You're engaged!💍🎉You've set the date and you can't wait to share all "the deets" with your guests. It's too early to send your wedding invitations, so how do you keep your guests informed? Your wedding website becomes a vital resource for your guests. Most couples include their wedding website link on their Save The Date Cards and the information is updated throughout the wedding planning process. But, what should you include?
Here are 8 essential parts to include on your wedding website:
Wedding Details
The most important details - Your names, your wedding date, and venue(s). If your ceremony and reception are being held in different locations, be sure to include both.
Personal Details
Your love story - keep this brief - including how you met, how long you've been dating, things you have in common, and the proposal story.
Cute pictures of you and your fiancé and introduce your wedding party (don't be afraid to use cute pictures of them as well!)
Hotel & Transportation Information
List the full contact information for the hotel - name, address, and phone number for those that may want to call and make their reservations in addition (usually the older relatives) as well as your custom reservation link so guests can easily book online.
If you have arranged a hotel shuttle, party buses, or secured other transportation (UberEvents) for the wedding day let your guests know as well. Provide the hotel's parking instructions and fees, if applicable.
✨Pro Tip: For destination weddings, provide the nearest airport name and approximate distance (mileage and time).
Wedding Day Schedule of Events and/or Wedding Weekend Itinerary
List your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception start times.
If you are also hosting a Welcome Drinks/Reception and/or Farewell Brunch, provide the location and times; don't include rehearsal dinners and any other exclusive (invite-only) events.
RSVP Date & Online RSVP option
Reiterate the date your guests need to respond by (as this will also be in your invitation suite). Give your guests the option to RSVP right on your website. This doesn't necessarily replace the RSVP cards in your invitation suite but certainly provides your guests with a convenient option.
Dress code or attire suggestions
Leave out the guesswork. Let your guests know if you prefer a certain dress code whether it be "Black Tie" or "Formal Attire (Black Tie Optional)" or "Casual Attire" (not sure which is the right one, we will discuss the different dress codes in a later blog). Make sure your desired dress code matches the theme, decor, and venue for your wedding.
Also inform your guests if any part of your wedding day (or related events) is outside (i.e a beach, a golf course, a garden, or cobblestone or gravel walkways). Your guests will appreciate it and can dress accordingly. Especially the ladies! There is nothing worse than wearing your best heels not knowing you have to walkthrough
grassy terrain to
get to your destination.
(Can you tell I've been there?)
Wedding Registry Information
Provide all links or names of stores where you are registered.
✨Pro Tip: if you are following proper invitation etiquette, you should not include your registry information in your invitation suite. It is only for your wedding website.
COVID Guidelines
Unfortunately, you can't forget these. Whether masks are required in the venue, inside the church, the shuttle, or in hotel common areas, make sure your guests are aware. Depending on your location the mandates may differ.
Luckily there are several wedding sites that allow you to host your wedding website. Find the right one for you.✨Pro Tip: Consider adding a password to your wedding website will help with potential wedding crashers.
Yes, some of this information and details will be included in your invitation suite but not all of it. Either way, your guests will thoroughly appreciate the information you are providing.
Here's a list for you to save for later 😁
If you have any questions about starting your wedding website or would like to book a certified event/wedding planner, contact me for a free consultation.
Happy Planning!
xo
~Danie Marie
😊
