Template vs. Custom Website: Which One Is Right for You?
When you're building (or rebuilding) your online home, one of the first questions that pops up is:
Should I go with a website template… or invest in something fully custom?
The truth is: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your timeline, your budget, your learning style, and how much support you want in the process. That’s why I offer four different paths—from completely DIY to fully custom—so you can choose the level of guidance that feels right for where you are.
This post breaks down each option in a way that actually makes sense (no tech jargon, promise) so you can feel confident choosing what’s best for your business.
Option 1: Templates
TEMPLATES: THE TRUE DIY ROUTE
If you’re a hands-on kind of person who wants full creative control—or you’re working with a smaller budget—this is your perfect fit.
Pictured: The Vara Template
What you get:
I transfer the design key directly into your Squarespace account library. You’ll have the full site structure, layouts, sections, and styling choices ready to go. From there, you customize everything: copy, imagery, palette, and any extra tweaks to make it feel like you.
Best for:
Entrepreneurs who love to tinker, don’t mind learning as they go, or simply want a beautiful website at the lowest investment.
Timeline: Within 1 business day
Effort level: High (but fun, if you like building things!)
Find your perfect template:
Best for content creators + wedding photographers: Zoe
Best for wedding + event planners: Auriela or Alex
Best for wedding venues + event spaces: Vara
Option 2: The Lite Restyle
LITE RESTYLES: A POLISHED JUMPSTART
This option gives you a beautiful head start—without the overwhelm of making everything “look right” on your own.
What you get:
You choose a template you love, and I apply your brand colors, fonts, and logos for you. You’ll open your site and instantly recognize it as yours—and from there, you can plug in your own copy and photos at your own pace.
Best for:
Business owners who want the foundation to feel polished, cohesive, and on-brand… but still want to be involved in customizing their content.
Timeline: 1–2 business days
Effort level: Medium (you handle content, I handle style)
Option 3: The Full Template Restyle
THE TURNKEY EXPERIENCE
This is where templates get really elevated—because you’re not doing the heavy lifting.
Pictured: The Auriela Template fully restyled for Sunday Lane Events
What you get:
You send me your images, copy, and brand assets… and I take it from there. I build out the site using your content, handle placement, refine the visual flow, and set everything up so your website feels beautifully curated and intentional.
It’s fast. It’s polished. And it feels like having a designer on your team—without the custom-build price tag.
Best for:
Busy business owners who want a designer-finished website without any DIY.
Timeline: 2-3 business days
Effort level: Low (you hand me the files—I do the rest)
Option 4: Signature Custom Website
THE COLLABORATIVE, BUILT-WITH-YOU EXPERIENCE
If you want a website shaped entirely around your brand from the very first draft — and you’re open to a more hands-on, collaborative process — a custom website gives you the deepest level of personalization and creative direction.
What you get:
A fully guided design experience where every page is intentionally created based on your goals, your workflow, and your brand identity — built through an actual partnership.
Here’s what that looks like:
A brand + goals discovery process
You’ll fill out a simple questionnaire so I understand your aesthetic, the clients you're trying to attract, and the results you want your website to achieve. This step makes your final site far more aligned.A site structure designed around your business
Instead of adapting a template, we map out how your ideal client will move through your site and build each page to support that experience.A hands-off design build (after the initial input)
Once I have your brand assets, copy, and questionnaire, you step back and let me take it from there. I design, refine, and build the entire site while you approve each milestone.A guided launch + real support
You get a personalized walkthrough video and two weeks of support after launch so you feel confident making updates, changes, and additions.A site that evolves with your brand
This build is made to grow with you — flexible, timeless, and designed with the long game in mind.
Best for:
Business owners who want a fully custom, collaborative process and are comfortable providing upfront direction and clarity.
Timeline: Custom timeline based on your start date
Effort level: Moderate on the front end, very low on the back end
How to Choose the Right Path
If you’re unsure where you land, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
You want the lowest investment + full control: Go with The Template (DIY)
You want a polished start but enjoy customizing: Choose The Lite Restyle
You want a designer-touched site fast: You’ll love The Full Restyle
You want strategy, brand depth, and high-end conversion: Book the Signature Custom Website
There’s no wrong choice—it’s simply about choosing the route that best supports your brand, your timeline, and your energy.
Final Thoughts
Your website is the digital front door to your business. Whether you’re building it yourself, getting a curated start, or handing it off completely, my goal is always the same:
to make sure your online home feels intentional, aligned, and ready to convert the right clients.
If you want help choosing your path, I’m always happy to guide you toward the option that fits best.