Enabling guest authentication

Require guests to log in or enter a password before accessing your wedding website content.

Want to control who can access your wedding website? Guest authentication requires visitors to verify themselves before viewing your site. You can choose between two methods: check-in (guests identify themselves from your guest list) or access code (everyone uses the same code).

What guest authentication does

Controls site access. Only authenticated guests can view your website.

Protects sensitive info. Keep addresses, travel details, and registry links private.

Tracks engagement. See who's visited your site (with check-in method).

Prevents crashers. Only people you've invited or given the code to can access.

Two methods available. Choose between personalized check-in or simple access code.

How to enable guest authentication

  1. Go to Site in your main navigation
  2. Click on the settings icon to open Site settings
  3. Find the Require guest authentication toggle
  4. Turn it on
  5. Select Authentication method from the dropdown
  6. Choose either Check in or Access code
  7. Configure your chosen method (details below)
  8. Click Save changes

Your site now requires authentication!

Authentication method: Check in

With check-in authentication, guests identify themselves using information from your guest list.

How it works:
- Guests enter their name, email, or other identifying info
- System matches them against your guest list
- If found, they're granted access
- Their visit is tracked in your system

Benefits:
- Personalized experience for each guest
- Track who has visited your site
- Can show different content to different guests
- More secure than a shared code
- Links to RSVP and guest management

Best for:
- Couples who want to track guest engagement
- Sites with personalized content per guest
- When you need to know who's viewing what
- Linking website access to RSVP

Requirements:
- You need a complete guest list set up
- Guest information must be accurate
- Guests need to enter info exactly as you have it

Authentication method: Access code

With access code authentication, everyone uses the same code to access your site.

How it works:
- Guests see a prompt asking for the code
- They enter the code you've shared with them
- If correct, they access the site
- Everyone uses the same code

Benefits:
- Simple to set up and manage
- Easy to share (print on invitations, text to guests)
- No guest list required
- Guests don't need to remember their email
- Quick access for everyone

Best for:
- Couples who want simple privacy
- Smaller weddings
- When you don't need to track individual visits
- Easy communication to all guests

Choosing an access code:
- Make it memorable (your hashtag, wedding date, last name)
- Keep it simple (no special characters if possible)
- Easy to share (say over phone, print on cards)
- Not too obvious (not "password" or "12345")

Common code ideas:
- JohnAndJane2026
- SmithWedding
- 051526 (wedding date)
- ForeverStarts

Setting up check-in authentication

If you chose Check in:

  1. Make sure your guest list is complete in the Guests section
  2. Ensure guest emails and names are accurate
  3. Test by trying to log in as a test guest
  4. Customize check-in wording if desired

Guests will need to enter their information exactly as it appears in your guest list.

Setting up access code authentication

If you chose Access code:

  1. Enter your code in the Access code field
  2. Share it with your guests (invitations, emails, etc.)
  3. Customize the wording guests see (optional)
  4. Test in an incognito window to make sure it works

Important: "Changing the access code will log out existing guests, and they will need to enter the new access code."

Customizing the wording

Below your authentication settings, you'll find Wording fields where you can customize the text guests see:

For access code:
- Password required message (why authentication is needed)
- Password enter prompt (instruction text)
- Password label (input field label)
- Password submit button (button text)
- Password error message (wrong code message)

Customizing these makes the experience more personal and on-brand!

Bypassing authentication with unique links

The system allows: "Guests can bypass authentication by using a unique link that has been emailed to or shared with them."

This means you can send guests direct links that automatically log them in without requiring authentication! Perfect for:
- RSVP reminders
- Specific guest communications
- Quick access for VIPs

What guests see

With check-in:
1. Prompt asking for their name/email
2. Fields to enter their information
3. Submit button
4. Access granted if found in guest list
5. Error message if not found

With access code:
1. Prompt asking for the access code
2. Single input field for the code
3. Submit button
4. Access granted if correct
5. Error message if wrong

Once authenticated, guests stay logged in for their browsing session!

Switching between methods

You can change authentication methods anytime:

  1. Go back to Site settings
  2. Change the Authentication method dropdown
  3. Configure the new method
  4. Save

Remember: Existing authenticated guests will be logged out and need to re-authenticate using the new method.

Disabling authentication

Want to make your site public again?

  1. Go to Site settings
  2. Find the Require guest authentication toggle
  3. Turn it off
  4. Click Save changes

Now anyone with the URL can access your site!

Check-in vs. access code comparison

Check in:
- ✓ Personalized per guest
- ✓ Track who visits
- ✓ More secure
- ✓ Links to guest management
- ✗ Requires guest list setup
- ✗ Guests must remember their info
- ✗ More complex for guests

Access code:
- ✓ Simple to set up
- ✓ Easy to share
- ✓ Quick for guests
- ✓ No guest list needed
- ✗ Can't track individuals
- ✗ Code could be shared widely
- ✗ Less personalized

Tips for guest authentication

For check-in:
- Keep your guest list accurate and up-to-date
- Provide clear instructions on how to check in
- Test with various guest names to ensure it works
- Have a backup contact method for guests who can't log in

For access code:
- Choose a memorable code
- Share it clearly on invitations
- Make sure it's easy to type on mobile
- Consider having a backup way for guests to contact you

Common issues

Guests can't check in:
- Verify their information is in your guest list
- Check spelling matches exactly
- Ensure they're using the email you have on file

Guests forgot the access code:
- Share it again via email or text
- Post it in a wedding Facebook group
- Have family members help distribute it

Need to change methods:
- You can switch anytime
- Let guests know if you change from one to the other
- Re-share access instructions

Mobile experience

Both authentication methods work on mobile devices. Guests can log in from their phones easily!

After the wedding

Many couples disable authentication after the wedding to make the site a public memory. Or keep it on for continued privacy. Your choice!

Guest authentication gives you control over who sees your wedding website while balancing convenience and security based on your needs!