If you’ve attended at least one wedding in the last decade, you’ve probably stumbled upon some pretty amazing websites that couples have used to share everything from their ceremony details to their love story with their guests. When it comes to creating a wedding website for your own big day, it can seem overwhelming to determine just how much information to share. Ultimately, a great wedding website will act as a helpful guide to your wedding weekend, and will get guests excited about attending. Here are our top dos and don’ts for putting together your wedding website, and how this can help you in the planning process.
Photo of the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale by Bradford Jones
Do have the very basic details, including date, time, ceremony and reception address(es) shared on your website’s homepage in plain sight. If you’ve chosen a website layout and style that doesn’t lend to this information being shared on your homepage, make sure in the least that it is easy for your guests to find.
Don’t use your wedding website to share other wedding related event information, such as the rehearsal dinner, your bachelor or bachelorette party, your bridal shower, or other exclusive events. Instead, communicate directly with these smaller groups of people, as this will help avoid any confusion and frankly, socially awkward encounters. You can, however, share other events, such as a welcome party or farewell brunch, where everyone is welcome. Team up with your wedding planner to create a fun timeline for both the wedding day and wedding weekend that you can post in general terms on your website.
Photo by Bradford Jones
Do come up with some fun, basic branding that your guests can use on social media. You can share your hashtag or let your guests know that you’ll have a Snapchat filter available at your reception. Don’t want to blow social up? That’s ok too! Here is a good chance to share your preferences with guests if you prefer to have an unplugged wedding.
Don’t leave your guests guessing about the dress code. Let them know what is suggested attire, whether it’s black tie, cocktail attire, formal or casual, as they will want to be dressed appropriately. Additionally, if you are envisioning a wedding where guests all where the same color, (check out this festive photo from Robert and Talal’s wedding below), make sure you mention it here, well in advance of your wedding day. Finally, if you’re getting married on a ranch, in a barn, or, swoon, at a vineyard, make sure to let your guests know if the grounds don’t lend to stilettos or fabric that isn’t very breathable.
Photos of Robert and Talal's wedding by Bradford Jones
Do compile a list of recommended places for accommodation and food, as some of your out-of-town guests won’t know the local area very well. It’s helpful to also share information about transportation options, such as shuttle services, or whether or not your hometown has services like Uber or Lyft. Do your best to provide links and contact information for all of your recommended places/services so that guests can call and book ahead. Having this all in one place will help your guests stay organized and will reduce the number of times that they reach out to you for the same information from one party to the next.
Photo of Jenelle and Kurt by Bradford Jones
Sip and Twirl is a passionate group of wedding planners, and we are located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Whether you have just started envisioning your dream wedding day, or are in the thick of planning, we'd love to hear from you! We plan for both small and large scale weddings, and genuinely love what we do. Reach out to us at (480) 648-0663 or email us at info@sipandtwirl.com.