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How to Create a Wedding Website Your Guests Will Love to Visit

Creating a Wedding Website

Top Five Wedding Website Etiquette Tips

Five great wedding-etiquette-planning tips on how to create a wedding website that guests will love.  

Often, couples decide to create a wedding website just to post their registries on a public forum.  After all, they decide that Facebook might not be the best place to discuss their many wants.  Good call.  However, what many couples have forgotten is that the focus of their wedding shouldn't be those wants.  Thus, the focus of their wedding website shouldn't be either.  To create a site guests will want to visit and one that reflects good taste, the focus should be on love. 

Make the first-page swoon worthy!

When reading a book, the writer tries to hook the reader within the first paragraph.  A website is no different.  Your message should be clear and appealing.  In fact, this page is all about you two.  Many of the cleverest sites tend to post something intriguing or eye-catching as the first thing visitors will see.  Many times, it is the couple's save-the-date card with a link or pop-up page leading the reader to the couple's love story. 

Your love story is the focus.  So, grab your guests' attention with an emotion-filled version.  Of course, tossing in a bit of humor is beneficial.  Include pictures of your journey together.  Even better, videos or slideshows set to music appeals to visitors.

Where do I list the registries?

Most of us love receiving gifts.  I'm no different.  Yet, it's impolite to expect gifts, even for those life events where gifts are typically given.  I realize that this seems odd.  Nevertheless, it is polite. 

Thus, to ensure that your site is most appealing, list your registries as a link on a reference page.  For example, the name of one of your pages could be "Guest Information".  This page could include links to maps of the area, possible lodging, and other useful information for those traveling to your wedding.  It could also include a registry link. 

How do I inform everyone about the site?

As it would be impolite and insulting to those not invited, only inform those invited to your wedding of your site.  It would also be impolite to list this on invitations.  However, we can wiggle around this rule—somewhat.  If your registries are not listed or referenced from the first page of your site, you could list the web address on your save-the-date.   Another option is to email close friends and relatives about the site.  Still, it is viewed as crass to send this as a mass email.  Every person should receive a personalized message. 

Do not post your wedding website link on a social networking site. 

What information should I list?

Because your guests are important, provide them with valuable information they may need if traveling for your wedding.  So, include a map, nearby lodging options, restaurants, and possible activities.  Also include information about the wedding and reception venues, like where to park and where the entrance is. 

Additionally, unless yours is a very informal wedding, skip creating an interactive RSVP page.   This is just too much like an "Evite" page.  

Should I post pictures of the bridal showers, engagement party, etc.?

Avoid posting pre-wedding party pictures on your site.  Imagine how an uninvited guest might feel if she saw pictures of familiar faces enjoying themselves at your parties.  Sadly, this person may wonder why she was excluded. 

Conversely, posting your wedding planning pictures is excellent.  Positive choices could include wedding cake tastings and bridal gown shopping.

Enjoy your wedding planning process!

More by Rebecca

5 tips to Create a No-Electronic Zone for Your Wedding

Anti-Clueless Advice: How to Plan a Wedding That Doesn't Insult Guests

4 of the Most Asked Wedding Etiquette Questions Answered


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