Engagement announcements, save-the-dates, invitations,
RSVPs…the amount of communication required for a wedding can seem overwhelming. Of
course, not every couple sends out formal announcements, or even a
save-the-date these days, but there is another way to ensure that all of your
guests receive all of your information. And best of all, it doesn't have to cost you
anything!
Many websites offer free hosting for wedding pages, and
incredibly user-friendly formats and templates. I used mywedding.com to host my
personal wedding page, and even made one for the couple whose wedding I was in
recently. This site, as with most, will let you choose from a variety of themes
and colors, surely one to fit your own event. WeddingWire.com has designs from
a number of companies including Wedding Paper Divas, Vera Wang, Magnet Street,
David’s Bridal, and even Bed Bath & Beyond. The best thing I found with
this website is that you can also order invitations that coordinate with the
theme you choose. The Knot also offers
free websites and is always a favorite for their planning tools and resources.
How do I get my website out to my guests?
I recommend creating a website after the engagement as soon as you start seriously planning. If you send out save-the-dates this would be a great time to include a blurb as simple as “Please visit our website at www.website.com/brideandgroom for more information.” If your first mailing is your invitation, it’s not too late to include the site. You can put it on a separate card, or on the very bottom of your invitation, though this can take a little away from the feeling of formality.
I recommend creating a website after the engagement as soon as you start seriously planning. If you send out save-the-dates this would be a great time to include a blurb as simple as “Please visit our website at www.website.com/brideandgroom for more information.” If your first mailing is your invitation, it’s not too late to include the site. You can put it on a separate card, or on the very bottom of your invitation, though this can take a little away from the feeling of formality.
What to include on my website?The information you can post is only limited by your imagination. Most websites allow you to publish photos and even encourage sharing the story of your engagement. (I was proposed to in a parking lot, so it’s safe to say I left that off my page.) This is a great time to show off those engagement pictures that you had taken. You can have a tab for accommodations if you are planning on having any out-of-town guests, and even create an easy link to the websites of the hotels. Save another tab for the addresses and directions to the wedding day events; this is another that can have a link to MapQuest or Google Maps. Something you will want to decide is if you plan on having pre-stamped RSVP envelopes in your invitations. Most wedding websites allow an option to collect RSVPs online. It’s as easy for your guests as logging in and clicking a box, you can even include meal choices, and it will save you the expense of printing the RSVPs, adding extra postage, and trying to keep track of those little buggers in the mail. One extra great advantage of a website is that it’s a place for you to publish where you are registered. Please do not write this on your invitations! Invites are meant to request the pleasure of your GUESTS, not to solicit swag. A tab on your website, with a link to any stores that offer online access to your gift registry, is much more appropriate. Other fun ideas are including pictures of your wedding party with a short ditty about their relation to you, and information about anything fun happening in the area over the weekend for out-of-town guests (i.e. Friday night Tin Caps game).
What should I avoid?
Please be careful posting your website on any form of social media. If you post the site on Facebook, for instance, some well-intentioned “friend” may think that serves as an invitation for them to attend. Some host sites do allow you to create a password that you can send out to your guests with the web address. Know your audience. For example, if you are sending an invitation to Great Aunt Margaret, who you know is less than “computer literate,” include any necessary information in the invite itself, don’t expect her to figure out how to turn that computer on. Now, I know many grandparents who now have Facebook profiles, but just be aware of any guests who would prefer the distribution of information the good old-fashioned way.
Please be careful posting your website on any form of social media. If you post the site on Facebook, for instance, some well-intentioned “friend” may think that serves as an invitation for them to attend. Some host sites do allow you to create a password that you can send out to your guests with the web address. Know your audience. For example, if you are sending an invitation to Great Aunt Margaret, who you know is less than “computer literate,” include any necessary information in the invite itself, don’t expect her to figure out how to turn that computer on. Now, I know many grandparents who now have Facebook profiles, but just be aware of any guests who would prefer the distribution of information the good old-fashioned way.
As with all of my recommendations for your Big Day, have FUN and go ahead and personalize, personalize, personalize!
Jori Nye
Event Designer
One of a Kind Events
Event Designer
One of a Kind Events
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