First things first, you’re probably wondering: “Do I really need a whole website dedicated to my wedding?” I say yes – a wedding website is the perfect place to house all the details of your big day. It’s set up for your guests as a resource and one-stop-shop with links to everything they might need: your wedding registry, hotel accommodations, and more.
Along with the invitation and RSVP card, I recommend that couples add an insert card for extra wedding day details. On this insert, include whatever information is most important to your wedding day – maybe you have specific parking instructions or instructions for booking a hotel room in your reserved block.
The rest of the information? Add it directly to your wedding website and list the link on your insert card. This way, your guests aren’t overwhelmed with all the information at once and can check out your website when they have a chance.
Most of the couples I have worked with recently used TheKnot’s free website template. They have many themes, colors, and feels – choose something that represents your overall wedding! If you want something a little more customizable, I love the look of Squarespace sites. The Every Girl put together a great tutorial on how to set up a website on Squarespace for your wedding right here!
Once you’ve chosen a platform, it’s time to input all the fun stuff! Set aside a couple hours for this task, but don’t stress – setting up your wedding website can definitely be done with a glass of wine nearby and your favorite TV show on in the background. It doesn’t have to be perfected immediately, just make sure you have link set up when ordering invitations to give to your stationer (that’s me!) Review and finalize your website right before mailing invitations.
So, what exactly should you include on your wedding website?
The Front Page: All the Important Stuff
Yep, all that important stuff! Your names, the date, the location, and the time. Bonus points for a pretty picture of you two! That was easy, right?
The Wedding Day Details
Have a specific page for the details – you can reiterate the information from your insert card and include anything else that wasn’t listed. This is the place to inform guests of a suggested dress code or specify “adults only” if you’re having a child-free event. Other details could include reception information (if it’s different from the ceremony location), parking instructions, etc!
The Travel Information
It’s likely that at least some guests will be traveling from out of town to attend your wedding. Set up a travel page on your wedding website with details they might need. Recommended accommodations, and any group/discount codes, can be listed here. A travel page is also a great place for directions, transportation, or airport info.
One idea I’ve stolen from my creative couples is a “things to do” list for out of towners. This could include local favorites – restaurants, shopping, or attractions that would be fun for your new to town guests.
The RSVP
Use this as an option, not a replacement for traditional RSVP card. Putting an actual paper RSVP cards is someone’s hands really reminds them to reply back. With just a link, it is easy to forget. There’s also the issue that guests who aren’t tech savvy won’t be able to get online to RSVP. Note: I do not recommend an online RSVP if you’re having a formal or black tie wedding!
The Registry
It isn’t polite to include registry information on the invitation or any of the accompanying insert cards. Even though it is expected for couples to create a wish list, putting that information with the invitations is considered a no-no. Read more wedding invitation mistakes you didn’t know you were making here.
The workaround? Include registry information on your wedding website, which is listed on the insert card. You can even directly link to the actual wedding registries on your website and make it super easy for guests to gift you!
The Love Story
OK, this is honestly my favorite part of the wedding website. Everyone has a great love story – that moment that you meet, when you begin dating, and of course – the engagement! Some are simple, some are complicated, some are long, some are short, but the story behind the love is something fun to share with your guests.
Couples I’ve worked with have gotten super cute and creative writing their love stories! My favorite is when there are two versions: “his” and “hers” (or his and his or hers and hers because we’re all inclusive here!) to compare. This adds an element of humor and I can’t get enough of these!
The Pretty Pictures
Your wedding website is an awesome place to show off your beautiful faces! Include some professional engagement shots along with fun photos taken throughout your relationship. Let the photos tell their own story of your favorite trips and memories together!
The Party People
Don’t forget to add your bridesmaids and groomsmen to your wedding website! Extra points if you attach photos for each person. List your relationship to each person and even a fun fact about them. Your guests likely don’t know each person on both sides of the bridal party, so this is a neat way to “introduce” them and get the party started early!
Excited to share your finished wedding website? Post the link below in the comments!
(Photography: Shelby Tsika Photography, HS Neckers Photography)
1 Comment on What to Include on Your Wedding Website
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