You just got engaged and now you need to start planning your big day! One of the best ways to communicate all of your wedding details and updates to your guests is by creating a wedding website. And, the great news is you no longer have to an expert web developer in order to produce an amazing site. So, what kind of information do you include? We at Bridal Spectacular have a few tips to help you create the ultimate wedding website!
Creating The Website
There are plenty of existing platforms available to today’s bride to help create your perfect “wedsite,” with costs ranging from free to a few hundred dollars depending on which company you choose. A great place to begin your search is on websites, such as The Knot, Wedding Wire, MyWedding.com, NearlyWeds, Wedding Paper Divas and Wedding Woo. Research all the available options to see what features, templates and designs best suit your wedding.
About Us/Our Story
When you have a wedding, you are bringing two different sets of family and friends together, and chances are they all won’t know everything about the both of you or exactly how you met. On your website include a small paragraph about who you each are individually and the story of how you met.
Our Proposal
So we know how you met now, but how did he pop the question? Tell your guests all the fantastic details of your engagement.
The Wedding Party
The who’s who of your wedding. Include your maid of honor, best man, bridal party and any family members or pets, because who doesn’t want to know! Adding photos is always great too!
Ceremony Details
Now for the nitty-gritty. Your wedsite’s primary purpose is to communicate all of the fine details of your wedding to all of your guests. Include information such as:
- What is the wedding date & time (Saturday, May 15 from 5pm-11pm)
- When is the RSVP deadline?
- What time should guests arrive?
- Where should they park and are there any fees?
- What is the dress code? (Note things like semi-formal and any special dress requirements, like what kind of shoes they should/should not wear)
- Does your wedding have a theme? Are there any colors that you would like your guests to wear or avoid wearing?
- Are kids welcome or is this an adults-only wedding?
- Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?
- Will the ceremony and reception be held at the same or different locations?
- Any restrictions or special requests, such as no cameras for an unplugged wedding?
- Who do guests contact with questions? (You are going to have a lot going on, so you may want to consider giving this task to a bridal party or family member)
Reception Details
- What kind of food will be served?
- What if a guest has a dietary restriction?
- Will there be dancing?
- Will there be any special activities happening that guests need to know about?
- What time will the reception end?
Other Wedding-Related Events
Are you having an open rehearsal dinner, welcome BBQ, or Sunday brunch for your guests? Consider adding any wedding-related event information in its own section on your site.
Group Hotel Blocks
This is extremely important if you are going to have a destination wedding or have many guests come from out-of-town. You should call a couple nearby hotels and reserve a block of rooms with a special group rate. Then include which hotels you have a room block at, as well as other hotels near your wedding location so your guests have plenty of options.
Wedding Day Transportation
Will you be providing transportation between the reception and hotel(s)? If so, include the details, pick-up/drop-off times, and location for your guests. If you aren’t providing transportation, at least include information for local cab companies — you do not want any guests drinking and driving!
Gift Registry
Make it easy for your guests to get you a gift by including your gift registries directly on your wedsite.
RSVP
Providing your guests with multiple ways to RSVP is always beneficial. Elect to include a RSVP form and the deadline on your site.
Honeymoon
Everyone loves to know where you’ll being whisked away to after your big day! Include a small paragraph and photo of where you will be honeymooning. TIP: You also create a honeyfund, which allows guests to donate to your honeymoon as their wedding gift!
Guest Book & Photo Album
And finally, guests love to see photos. Include a guest book and photo album so friends and family can write how cute you two look in your engagement photos!
For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, please visit http://www.bridalspectacular.com or follow us on Facebook, twitter and Pinterest. And, be sure to save-the-date to attend our Winter Bridal Show January 16 and 17 at Cashman Center where you’ll find more great wedding ideas!
Receive $5 off admission when you buy tickets online! Click here and enter promo code: BLOG2015