Things to do once you get engaged: Pick a venue, find a dress and … get a URL? Yes, wedding websites are becoming an increasingly important — and common — part of wedding planning. When you’re mired in countless other wedding planning tasks, creating an entire website can seem a bit daunting and, sure, maybe even a tad unnecessary. But a wedding website is actually a hugely helpful tool for your guests because it allows them to find all the important information pertaining to your wedding in one handy spot. (Plus, directing guests to one place for information also takes a lot of stressful communication issues off your plate, too!)
Not so technologically savvy? Don’t worry. There are plenty of sites that provide easily customizable wedding website templates. (The Knot, Zola, Minted and Wix are just a few options!) Some are totally free, and others offer premium upgrades for additional features like integrated gift registries, RSVP tools and even options for guests to place song requests. (Include this last one at your own risk!)
When you’re creating your wedding website, be sure to include information that your guests absolutely need to know: a timeline of events and locations; hotel block details and links for easy booking; and pertinent parking and transportation information. Also note if you’ll be providing transportation anywhere — for example, from the hotels to the reception. Some wedding website builders allow you to link to your online wedding registry, too. This is a great way to (subtly) let guests know where you’re registered, without having to include a direct registry link somewhere, which can feel awkward.
Your wedding website is also a great place to offer out-of-town guests some recommendations for things to do while they’re in town for your big day. Include some food and drink options and other local attractions that might be of interest. And look for any local events that might be happening over your wedding weekend, like an arts festival or a big sporting event. (Phillies, Eagles, Sixers or Flyers playing in town? Let your guests know!) People often extend wedding trips into longer getaways, so offering them a few ideas of things to do is a thoughtful touch. You can even go an extra step and provide links to great tourist attractions; many offer discounted rates when tickets are bought in advance, so this can help guests plan their trip.
This website is also a place to let your guests know the story of your relationship: how you met, how you became engaged, what your interests are, and to share photos from your time together. This way guests who haven’t been intimately involved in your life (like long-distance relatives, or your fiancé’s coworker you don’t know very well, for example) can get to know you both a bit better before your big day.
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