What to include on your wedding website: A Complete Guide
Even if you're a sucker for exquisite paper wedding stationery (like us!) there's no denying that a wedding website is a useful asset to your event. We view a wedding website as a valuable addition to your paper invitation suite, offering extra details such as FAQs, last minute event changes and local information, which is especially useful for out-of-town guests or destination weddings overseas.
What to include on your wedding website
Wedding websites are super simple to set up (and often free) using a website hosting platform such as Basic Invite, Minted or Riley and Grey. You can customise the design with templates, add photos and video, as well as allow guests to RSVP online and select menu options to provide a seamless guest experience. Ready to get started with your wedding website? Let's go...
Events
Even if you've sent our paper invitations detailing your wedding weekend itinerary, it's helpful to include an events section on your website so guests can check details on their phone and you can amend the schedule with any time or venue changes. Keep it simple by listing each event with the time, location and dress code, plus a link to directions and whether food will be provided.
Now more and more couples are planning wedding weekends with multiple events such as a welcome party, rehearsal dinner and day-after brunch, in addition to the wedding ceremony and reception, it's helpful to have all the information in one place, especially as you can count on at least one guest losing their invitation.
RSVP
We love the tradition of sending wedding RSVPs by post but the digital alternative is so much more efficient for your guests. One big advantage of directing your guests to your wedding website to RSVP is the ability to accept and compile responses to your invites online. RSVP wedding websites are designed specifically to accept wedding RSVPs from your guests and to make it much easier to finalise your precise guest count so you can confirm your catering and venue arrangements.
Accommodation
If you’re planning a destination wedding or hosting out-of-town guests, accommodation is something you’ll need to think about. It is generally understood that your guests will be responsible for covering their accommodation costs but some help in finding suitable lodging is good wedding etiquette.
Many hotels and resorts will allow you to reserve a block of rooms for your guests, and provide an exclusive discount for those attending your wedding. As well as a reduced rate, you may also be able to negotiate extra perks like complimentary breakfast, late checkout, or a fully stocked mini-bar.
Using your wedding website to share accommodation suggestions can streamline the process as your guests will be able to click the relevant links and make a booking online in a matter of minutes. You’ll also have more space to share multiple accommodation options for a range of budgets, plus include maps showing the proximity to the wedding venue.
Travel
Will shuttles or taxis be provided for guests to get to each venue, or do they need to arrange travel themselves? How can they do this? How much time should they allow? Are there any local events happening that could add traffic delays? All this kind of information should be included on your wedding website so your guests feel informed and organised. Add any contact numbers that they might need, such as local taxi services and members of the wedding party who they can call if they get stuck anywhere.
Things to do
If you are hosting a destination wedding or have out-of-towners travelling to celebrate with you near home, it's a nice gesture to give ideas of things to do. Think local sites, day trips and fun activities, plus the best places for coffee and regional delicacies. If you are organising a group activity that guests can opt in or out of, include all the details on the events section as well (see above).
Gift registry
The purpose of a gift registry is to help guests choose gifts that the couple wants and needs, and to take the guesswork out of gift-giving for guests. The list can include items like homeware, cash funds, honeymoon funds, experiences or charity donations. Whether you choose to have a gift registry or not, it is helpful to give details on your website and provide appropriate links to streamline the process for guests.
FAQs
When it comes to event information, it's better to err on the side of too much. Try to anticipate what guests will want to know and don't be afraid of your repeating yourself across different sections of the website to ensure that key details are not missed. Example questions to include answers to are:
- What is the attire for the welcome party?
- What time do we need to arrive for the ceremony?
- What is the dress code for the ceremony and reception?
- Are children invited to the ceremony/reception?
- Will there be parking at the welcome party/ceremony/reception venue?
- Can we take photos during the ceremony?
- Where should we stay?
- Who can I contact if I have a problem?
Wedding party
It's a nice idea to include an introduction to each member of your wedding party and their to the bride and groom so guests know who is who on the day. Consider adding photos and a fun fact about each person too.
