What to Include on Your Wedding Website

Wallpaper image by No Rules Photography

Thinking about making a wedding website but have no idea what to include? A wedding website is a great place to include all the info you need to communicate to your guests that doesn't go on your invitations. You website will be unique to you and your wedding, but here are a few things to get you started.

Basic Wedding Day Details: Typical basics include the venue name and address, the ceremony start time and if a meal like dinner or an activity like dancing is to follow. I actually think it's smart to keep these details as high-level as possible and don't publish a detailed timeline in order to give you and your vendors flexibility for the day. I also don't advise putting a false start time, because that can cause more problems, but you can list a "doors open" time if that is applicable to your venue.

Dress code: From white tie to beach casual, your wedding guests need to know what to wear, but feel free to make it more creative. Whether it be a theme like "fairytale tea party formal" or a prompt like "outshine the bride" or a color code, helping guests figure out what to wear is always appreciated. I have even had a client link a Pinterest board to help everyone get inspired! Photo examples can be very helpful too!

Important venue info: Often there is information about the venue your guests need to know. Keep in mind, they've likely never been there before and you have. Maybe the entrance or your ceremony site is hard to find, or you want to let people know the ceremony will take place on a lawn and not to wear stilettos. Information about parking (or lack thereof) is usually important too. Don't forget to include accessibility information here as well, like if there are stairs, an elevator, rough terrain etc.

Directions and parking info: If your venue is challenging to find or maybe needs some extra direction like, "Going north, take the second driveway," or "Head down the gravel road until you see the signs," your guests will appreciate the instructions! This is a great place to provide parking info as well, especially if it's street parking only or limited parking onsite.

Transportation info: Lots of couples choose to provide some sort of transportation for their guests to and from the venue, especially if it's in a location not so accessible to ride share services. Whether it's because a small parking lot can't accommodate your guest count or you want to let your guests enjoy their alcohol and not worry about driving at the end of the night, a bus or a shuttle can be a good idea. You'll want to let your guests know pick up times and locations.

Lodging info: If you've also reserved a hotel block, this is a good place to let them know that info, or simply supply some suggestions of nearby options to choose from.

Wedding Weekend Schedule: If you are having events the days before or after your wedding, like a welcome dinner for out of town guests or a brunch the morning after, you might want to include a schedule of all the events for the weekend. If it's supported by the website host you choose (like Minted or Zola), you can designate which events certain guests can even see as well as RSVP to.

Registry: Some say it is improper etiquette to include the registry on the invitation, but in my professional opinion, it's easier and more convenient for your guests to just include a link on your wedding website. Some nearlyweds opt for a gift registry and others for a cash registry like a honeymoon or house fund. I've even had clients choose a donation list in lieu of gifts.

Bar info: Are you having a cash bar or partial hosted bar? Let guests know so they can be prepared. These days, cash bars typically have a credit card card or digital payment option, so I advise checking on that with your bar provider first.

Adults only: Some couples opt for a "no kids" or "adults only" wedding for a multitude of reasons, so make it clear on your website, so no misunderstandings happen.

Love story: Some guests coming to your wedding might be, say, an aunt you haven't seen since you were a kid, or a college friend you haven't seen in a few years and they might not know all about your partner and all the cute details about your love story; how you met, the proposal etc. It's also a great excuse to show off all your cute pictures together including any engagement photos you might have had taken.

Wedding party intros: If you are having a wedding party, your website could be a fun place to introduce who they are, how you know them, and even cute photos of you together.

If you have questions about what to include on your wedding website, please ask in the comments!

Happy Wedding Planning

Andy <3