Considering we live in a super tech-obsessed world, it totally makes sense that wedding websites are becoming a traditional part of the planning experience. They’re a fun and easy way to share information with your guests rather than overwhelming them with info on that little 5”x7’’ invitation. Not only are wedding websites a way to share basic info about your big day, it’s a space where you can tell your own stories as well — great for those future family members who may not know you too well. If you’ve debated taking on the challenge of creating your website, but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place! Read ahead for tips on everything your site should include, where to build your site, and how to make it perfectly convey you as a couple! Everything to Include When Creating A Wedding Website First and foremost, your website is about conveying information. As much as I am obsessed with making things pretty and polished, don’t get too caught up in the design of your site. A good, easy-to-use layout is always important, but spend more time making sure that your information is correct, rather than worrying about finding the perfect navy blue font color. Here’s everything your site should include: 1. Location - Be sure to include addresses to any and all places your guests will need to travel to. That includes the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces if they are all different. Also, it’s important to keep your guests in the loop about parking. Make them aware of whether they should expect to pay for parking, if there is only street parking, or if there’s a free lot allocated for the venue(s). Also, it’s good to note the travel times from the hotel to the ceremony space and from the ceremony space to the reception venue. They’ll definitely appreciate the heads up! Image from Minted 2. Hotel/Lodging - If you have out-of-town guests or your venue is more than a couple hours away, it’s going to be important to list nearby hotel or lodging options. If you’ve booked a hotel block, include that information along with the location and phone numbers for easy booking. I also would recommend listing the nearest airport, recommended transportation services, and for those who aren’t familiar with the area, a list of nearby restaurants and shopping that can keep them busy before and after the big day. 3. Weekend Schedule/Itinerary - No one wants to be late for the ceremony and how sad would you be to miss that delicious dinner? Make sure to include a list of times for the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and dinner. You also can include events such as the rehearsal dinner or Sunday brunch, but be very careful to only include events where EVERYONE is invited. 4. What to Expect - Think about it — are there any things that may be out of the ordinary at your wedding? Will the ceremony be standing room only? Should your guests be selective with shoes since they’ll be walking through grass/sand? Is there a cash bar or open bar? Make sure to address these types of questions so your guests can come as prepared as possible. 5. Your Story - This is where everyone gushes over how dang cute you and your fiancé are. Write a blurb on how you guys met, your proposal story, and even a little bit about each of you as individuals. What do you do for a living? Where do you live? What are your hobbies? For those who don’t know you too well, they’ll appreciate it! 6. Bridal Party - The majority of your guests are going to be quite unfamiliar with your bridal party, so give them an idea of who those special people are that will be standing by your side! Include a picture and a brief description of who they are, what they do, and how you met. Image from eWedding 7. Registry Info - Since it’s not appropriate to put your registry on your invitations, this is the perfect place to do it! Include a section that has the logo of the store your registered at and the link. You don’t need anymore information than that. 8. Photos - My one rule of thumb - be selective! Don’t go overboard and include a gallery of every picture you’ve ever taken together. Instead, include a few of your favorites from some significant events you’ve attended, and then engagement pictures are always a must! 9. Dress Code - Now, I’m definitely not advocating that you should tell people what to wear. We’re all adults and capable of making decent decisions, BUT, if you are expecting that people come in black tie attire or casual dress, that’s definitely something that your guests will appreciate knowing ahead of time. 10. RSVP’s - One of the absolute coolest (and most handy) features of a wedding website is that most allow for electronic RSVP’s. That way, you can skip the whole stamping, addressing, and mailing process and have your guests RSVP with the click of a button. If that feature is offered, use it! You don’t have to use it exclusively, you can still have your old-school family members send them back via mail, but just know that it’s a great option to have! Image from Wedding Paper Divas 11. Contact Info - Whether it’s yourself, your mom, or maid-of-honor, provide contact info that people can go to for questions. A lot of couples are now creating new wedding email addresses (example: AnnaLovesCarl@gmail.com) to give to vendors so that their personal inboxes aren’t flooded. Use this same one for family and friend questions, that way, you can focus on wedding emails only when you want to. 12. Random Fun - Some wedding websites offer fun features such as polls or discussions and I see this as a GREAT opportunity to get some feedback from your guests! Ask them what songs they want to hear or poll them on whether they’d rather get glow sticks or sunglasses at the reception. It will help you to better plan your wedding and make your guests feel like they were involved in a fun decision. Where to Build a Wedding Website Luckily, there are tons of different platforms that you can create your website on nowadays. Whether you’re looking for something with a gorgeous layout or something with tons of features, there’s literally something for everyone! And the best part about it? You don't even have to be tech savvy and know all of that HTML mumble-jumble. So if you're looking for a quick and easy solution that still looks hella impressive, check out the following sites and find which one is best for you! THE KNOT 80+ layouts Free! Custom URL for $19.99/year Online RSVP management Guest and meal management Gather guest Facebook and Instagram photos in one stream WEDDING WIRE 400+ layouts Free! Online RSVP management Free photo sharing mobile app Free widgets LOVER.LY 5 layouts Free! Custom URL for $30 Online RSVP management Ability to email guests eWEDDING 9 layouts Free! Premium version at $7/month Online RSVP management - can also be received via text MINTED 115+ designs - each with 3 layouts Free! Online RSVP management Ability to perfectly coordinate with Minted wedding invitation suites SQUARESPACE 400+ layouts $7/month Online RSVP management Online guest address management Custom domain Option for custom cash registry WEDDING PAPER DIVAS 40+ layouts Free for one year! Online RSVP management Ability to perfectly coordinate with Wedding Paper Divas wedding invitation suites Let's Chat! What is something unique that you plan to include on your wedding website? Will you custom build yours or use one of the platforms above? If you've already created one, drop us the link in the comments below -- we'd love to check it out!!
$99 Bridesmaid Dress Sale! Ends 12/26
$99 Bridesmaid Dress Sale! Ends 12/26