10 Things Every Wedding Website Needs
KMH Forte Photography
Wedding websites are becoming more and more popular each year because they can be a one-stop shop for all information about your wedding day.
There are lots of options for website platforms, and really the choice is up to you and your partner on which you prefer to use. No matter which platform you end up going with, here is a list of 10 things that should be included in your wedding website.
Someday Paper Co
Your Wedding Date
This one seems a bit obvious, but having your wedding date front and center on your website is key. Most wedding sites also have a countdown feature which builds excitement for your event.
RSVP Intake
This is crucial. Let’s be honest, planning a wedding is hard. There are a lot of things to think about, and often you're juggling them all at the same time. Having a system to organize guests, meals, and seating plans will take so much of that stress away. Our favourite platform is www.withjoy.com for this very reason. As planners, we highly recommend this site to our clients as it helps us in the process as well.
Schedule of Events
People want to know what to expect so they can plan accordingly. If it's early in the game and you are unsure of a timeline, that's okay too. Let guests know that you are currently working on it and will update them as you figure things out.
Helen Cann Illustration
Location of Events
Nothing worse than getting that “Where is it again?” text the day of your wedding. Make sure people know ahead of time, and BE SPECIFIC. We are talking about the names of venues, full addresses, postal codes, etc. Thankfully we live in the age of convenient technology and now sites will allow you to directly embed google maps links to your site. We suggest offering a map and the address for everyone’s ease of reference. Cover all your bases, so your guests can be as independent and prepared as possible.
Hotel Suggestions for Out of Town Guests
Our first suggestion is to talk to hotels. Oftentimes, if they know that you are having an event, they will offer a group discount for rooms. We also suggest listing a few options at different price points. Whether you want to reserve a block of rooms or simply recommend nearby accommodations, make the decision easy for your guests so they know where they are going (and can get to your ceremony on time!)
We also suggest making booking as easy as possible. Have a travel agent? Link their information. Have a discount code? Make sure that is easily visible for guests on your website.
Wedding Registry Links
Jacqueline Clark
“Where are you registered?” This is a question you will get a lot while planning your wedding. Honestly, registries are great. Guests are going to get you something; it is very rare for people to show up to a wedding empty handed. Providing guests with registry links on your website ensures you are getting exactly what you and your partner need to begin your life together, not what Aunt Sue and Uncle Bob think you need.
Some places we find great for registries are:
The Bay
Crate and Barrel
Myregistry.com
Another option if you are going the Honeymoon Fund route is to utilize online cash registries that will collect funds through paypal. Here are a couple of links to one for you to check out. :) https://www.zankyou.ca/gift-registry or https://www.honeyfund.com/
Fleur de Liv Photography
Photos of You
Your guests are there to celebrate you. Let them know they are in the right place by showing off some photos. Your wedding website can host a photo gallery, where you can post engagement photos and photos of your relationship from the first date all the way up to the moment you said yes!
Your Engagement Story
This may seem like a daunting task, but writing your engagement story on your wedding website can make a big difference for your event. It helps guests feel closer to you and your partner before they attend the biggest day of your life. Take inspiration from your favourite story or fairytale, write your story from the point-of-view of your pet, keep it short and sweet… have fun and make it authentic to you!
Bar Bricco
Places to Eat in the Area
Your guests, especially folks coming from out of town or traveling for a destination wedding, will really appreciate your recommendations for spots to eat and drink around the wedding. This is also helpful to keep your guests occupied during a long break between ceremony and reception while you take photos. They will most likely be staying more than one night, and a list of top restaurants for them to check out in the area is a nice gesture.
Frequently Asked Questions
People ALWAYS have questions, so let’s cover all of your bases. Here is a list of questions we like to start with. We also suggest adding more as you continue planning. If someone emails you with a question that was not on your list, add it. Your guests will appreciate it, and it will make your planning experience much smoother.
Your wedding website is, ultimately, another way to communicate with your guests so they can easily RSVP and get to know the key details of your day, all while getting to know you and your fiancé, your bridal party, your registry, and a sneak peek at the vibe of your wedding. Need help getting your website started or even creating it altogether? We can help! Contact us to book a consultation today. :)
