If you’re tying the knot, technology will probably play a large part in your upcoming event. Social media offers plenty of bonuses for your wedding, but a personal wedding website is far from obsolete. Knowing how to leverage their powerful features plus keeping some content and etiquette advice in mind will be essential as you count down the days before you say, “I do.”

Wedding Websites’ Innovative Features

The Wayback Machine’s archives show that TheKnot let its members set up free personal websites back in 1999. Prior to that, some couples adopted a DIY approach to design and published their own on free web hosting services. Today, TheKnot is just one of many offering the ability to create wedding websites. WeddingWire, Zola, Joy and many others have joined the ranks, and all the major providers welcome same-sex pairs as well.

Over the last 20 years, technological advances have turned these personal wedding websites into even more robust tools, with several amenities that can save time and money:

• Customizable URLs
• Online RSVPs
• Registry integration
• Guest management tools
• Mobile app access
• File importing and exporting

These are just a few basics, but some providers toss in other useful tools, such as privacy controls that allow some individuals to see restricted site content and additional administrative logins that let your future spouse, honor attendant or parent jump in and make updates when you can’t.

Creating a Visually Appealing Website

You might invest a lot of time into getting the look and feel of your nuptials just right, and your website can be an extension of that same style. In a January 2018 Brides article, writer Jaimie Mackey strongly suggests that you coordinate your site’s look with your event theme. As a bonus, some wedding website providers allow you to choose paper or electronic invitations that match your site’s design.

As you style your site, you’ll want to be mindful of a few other best practices. First, choose a look that permits visitors to easily read the text. Things to watch out for include tiny fonts and thin white text displayed on dark backgrounds. Ensure that your site can be parsed by visually impaired guests with screen readers by using headings to organize content and giving links descriptive, unique names. For further guidance for making your site easily accessible for disabled visitors, consult the University of California at Berkeley’s Web Access Guide.

Useful Content and Etiquette Tips

Once you have a handle on your site’s design, it’s time to add your content. The basics include your main event’s date, time and location. Meanwhile, Mackey also advises including important information such as dress codes for your ceremony and side events, transportation details, directions to your venue, recommended hotels, local leisure activities, and perhaps a short bio of each wedding party member.

What about wedding website etiquette? The experts at the Emily Post Institute explain that your registry can appear as a discreet link on the side of your page. Your website URL should not be printed on the invitation but on the response card and other materials. Finally, you may encourage guests to RSVP online, but be aware that some people who didn’t get an invite may attempt to RSVP anyway.

Make Your Website Fun and Functional

Powerful amenities and a stunning aesthetic are just a starting point, but your content is also a vital part of crafting a useful and stylish wedding website. Choose a provider that offers the features and style you want. At the same time, be sure to observe visual design, content and etiquette best practices. With tons of great tools at your fingertips, yours can become a huge asset to your planning.