Personal Wedding Websites: What Are They and Should You Have One?


Personal Wedding Websites: What Are They and Should You Build One?


A woman with a pencil between her teeth is staring at a laptop computer screen. She seems eager and somewhat stressed simultaneously

What is a personal wedding website? 


A personal wedding website is where guests can access information about your wedding day. 

It's especially useful if you're getting married abroad or if you're inviting out-of-town guests. Often password protected, it gives details too lengthy to include on paper invitations. A personal wedding website SHOULD reduce the number of housekeeping questions you'll get asked in the run-up to the big day. There's often the option for guests to RSVP, too.

The details you use will depend on how much relevant information you have to share.  If you're having a destination wedding, for example, then you may want to include flight and accommodation options. 






Wedding websites are useful even if your wedding is local. Guests should appreciate the heads-up and that way they can make better choices in advance of the big day. 

For example,  






  • Does the bar accept credit or debit cards?



  • Is the turn-off from the main road hard to miss?



  • Are you serving food or should guests eat at home?



  • If there's a theme, then what should people wear?


Couple with matching engagement rings hold hands on a rock

What information should we include?

Your website should be helpful but don't micro-manage your guests: language is key. Your goal should be to inform rather than dictate so think carefully about how to say that you're not inviting children or if you're aiming for an unplugged ceremony and/or reception. 

What you choose to put on your site will be unique to your wedding but as a bare minimum we'd suggest:
  • The name, address, phone number and email address of the venue.
  • Instructions on how to get there.
  • The timings on the day
  • The option to RSVP online
  • Links to a gift registry.
  • Mention of any theme or dress code
But that's pretty basic and if you've decided on setting up a website then it's worth taking some time to populate it with additional helpful pointers.  And here's what else we'd suggest: 


Expanded Venue Details 


What's the deal with this venue: why did you choose it? Does it offer accommodation and if so is there a special rate?  Remember to include the discount code if there is. 

  • Are there accessibility issues for guests with disabilities or mobility needs? 
  • Maps are always useful especially if the venue is in a rural area.
  • Include a website link, too. 
  • What about car parking? Do you need to pay? 
  • When can guests check-in or out?
  • Is breakfast included in the room rate?



Travel Information

It's always hand to list the numbers of local taxi firms.  Directions can be useful even for those with satnavs, and include, too, information on public transport for those guests who don't drive.

Weddings abroad should include details on nearby airports, car hire firms, port information and accommodation options.  Guests will probably appreciate, too, a closer look at the timings of the ceremony and reception so they can plan travel arrangements.



Food Information


Every wedding is different and guests may have to manage their expectations on food and drink, but they can't do that if you don't tell them.  If you're having an afternoon wedding without a wedding breakfast afterwards, then tell your guests so they can eat beforehand.  


The RSVP Deadline with a Link 

Let your guests know when they'll need to RSVP by. Many websites have an inbuilt RSVP option which makes it really simple for people to reply and should mean you get replies faster, too. 

About Us

You might like to include a few paragraphs on how you met and became engaged.  If you've had an engagement photoshoot, then it's a great way to show off your favourites pictures, too.  We'd suggest keeping it simple and short.  
Don't get too mushy; you don't want guests throwing up over their keyboards. 

In the US, it's quite normal to introduce the wedding party: the bridesmaids or bridesmen, the best man or best woman etc and it's a nice touch if you've got lots of people coming who haven't met the immediate wedding party. Again, the trick is to give just enough information and detail or people won't bother 




Include a link to your gift registry

Including a link to a gift registry on your wedding invitations is an etiquette no-no, but it's perfectly acceptable on your wedding website.  

Suggestions for the DJ

Asking your guests to suggest a couple of songs for the reception is a great way to ensure the dancefloor stays busy throughout the night. 


Social Media and Photography


If you're a social media aficionado, then this is where you might include your wedding hashtag or links to a photo-sharing app.  Equally, if you'd rather have an unplugged wedding, then this is a good place to gently suggest that guests don't upload photographs of you and your partner.  Remembering, too, to reiterate this on the day to remind people.



A Frequently Asked Question Section


It's handy to have a catch-all section for those questions that you can't quite fit elsewhere.  These should be simple, straightforward and quick-fire.  

  • Can I bring a plus-one?
  • Are children invited?
  • What if I have special dietary needs?
  • How much is a taxi from the city centre?

    Include a specific wedding email address, too, for people to RSVP and also for anyone with additional questions or requests to get in touch.  If nothing else, this should lump all the threads of your wedding together.  

Which Websites?

We'll list a number of the best known free websites, but there's plenty of platforms that offer greater customisation for a fee.
  • With Joy looks gorgeous, and it is super easy to use.
  • The Knot is a popular all-round wedding site, and their wedding website options are impressive and benefit from drop-down menus for accessibility.
  • My Wedding is a one-stop shop not just for a website but for vendors, venues, inspiration and registry management.
  • Wedding Wire is free, very easy to use and popular with couples in the US, but the themes and layouts aren't as good as others. 
Wedding websites aren't necessary.  Couples have happily married for thousands of years without one but there's no doubt that they can be useful and appreciated by guests. 

Keep it simple.  

Keep the paragraphs short. 

Include some photographs (we'd recommend Pixabay for royalty free images).

Think about what you'd find useful if you were arriving at a wedding venue for the first time: what would you appreciate knowing up front. 



















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