Top Tips for Creating a Wedding Website Your Guests Love
To have a wedding website or not to have a wedding website… that is no longer the question. Creating a wedding website has many benefits for both you and your guests, so you should definitely have one. A site provides a one-stop shop for all your wedding details, so you don’t have to worry about responding to questions one by one. Plus, it is a great way to enhance the guest experience for your wedding. So, now the question is, what should you include on your site? Read on for wedding website ideas, including what information to include and how to find the best wedding website maker for you.
Which Wedding Website Maker is Best?
Because wedding websites are more popular than ever, there are multiple hosting sites available. The best website is subjective, as it depends on what is most important to you. For example, if you want a free, easy-to-use website, the best options are The Knot, Zola, and Minted. However, if you’re looking for a website you can customize and truly make your own, a luxury wedding website builder like Riley & Grey or Appy Couple will make that happen for a cost.
To choose which wedding website maker is best for you, browse the design options and additional features–like the ability to make your site private and password protected or customize your website with your wedding colors. You may find a particular wedding website platform suits you better than another.
Wedding Website Ideas: What to Include When Creating a Wedding Website
Once you decide on the wedding website maker you want to use, the next step is to include the right information for your guests’ benefit and your own. Here are six ideas for designing a wedding website that’s pretty and practical.
1. Include Your Wedding Logistics
First things first, your website should include logistical details about your wedding, such as the location, date, and time. Put the address of the venue and make a clear distinction between the ceremony location and the reception location if there’s a difference. This is also a great place to put parking instructions or any other location-specific information guests should know before arriving. That way, if guests misplace their physical invitation or have questions about the venue, they don’t have to text you about it but can find everything they need to know on your website.
This section may also include a detailed timeline of events, so guests know what to expect. For example, if you’re having a welcome party the day before the wedding, include the location, time, and date on your wedding website. That way, guests don’t miss it and can plan their travel to arrive on time.
2. Include Accommodations Information
Another helpful section to include when designing a wedding website is an accommodations section. Are you reserving a room block that guests can book? Tell them how to do it. Are your guests left to their own devices to find lodging? Share some of the best hotels, Airbnb homes, or other stays close to the venue. Will guests be flying from out of state to attend your wedding? Make a note of the nearest airports and car rental services. Sure, they can research this information themselves, but including it on your wedding website is a nice touch, as it enhances the guest experience from the start.
3. Include Photos and Stories of You and Your Fiancé
Aside from the logistical information, a fun wedding website idea is to include photos of you and your fiancé along with your “how we met” and “how we got engaged” story. This helps guests connect with your love story, making your wedding experience much sweeter. This is also a nice touch for guests who know one but not both of you. They get to learn about you as a couple and see photos of how your love story evolved.
In addition, consider including photos of your wedding party with short notes about how you know each person and what they mean to you. Though not a requirement, guests unfamiliar with your closest friends may enjoy learning about who is standing next to you on your most special day.
4. Include a List of Things to do In the Area
Including a list of things to do in Colorado is most beneficial for out-of-town guests unfamiliar with your wedding location. Often, guests traveling to a wedding will make a mini-vacation out of it and extend their stay. Additionally, guests who live in the area may find themselves with some downtime between wedding events. In either case, include some of your favorite things to do, see, eat, and experience in the area for guests who may find themselves with some free time on their hands to explore.
This section may also include more information about the location, such as the weather. For example, is it primarily warm with high humidity? Are flash storms common? This type of information will help guests prepare, pack, and dress accordingly.
5. Include Your Wedding Registry Information
If you have a wedding registry, include that information on your website so guests can easily find and purchase your gift. Some wedding website makers include a registry feature. For example, Zola has a registry included with its wedding website with products from over 500 brands. Another wedding website and registry builder, Joy, is the one website with a zero-fee cash fund. However and wherever you register, make it easy for your guests to access by including it on your website.
6. Include Anything Else You Want All of Your Guests to Know
Lastly, when creating a wedding website, use it to share any other important information you want all of your guests to know. For example, is your wedding kid-friendly? Make a note of that. What is your wedding dress code? Clearly state it with examples to help guests know what to wear. Do you have a safety plan in place or any requirements around COVID? Your wedding website is the place to share this information.
The only thing you shouldn’t include on your wedding website is details about wedding events that not all guests are invited to attend. For example, if your wedding rehearsal dinner is for VIP guests only, don’t put information about that event on your site. That way, you don’t offend those who aren’t invited or have people attend who weren’t on your guest list for that event.
Get Help Planning Every Wedding Detail with Mountainside Events
We know a lot of thought goes into planning a fantastic wedding for both you and your guests. At Mountainside Events, we come alongside you and help you plan all the details so you don’t miss a thing. From your designing a wedding website to your actual wedding to everything in between, we help you stay on track and have fun throughout the entire process. Ready to get started? Let’s chat about bringing your dream Colorado wedding to life!