Creating your best wedding website is a fantastic way for you, as an engaged couple, to share important details and updates about your big day with your guests. It serves as a central hub for all wedding-related information, helping to streamline communication and ensures the preparation and excitement levels are felt by everyone leading up to your special day.
Here’s a comprehensive ‘how to’ guide on what to include and how to structure your best wedding website to make it both informative, engaging and full of all the right celebratory feels.
1. Introduction and Welcome Message
Start with a warm and inviting welcome message. This sets the tone for your wedding website and gives guests a taste of the excitement surrounding your upcoming nuptials.
A Personal Welcome
Greet your guests and express your excitement about sharing your special day with them.
A Brief Story
Share a short story about how you met, your journey together, or the proposal. You may be surprised at how many family members and friends don’t know too much about your love story.
Parents’ guests may not have been in the loop about the time since you met, or perhaps they’ve been living under a rock, or life has been a crazy rush over the last two or three years! Either way, it’s a great way to start your website – even if only as a reminder!
This personal touch will help guests feel more connected to your beautiful wedding celebration and a new level of anticipation for the upcoming I do’s.
2. Pre-Wedding Plans and Get-togethers
If guests are arriving from far and wide, it’s a great idea to arrange some sight-seeing, games or an adventure before the big day.
You could arrange lawn bowls for the family, a morning of golf or a visit to a local winery or distillery. It’s a wonderful way for family that have not yet met to get to know each other. Be sure to include:
Date and Time
Of the various options and how much time each activity will take.
Venue or location Information
Provide the Club address, the walk or hike’s starting point along with maps and directions or free time for guests needing to do some shopping or get their nails done!
3. Wedding Details
The core purpose of a wedding website is to provide guests with essential information about the very celebration they have come to share with you – the wedding day.
Date and Time
Clearly state the date and time of the ceremony and reception – remembering to specify any time-zone or summer time changes that may be in place.
Venue Information
Provide the full address, along with maps and directions. If there are multiple venues (e.g., a different location for the ceremony and reception), list all addresses.
Schedule of Events
Outline the timeline for the day, including the ceremony start time, cocktail hour, reception, and any other events.
4. RSVP Section
Make the RSVP process nice and easy by including a dedicated section where guests can easily respond.
RSVP Form
A simple form for guests to fill out, indicating their attendance, meal preferences, and any dietary restrictions.
RSVP Deadline
Clearly state the deadline for RSVPs to help with planning.
5. Accommodation and Travel Information
Help out-of-town guests with their travel plans by providing all the details for:
Accommodation Options
List recommended hotels, including room blocks you’ve reserved, and any discount codes.
Transportation Details
Information about local airports, train stations, and public transportation. Include details about shuttle services or car rental options if applicable.
Travel Tips
Any relevant travel information, such as the best time to arrive, local attractions, and weather conditions.
6. Registry Information
Make it easy for guests to find your wedding registry:
Registry Links
Direct links to your online registries.
Gift Preferences
Any preferences for gifts, such as contributions to a honeymoon fund, even your mortgage or charity donations.
7. Wedding Party
Introduce your wedding party members to your guests by including pictures and short bios of each member, highlighting their relationship to you and their role in the wedding.
8. Dress Code
Clarify the dress code to ensure guests feel comfortable and appropriately dressed:
Attire Guidelines
Specify the dress code, whether it’s black tie, cocktail attire, or casual.
Additional Tips
Any specific requests, such as wearing certain colours or bringing comfortable shoes for dancing. It’s also helpful to provide evening temperatures if relevant and the suggestion of a wrap or coat will be appreciated.
9. Post-Wedding Plans
By this stage you may be feeling like being alone – taking time out with your spouse to relax and breathe after all the excitement of the previous day. Or, you may think ‘Everyone is here – we may not see the out of towners for a long time. So, let’s kick back and party on!’
List your ideas for a chilled event the day after and get a feel for who will be around.
- Champagne Brunch
- Lunch on the Water
- Picnic at a Park
10. Photo Gallery
Share your journey through photos in this space:
Engagement Photos
A gallery of your engagement photos.
Memorable Moments
Other significant moments in your relationship, such as trips or family gatherings.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Address common questions to save guests from needing to contact you:
Common Queries
Cover topics like parking, plus-one policies, and whether children are welcome.
Contact Information
Provide an email address or phone number for any additional questions.
12. Guestbook
Create a Digital Guestbook to allow guests to leave messages for support and updates leading up to the big day, and also well-wishes if they are unable to attend due to distance or circumstances.
13. Additional Features
There are some great optional features you can add to enhance your website.
Countdown Timer
A countdown to your wedding day.
Social Media Integration
Links to your wedding hashtag or social media accounts.
Music Playlist
Share a playlist of songs that will be played at the wedding or that are meaningful to you as a couple and ask guests what they would like to add to the playlist.
Wedding Website Design and Usability Tips:
Keep it Simple
Ensure the website is easy to navigate with a clean, uncluttered design.
Mobile-Friendly
Optimize the site for mobile devices since many guests will access your website on their phones.
Consistent Theme
Use a design that matches your wedding theme or colours, from the Invitation to the styling of the tables at the Reception, for a cohesive look.
A well-crafted wedding website is an invaluable tool for keeping your guests informed and engaged. By including all the necessary details and adding personal touches, you can create a resource that enhances the overall experience of your wedding celebration.
Remember to keep the information up-to-date and enjoy the process of sharing your love story with your family and friends.
