extra few dollars from the budget ($49 one-time fee for Appy and $12 to $16 a month for Squarespace) these are certainly great options.
Not everyone is technically savvy, or feels the need to have a wedding website. But those who do have exceptional options available right at their fingertips. Sign up, add the details and share your love story and Big Day with all of your family and friends.
Save the date for our January Bridal Show, Jan. 10 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Click here for tickets and more information.
