So, you’ve got to create a wedding website and you don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! Today we’re breaking it down into a specific list of all the information you should include. This covers any questions your guests will want to ask.
It’s important to go into the wedding website process knowing that it’s going to be an ongoing process. You’ve got to keep your website as up-to-date as possible. The least effective wedding websites are those that don’t have all the key information available.
Main image credit: Jenny McCarthy
The basics
- Your names (this will help guests to know they’re in the right place)
- The wedding date
- Time
- Locations
We recommend having these basics near the top of the website because they’ll be the first bits of information that guests will be searching for.
Virtual wedding details
If you plan to have any type of virtual wedding, such as a live stream ceremony, keep this information visible on the website. This will include a link for guests to watch, a password if required, and any important instructions (things like “please mute yourself”).
Gifts list
Guests will want to know where they can find a wedding gifts list, and we highly recommend not putting this information on your printed invitations. This is what your wedding website is for! Put a link to your wedding registry so guests know where to go.
How to get there
The more detailed, the better. Include the full address, a map and any other key information required. Consider guests who are unfamiliar with your wedding location, and think about the information they’ll need. These might be the names of nearby airports, places to rent cars, links to public transport websites and information about how long the journey is. Include details about where to park, for guests who are driving.
Accommodation
If you have lots of guests coming from out of town, provide a list of nearby hotels and spots to rent. Include the names of hotels, addresses, website links and a discount code if you’ve got one.
Your story
Remember, this is YOUR wedding website and you want your guests to know it. Include photos, how you met, your proposal story and funny tidbits about you as a couple. Make it as personal as you can!
RSVP information
One of the key functions of a wedding website is to direct people towards where they can RSVP. This may be a button that links to a Google Form, an automated RSVP spot on a wedding website, or simply an email address (we recommend using a free Gmail account). Don’t forget to include the RSVP date!
Plus ones
Be clear about whether or not guests are allowed to bring a plus one or their kids along with them. If you’re saying no to either of these options, there are some sweet ways to tell them.
Related: How to Politely Tell Somebody Their Children Aren’t Invited to Your Wedding
The dress code
Guests will be wondering what to wear, so state the dress code and be as clear as you can.
Related: Wedding Dress Codes Demystified
Things to do
This information is only required if you’ve got lots of out of town guests or a big gap of time between your ceremony and reception. You could include nearby cinemas, museums, places to eat and salons!
Related: How to Avoid Awkward Gaps of Time On Your Wedding Day
Online etiquette
Do you intend to create a wedding hashtag that you’d like guests to use? Put this on your wedding website, along with a note of what guests should do with it. Don’t assume everybody knows what a hashtag is or how to use it. Additionally, if you’re having an unplugged ceremony, your wedding website is the place to announce it first.
Related: How to Have an Unplugged Wedding
Food information
People will be wondering what food will be served, so you can decide how much of this information you’d like to share. At the very least, give guests an option to let you know if they have dietary requirements.
A countdown
Of course, your wedding date will be highly visible near the top of your website. We also recommend including a countdown too! This will add to the excitement of how many days are left before the Big Day.
Contact information
To avoid having anybody contact you on the morning of your wedding, provide contact information for who will be the point of contact on the day. This could be a wedding planner, venue coordinator or the Best Man. It’s got to be someone who will know how to help guests who are lost or have any pressing questions on the day.
Real-time Covid updates
Sure, the pandemic is pretty much over, right? But for good measure, it’s good practice to have a space where you can update guests with real-time Covid updates. If you need to uninvite anybody or if you end up changing your date or venue (or any other key wedding elements), do this in person or on the phone!
