You're getting married! How exciting! Of course, there are plenty of details to hash out when planning your big day, including creating a wedding site.
In particular, a wedding website helps to keep your guests informed and enthusiastic about your upcoming planned nuptials. Plus, it can be customized to show off your personality.
Not sure what to include (and not include) on your wedding website? Here is some top do's and don'ts to keep in mind.
Do Share Important Wedding Day Details
This one is a no-brainer. Make sure your wedding website includes the who, what, where, and when. In other words, include your names, the location of the ceremony and reception (addresses are always useful), and the date and time. Providing this basic information allows guests the ability to check your website for details at a moment's notice.
Excited to get started? While there are plenty of online options for building custom wedding websites, Minted offers more than 1,400 templates from which to choose. For a nominal fee, you can also add a photo gallery, password protection, and create a custom URL.
Don't Include Exclusive Events
If you're hosting a private rehearsal dinner or post-wedding gift opening, don't include those details on the website. Your website should be catered to everyone you're inviting to the wedding to avoid confusion and hurt feelings.
Do Provide Hotel Accommodation Information
Are you inviting out-of-town guests? Shop around for discounted hotel prices for your invited guests and block off a specific number of rooms. Additionally, you'll want to provide the name and location of the hotel on your wedding site so long-distance family and friends can easily book a room while they're in town.
Don't Share on Social Media
Because you're likely not inviting every Facebook friend or Instagram follower to your wedding, don't share the website URL on your social media accounts. This could cause confusion and unnecessary awkward encounters with non-invited guests.
Do Collect RSVPs Through the Website
These days, you can collect most RSVPs online. For starters, create a guest list on your wedding site and ask for virtual RSVPs, dinner selections (if you're providing different options), and song requests. With a few clicks of the mouse, you'll know exactly who's attending.
Don't Only Provide Online RSVP Options
Chances are you have a few relatives who aren't exactly tech-savvy. If that's the case, don't omit paper RSVPs altogether. Instead, send paper RSVP cards to all invited guests — this gives them the choice to RSVP online or via mail — or choose to limit them to those you know need them.
Do Link to Your Wedding Registry
Perhaps the best part of setting up your wedding site is the ease in which you're able to share your registry information without seeming all “gimme gimme.” To that end, link your registry to your site so guests can easily shop for a wedding gift immediately after RSVPing.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, but you'll benefit nicely from listing a few different online retailers to get what you need and desire. Want dishware from Crate and Barrel but would love a tent from REI? Then why not create a registry that consolidates everything you want, no matter the store, into one, concise list?
Don't Forget to Personalize it
Finally, wedding websites should showcase and tell the story of you and your soon-to-be spouse. You'll also want to share your love story. When did you meet? How did your significant other propose? What are some attributes you love about each other?
Make sure to share photos, too! Not just engagement photos but also your first photo together and some of your favorite memories you both enjoyed over the years. You can also take this opportunity to introduce your wedding party. Include pictures of them, how you became acquainted or connected, and why they mean so much to you.
Make it Easy to Keep Your Guests Up to Speed
Now that you know what to include (and not include) on your wedding website, invited guests will be well-informed about your big day. Not only will they have all the pertinent details at their disposal, but they can also RSVP, shop your registry, and learn more about you, your future spouse, and your wedding party in one fell swoop. Ultimately, a design-friendly and well-intentioned wedding site serves as a resource for everything your guests need to know and provides you with the necessary time to plan the other special details of your big day.
