Wedding Websites
One of my brides, Samantha Jenness wrote this lovely blog in her own words after using multiple wedding websites. I cannot thank her enough for sharing some of what she found/her experience with each one to feature on my blog to hopefully help other future brides! So from here on out, it’ll be all from Samantha Jenness——
Let’s talk…wedding websites.
There are a ton of options out there, but when asking in any wedding group there are 3 that are always mentioned: The Knot, With Joy, and Zola.
Like the indecisive and stressed-out bride that I am, I built not one, but THREE wedding websites and tested these platforms before choosing the one that worked best for us. I also went as far as adding my whole guest list to each one - including contact information - so I could really explore the guest messaging features.
I absolutely have a recommendation for any bride after me, but take it with a grain of salt as it’s just one gal’s opinion and not one size fits all.
First up, With Joy.
This platform was recommended to us the day we got engaged. When comparing, it was pretty much the reigning champ for me when it came to guest messaging - at the time. There really wasn’t anything that I couldn’t send to my guests if needed. This has definitely changed now and I don’t think With Joy holds a candle to the other 2. The thing With Joy really has above the others is the ability to add tags to your guests and filter your guestlist for an easier messaging experience.
I ultimately decided not to use “With Joy” after trying out the other options and learning that it was the most basic and clunky of the 3. I really got a taste for elegance and couldn’t go back. I also had a very poor experience with their Customer Service team and that was the nail in the coffin for me.
The customization with this platform just isn’t there. One of my biggest issues, and while it may be small, really didn’t jive for me, was that the “Wedding Party” page could not be changed. The shape of each picture couldn’t be changed and the bio for each person, that you will likely take the time to write, is hidden unless clicked on. That felt much less personal to me. Overall, With Joy provides a great basic website and is pretty easy to build.
Moving onto the biggest name in the game, The Knot. I really think that this site was mostly just a pretty face. I’m sorry, I know a lot of people will swear by it, but I just am not one of those people.
Although, the design options here were absolutely above the rest. I didn’t like that if you choose not to have a registry, the “registry” page still includes their search tool. A quick fix would be to add a note on the wedding details page and hide the registry page altogether. My only concern is people might miss it and end up buying you random gifts, thinking you don’t have a registry. I feel that the guest list on The Knot has the least amount of features and flexibility. While these may be minor details to some, they were determining factors for us.
I think The Knot is a fantastic option, especially if you’re utilizing all that they offer outside of just the wedding website.
Which brings us to Zola. This is the site that I opted to use. While I do have certain things that aren’t perfect, this site offered the most important pieces for us.
The guest list is insanely user friendly and the website details and designs are comparable to The Knot. Guys, let me tell you, the seating chart on Zola is chef’s kiss. I was smitten with the convenience and how user friendly it was. Disclaimer though, the seating chart I ONLY tested on Zola.
If you choose to use the schedule page and add your wedding day timeline, this is where you will find the biggest issue I had with Zola. The RSVP feature wants guests to RSVP for each part of the wedding day schedule. The work around is simple. All guests on the guestlist should be invited to only 1 event for the wedding day itself. You can still have the rehearsal dinner, day after brunch, etc. specific for each person to RSVP to if they are invited to that. Just be sure, for wedding day, they are only invited to 1 event.
After deciding to use Zola, I started exploring some of the other things they offer, like their budgeting tool. This has been my best friend on the wedding planning journey. I know The Knot has a fantastic budget tool as well.
At the end of the day, these websites are CONSTANTLY adding new features and competing with each other. I truly believe that there is no wrong choice here, so take the time to read some opinions, click around on the sites, and have fun with it! Consider doing what I did and trying them all out if you have the time. Whatever you choose will be great.
One last thing. Don’t forget to take time for yourself! I hope all your hard work on planning your day comes together exactly how you envision! Congratulations!!! I wish you lifetimes of happiness.
Written by Samantha Jenness
