Wedding Websites – Why You Need One

Wedding websites are a necessity these days.  Period.    

I’ve gone to weddings as recently as six years ago where wedding websites were an afterthought.  Guests found out the wedding information the old fashioned way, through the mail.  If something was to be communicated with them, a small piece of paper would surely convey the message. 

However. . . more and more the engaged have found that a customizable and up to date website surely does the trick better than paper.  Plus, you can include so much more than the standard information.

I like to think of wedding sites as a preview to your guest’s experience.  The more thought that is put into it, the better planned the wedding will be (in my opinion).  Not only that, the design of the site can give a little insight into your wedding theme and aesthetic.  Plus, any last minute information can be conveyed right on your site. 

To sum it up, if you spend some time setting up a comprehensive site, your guests will appreciate it.

WEDDING WEBSITES – WHY YOU NEED ONE

There are lots of reasons to have a wedding website.

1. We live in a digital world

Guests now a days are used to a website for everything.  If you have a question, where do you turn to?  The internet, of course.  Providing a website will help answer any of your guest’s questions, so they don’t have to try and contact you directly.

2. You can include more information on it than just where and when your wedding will be

A traditional wedding invitation only has so much on it, and it usually is just where and when the wedding will be.  Your website can include details on how you two met, why you picked your venue, who is in your wedding party, and fun activities for guests to do (as well as where guests can stay if they are traveling).

3. Paper invitations with all the details get lost

Have you ever been headed to a wedding and are trying frantically to find the invitation to verify what time to be there?  I have.  Paper is so easy to lose.  A wedding website will be the first place guests go to when and if they can’t find the paper details.

4. You can update guests if there are any last minute changes

My wedding was moved inside at the last minute, contradicting what my invitations stated.  I didn’t have to try and contact guests, though.  I just updated my website with the details and eventually everyone found their way inside.

5. Great tool for RSVP’s

Most wedding websites will allow guests to respond to their attendance right there on the site, or allow you to keep track of attendees there as well.  This makes for easy tracking and exporting when you need it.

6. Provides a link to your registry

Just like an invitation, a paper about registry information is so easy to lose.  Keeping your link in your website will let guests know exactly where to go when they want to buy you a gift.

WHERE TO HOST WEDDING WEBSITES:

There are lots of great options for wedding sites out there.  Depending on your functional needs, there is bound to be a fit for you.  You may be looking for ease, customizability, or low or no cost.  No matter what your ideal host is, I think one of the below options will provide what you are looking for.   

Some of the most popular wedding website hosts are the following:

The Knot

This site is probably among the most well known.  Not only is the Knot so easy to navigate, you can create a beautiful site free of charge. Additionally, you can order invitations and other stationary that matches your website design.  The con is that because they tend to use templates, if you want to heavily customize it may be a lot of work. 

Verdict: The Knot is great for the couple that wants a low maintenance site that is meant for weddings, for no cost.

Zola

We used this site for our registry, and loved it.  The positive of using it to set up your wedding website is that connecting it to your registry is a breeze (if you use Zola for both).  Also, it’s easy to manage your guest list and RSVP’s within the site. Plus the site is free to set up.  However, it’s not as easy to customize and if you don’t use the Zola registry it can be tricky to connect it. 

Verdict: Zola is for the couple that wants easy access to their registry in one spot.

Squarespace

If you are already familiar with Squarespace and are tech-savvy, this is worth looking into.  Because it’s so customizable, you can create an incredibly personal and professional looking website.  However, there are fees involved and because Squarespace is not meant for just wedding websites, it might have too many features for the price. 

Verdict: Squarespace is for those who like using it already and are willing to spend a little more so they can customize as much as they want.

Wix

Wix seems to have the same limitations as Squarespace when it comes to wedding websites.  While your site will be totally customized, there is a fee involved to really maintain it correctly, and it’s not meant for just wedding websites.  This means that items like linking to your registry and importing a guest list may be very tricky to set up. 

Verdict: Wix is great for those who want to practice website building in general because it’s so easy to use, but might not be the best for weddings.

Wedding Wire

For a straightforward wedding website, this is a fine option.  You can use templates to create a free site, and it actually is for wedding websites, so the features connect to your purpose.  However, it’s hard to customize the templates and there are some app limitations. 

Verdict: Wedding Wire is for those who want an easy to use option and aren’t worry about it being too fancy. 

WHAT TO INCLUDE ON YOUR WEBSITE:

Alright, so once you decide on your host, here are the items you’ll want to consider including on your site:

• Wedding information – Where are you getting married? When are you getting married? Are there special instructions for parking?
• Back Story – You don’t have to write a novel here, but give a little information on your love story.
• Bridal party – Shout out to your girls and guys here! Letting your guests know how you know everyone is a nice touch.
• Accommodations – Here’s where you would want to include links to nearby hotels and recommendations about places to stay.
• Travel instructions – Have any guests flying in? Maybe let them know the best ways to get to the hotel from the airport. Lest they call you a few days before they arrive to tell you their flight information (and where to meet them at the airport).
• Things to do – You’re a host here. While you won’t have time to play tour guide for out of towners, this is a great way to let them know what they can do with any down time they have before or after your wedding.  Include restaurant recommendations and fun sites to check out. 
• Registry – Give a nudge in the right direction for your guests who like to buy a tangible gift. You never know what they will think is your taste.
• Photos – What else do you do with your engagement photos? Put them here, of course!

A NOTE ABOUT HYPERLINKS

In case you didn’t know, Hyperlinks are the cute little ending of websites.  For example, you might create a website at The Knot, but your website will be something like www.theknot/ your names (or anything else you want it to be).  You can make hyperlinks very personal, of course. Have fun with it! There are even websites dedicated to creating inspiration of what your hyperlink (and subsequent wedding hashtag) can be!

---

So there you have it, friends.  The most important take-away here is to definitely create a wedding website.  Even if you are only having a handful of guests, the communication plan should stay the same. Plus, it’s a fun thing to put together and really helps you look at your wedding through the lens of others. 

Happy website creating!

More From Hummingbird Wedding Advice: 

Virtual Bridal Showers: Ideas For Games, Activities, & Entertainment

How To Have An Amazing Virtual Wedding

Did you find this post useful, inspiring?  Save THIS PIN to your Wedding Planning Board on Pinterest!