Create the PERFECT Wedding Website

YOU need a Wedding Website! Ditch the formal cards and have guests RSVP through the website instead. While this does break tradition a bit, it does offer an easier process for my Couples as they collect the RSVP information. 

As a Wedding Planner, I’m often asked what information and details should be included on your Wedding Website. Typically, I break the website into 2 parts depending on the timeframe of their big day. 

Cred: Judy & Gavin Photography

First version of the site: Save The Date- 

When your “save the date” goes out, you want to ensure you have your website up and running (minimal information is ok!) 

• Both your first and last name

• A Photo of both of you from your engagement session

• Your Wedding Date

• Your Venue

• Hotel Block information or local hotels **this is to ensure they can book a room early at a reasonable rate. 

Remember to add the website and a password for extra exclusivity onto your “Save The Date” cards! 

Photo by Fabian Irsara on Unsplash

Second version: The Formal Invite-

When sending out your formal invitations, have everything completed on your website. The more information you can offer your guests, the less questions you’ll receive! Along with the above (First Version), I’d be sure to include- 

1. Your Love Story + additional photos of you two throughout your relationship. Maybe include your favorite trip, favorite meal to cook together, how you met… any fun, light hearted details that make the two of you better together!

2. Brief Wedding Day Timeline: Offer a 30 minute buffer from the Invitation time to the Wedding Ceremony start time. Example: (Start time on the invite & website will say 4:00pm, even though the actual start time would be 4:30pm

3. Wedding Party Introductions: Have fun with this! Post past-pictures of your wedding party and brief stories of how you got to know each other. Share who’s side they will be standing on and any additional details that will make those in your party feel extra special.

4. Travel and Hotel Accommodations: Depending on how much travel will be needed, provide as much detail as possible. (include transportation, parking, hotel block options, airport info, etc.) Again, the more details, the better!

5. FAQ Section (all the basic questions that might pop up):

   • Can they include a plus-one?

   • Are kids invited?

   • Attire requirements **YES, always have this listed for those who might ask! Black Tie, Formal, Wedding Casual, etc. Remember to remind guests if they should not wear heels (due to sand or walkways and if they should bring a jacket for cooler weather).

   • Any mask or safety requirements?

6. Ability to RSVP and chose their meal: Most venues require a “meal choice” for each person (not by Couple).

   Remember some guests may not want/or are unable to RSVP online, so we always suggest another RSVP option. 

   • Tip: If you’re not sure what the meal option will be, go with a basic description (ex. Beef, Chicken, Fish or Vegetarian), instead of describing the overall dish. Also, make sure you list dietary restrictions or allergies! 

7. Registry: We recommend selecting two physical stores (where guests can purchase items) and one monetary registry such as Honeyfund or Joy. 

   • Most website creators like JOY offer a registry you can create directly with them. A small fee is taken from every digital gift.

Cred WithJoy Wedding Website Examples

Don’t

Include exclusive events in your wedding website- unless it’s viewable ONLY by those who are invited. (Joy is currently working on this option)

For example: For the rehearsal dinner, invite the specific people to exclusive events (events not everyone is invited to) in person or with an additional invitation card, not through the website.

Do

Capture email and phone numbers! 

After COVID one thing we have learned that it is important to make sure you’re able to contact your guests easily. By capturing everyone’s email addresses and phone number, you’re able to send them a quick email and/or text, should that ever be needed.

Cred WithJoy Wedding Website Examples

Overall, have fun with your website! We always recommend tying the aesthetic + style of your website in with the overall look and feel of your wedding day! But feel free to add a little sense of humor and fun into your site! 

Here are my top 3 favorite website creators- 

Joy- https://withjoy.com/ 

The Knot- https://www.theknot.com/content/creative-wedding-websites

Zola- https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard/wedding-website?question=NAME 

Best of luck to all you engaged couples!

Have a Wonderful Day,

Jamison