Why can't guests access my website?

Troubleshoot when guests report they can't view your wedding website.

Short answer: Check if your site is published, verify the URL is correct, and ensure password/access settings aren't blocking guests.

Common causes and solutions

1. Website not published

Symptoms: Guests see a "not found" or blank page when visiting your WedSites subdomain (yourname.wedsites.com)

Solution:
1. Go to Site > Builder
2. Check if the Publish site button is available (if so, your site isn't published)
3. Click Publish site to make it live

Note: If guests see "Not found" on your custom domain (not the wedsites.com subdomain), this is more likely a DNS issue — see "Custom domain issues" below.

2. Incorrect URL

Symptoms: Guests see an error page

Solution:
- Verify you shared the correct URL
- Check for typos in the link
- Ensure there are no extra spaces

3. Password protection blocking access

Symptoms: Guests see a password prompt but don't know the code

Solution:
- Share the access code with guests
- Or temporarily disable password protection
- Check that the correct password is set

4. Custom domain issues

Symptoms: Custom domain shows "Not found", shows an error or wrong site, or site works sometimes but not other times

Solution:
- If your custom domain shows "Not found" every time, your A record may be missing or pointing to the wrong address. Check that you have an A record for @ with the value 37.16.10.26
- If your site works sometimes but not other times, you likely have multiple A records for @. Check that you only have one A record for @ pointing to 37.16.10.26 and delete any others
- If your registrar has a built-in website builder or parking page, disable it first, then remove the extra A records
- Make sure you've entered your custom domain in WedSites under Settings > General
- Wait 24-48 hours for DNS propagation
- Try the .wedsites.com URL as backup to confirm your site itself is working
- See "Why does my custom domain only work sometimes?" for a detailed guide

5. SSL/security warning

Symptoms: Browser shows "not secure" warning

Solution:
- Check SSL certificate status
- Contact support if SSL isn't working
- See "Why does my site show not secure?"

6. Page not added to navigation menu

Symptoms: The website works, but a specific page doesn't appear in the navigation menu

Solution:
1. Go to Site > Builder > Site settings
2. Select the Menu tab
3. Find Navigation links
4. Check the box next to the page that's missing from the menu
5. Click Save changes

Even if a page is published and public, it won't appear in the header navigation unless it's checked in the navigation links. This is one of the most commonly missed steps!

7. Browser or device issues

Symptoms: Works for some guests but not others

Solution:
- Ask guest to try a different browser
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try incognito/private mode
- Check if their network blocks certain sites

Quick troubleshooting steps

  1. Test the URL yourself
  2. Check it works on mobile and desktop
  3. Verify publish status
  4. Review access/password settings
  5. Try the link in incognito mode

If problems persist

  • Contact support with specific error messages
  • Note which guests are affected
  • Share screenshots of error pages
  • Provide the URL you're sharing

Tips

  • Always test your link before sharing widely
  • Send yourself a test invitation
  • Include the full URL in communications
  • Have a backup URL ready (wedsites.com subdomain)

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