How to Create Your Destination Wedding Website
Hey there, destination wedding couples! Let’s talk about something non-negotiable: your need for an epic destination wedding website. Why? Well, you’ve got a ton of info to share with your guests, right? From travel details and the itinerary to the fun stuff like where to grab the best margaritas at your destination location. A website? It’s a lifesaver.
So, we whipped up this guide to make your website dreams a reality. We’ve got everything covered—from why you absolutely need one, to which website builder will make your life easier, and even how to add your own flair to it. By the time we’re done here, your wedding website will be your ride-or-die BFF. And guess what? Building it is actually kinda fun!
What is a Destination Wedding Website?
*This post may contain affiliate links, please read my disclosure for more info. Please note: I would never recommend products and/or services I do not or have not used myself.
Once you’ve picked a date, put down your deposit, and chosen your “make your friend jealous” wedding location, it’s time to spread the word. You’ll need a place to share all the details. With all the guests you’re inviting, you can’t just create a Facebook page or share an Instagram story. You’ll have to make it official and give everyone the necessary information. That’s where your destination wedding website comes in! Building a website to lay out all the important details of your wedding will make it easy for everyone.
In a nutshell, your destination wedding website is your:
Info-Hub: This centralizes all of your wedding details—where, when, the itinerary, accommodation options, FAQs, and the event schedule.
RSVP Management: This tool allows guests to confirm their attendance, choose meal preferences, communicate any special requirements, and access your registry.
Travel and Accommodation Helper: Travelling can be stressful, so make everything accessible for your guests whenever they need it (why answer more questions than you have to?)
Your destination wedding website is there to make sure that all your guests have easy access to the necessary information, making both the planning process and guest experience smoother.
Bonus:
There's a lot of information you'll want to remember to tell your guests — whether it's on your wedding website or in your welcome letter. So we've made it easy for you! Check out our full Guest Information Checklist:
Why Do I Need a Destination Wedding Website?
Coordinating any event takes a lot of time, but YOUR dream wedding should take even more. What’s the easiest way to organize all the information for every guest—even those who might live around the world? A website! It’s the most accessible and efficient way to keep everyone updated on all things travel and wedding-related. It will just make your life easier.
Improves Communication: Keeps everyone in the loop with the latest updates and details.
Enhances Your Guest Experience: Provides guests with all the info they need, making their experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Keeps Everything Centralized and Organized: All your wedding details in one place, easily accessible.
Makes Planning Easier: Streamlines your planning process by managing RSVPs, meal preferences, and more.
Easy to Build and Use: Creating your own website is simple and user-friendly.
A wedding website also gives you an opportunity to get people excited. If you’re planning an engagement party, your guests can find information on where you’re registered as a newly engaged couple. Now that we have you convinced, let’s get to the fun part: building the website itself. Get creative and have fun— it’s like a Pinterest board for your wedding!
How Should I Create My Destination Wedding Website?
Here’s how to get started with creating the best destination wedding website for your special day:
Should I Pay For My Wedding Website?
Free Options:
Pros: Free accounts usually offer basic designs, a few color choices, and often come with ads. Some also allow you to create custom URLs and add passwords to restrict access to your guests only.
Cons: Limited customization, fewer design options, and annoying ads.
Paid Options:
Pros: When you pay for a site, you get better designs, more customizable options, and a more personalized experience. Plus, no ads! Features like advanced RSVP management, custom domains, and higher-quality customer support often come with the paid plans.
Cons: There’s a cost involved, so consider what’s most important for your wedding and your budget. Before you drop $100 on a website, think about all the related costs for your wedding weekend and decide if it’s worth it.
Remember, the wedding planning has just begun, so choose what best fits your needs and budget. Let’s take a look at some of your options.
Which Website Builder Should I Use?
When it comes to creating your dream destination wedding website, there are several great options to choose from. While there aren’t any builders specifically for destination weddings, plenty of general wedding website builders offer customization options to suit your needs. Here are some of my favorites:
Paid Website Builders:
Appy Couple - $59 Boutique Collection, no monthly fees
Why We Love It: Perfect for couples on the go, with an app guests can download for easy access. Includes unique features like activity additions, email and instant messaging capabilities, and a travel concierge.
Highlights: Guest list management for multiple events, advanced guest manager, custom emails, chat feature for guest communication, local dining options, and points of interest.
Riley & Grey - $35 a month, or $240 a year
Why We Love It: This one is for all my luxe brides looking for sophistication and customization. It offers a high-end look and extensive features.
Highlights: Customizable from front to back, ability to segment different events for different guests, and a sleek, upscale design.
Free Website Builders:
The Knot Wedding Website (FREE)
Why We Love It: A well-known and reliable option that’s simple and user-friendly. Offers lots of helpful information and tools, including a budget planner and an all-in-1 registry.
Highlights: Free designs, budget planner, charity donations with registry gifts, and an easy-to-use interface.
Why We Love It: Stylish and sourced from independent artists, with the added bonus of matching invitations. Basic plan is free, with premium options available. ]
Highlights: Integration with RSVP list, matching invitations for every website design, photo gallery, and custom URL with the premium package.
Choose the builder that best fits your needs, style, and budget. Whether you go for a free option or splurge on a paid one, your destination wedding website will help make planning easier and keep your guests informed and excited!
Is It Easy to Build My Destination Wedding Website?
Depending on which option you go with, building your destination wedding website is super easy. There are tons of templates, themes, and plugins available to make it uniquely yours.
Here’s what makes it so easy:
Easy to Customize: add pictures, choose your colors, and even create Save-The-Dates. Most builders offer drag-and-drop features, making it easy to design your site just the way you want.
Flexible: You can always make changes and edits, and preview each page before sharing it with your guests.
Private: You can make certain events private and invite only specific guests to each part. Perfect for keeping some details exclusive and private!
Creating your wedding website can be a fun and stress-free part of your wedding planning journey. So get creative and happy building!
How Do I Personalize My Destination Wedding Website?
Now that you’ve picked a wedding website, what goes on it? Well, personalizing your destination wedding website is all about making it informative, engaging, and unique.
Here’s how to include all the right information and add personal touches that will delight your guests:
Include All The Important Details:
Your Story: Share bios of you and your partner, how you met, and any fun stories related to your engagement. Explain why you chose to have a destination wedding too!
Thoughtful Note: Add a quick thank you and welcome message to all the loved ones making the trip. Let them know how much it means to you.
Photos: Upload lots of photos—of you together, your engagement, and just out and about. People love looking at pictures! Pro-Tip: If you have a wedding hashtag for guests to use on social media, share it here so everyone can join in the fun.
Travel Info: Give specific destination information. Include details from your travel agent, tourism websites, and info on your hotel / resort. Consider creating a welcome bag with this info and special goodies.
Destination Information: List things to do in the area—excursions and must-sees. Include these in a special welcome newsletter too!
Itinerary: Share what you have planned. Ceremony and reception details are a must. Include pre-wedding information such as rehearsal dinner and welcome brunch details.
RSVP: Find out who’s coming and if they have any food allergies or special needs. You can also collect emails and phone numbers directly from the site.
Guestbook: Give your guests the chance to send you wishes and messages!
Dress Code: Provide guidance on what to wear, as this can be tricky for destination weddings. It will make life easier for your guests.
Wedding Party: Introduce your wedding party with a picture and a brief description of how you met each one.
Registry Information: This is the best place to put your registry information (not on the invites). This will be helpful for those who cannot attend but still wish to purchase a gift. (P.S. Need help choosing your honeymoon registry?)
By including all the essential details, your destination wedding website will not only be a handy resource for your guests, but also a beautiful reflection of your celebration.
Answer Your Guests’ Most Frequently Asked Questions
Having a FAQ section on your destination wedding website is a game-changer! It not only helps your guests find answers to common questions but also saves you from answering them repeatedly. Here are some FAQs you should definitely include:
What is the dress code?
Are kids invited?
Will there be childcare if kids are invited?
Can you bring a plus one?
How do guests RSVP?
Include Unusual and Fun Details
Take your destination wedding to the next level by adding unique and fun details to your wedding website. Below are some fun ideas to make your guests’ experience even better:
Attire Style Guide: Give your guests the chance to express their creativity and style by providing a style guide. This is especially helpful if your wedding has a specific theme or vibe.
Location and Venue Stories: Share the deep meaning behind your chosen location or venue. Explain why it holds significance for you, whether it’s due to family history, special memories or a significant vacation.
Wedding Party and Family "Headshot" Portraits: Feature portraits of the wedding party and important family members along with stories about their connection to you.
Excursions and Additional Activities: Offer optional excursions or activities for guests to participate in.
Guest Photo Sharing: Encourage guests to share their favorite photos of you as a couple and candid moments from the wedding. This creates an instant and entertaining photo collection for everyone to enjoy.
Eco-Friendly Wedding Highlights: Showcase your efforts to have an eco-friendly wedding—from sourcing locally to being mindful. Highlighting your sustainability practices can inspire others to do the same.
Customs and Traditions: If your wedding involves customs or traditions from different cultures or faiths, share them on the website. This helps guests understand and appreciate the significance of these rituals.
Guest-Curated Playlist: Make the reception even more memorable by inviting guests to continue to the playlist. Letting them choose songs ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
By including some of these elements in your destination wedding website, you can enhance your guests’ experience, create more meaningful memories, and make your celebration truly unforgettable!
Let’s Create Your Wedding Website!
So, you’ve realized that wedding websites are just as important and useful for destination weddings as traditional ones. Luckily, there are so many options out there to make your life a whole lot easier.
Give a few of the free ones a whirl (why pay for multiple websites, right?), and see which fits your vibe best. But hey, if none of the freebies tickle your fancy, it might be time to consider going for the paid options—trust us, if it feels right, it’s worth it. And hey, while you’re at it, why not check out some other wedding planning tools too?
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed about what to include on your side—or just need some general wedding planning advice—hit us up! Remember, keep it fun, stay organized, and let your website truly reflect you two!
P.S. Here’s a little bonus for you: "How To Be A Good Destination Wedding Guest". Give it a read, have a chuckle, and let’s all pray you don’t have to send it to anyone! LOL!
Editor Notes: This post was originally published on September 28, 2017, and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and relevance.
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.