why wedding websites are necessary, not just nice
do you need paper stationary? not at all, this more of a ‘want’, not a ‘need’.
Don’t get me wrong, wedding stationary is beautiful. and if you love those beautiful touches, The textures, The fonts, The whole aesthetic moment, the keepsakes, then by all means go for it.
what I’m suggesting is that everyone needs a wedding website, regardless of whether you’re also keen for the pretty paper ones. those are an add-on, the website is a requirement.
aside from the obvious environmental impact, financial cost and wastage factor since most people throw them out, it ultimately comes down to information sharing and logistics. website make everyone’s life easier. let me explain how…
Paper invites have one major limitation:
they can only hold so much information. Once you realise how much needs to communicated to your guests, you end up with 10 additional inserts, a group chat and an email chain that are all on you to manage. and aunt ruth will still have questions. for you, the people already overwhelmed with everything on your plate.
a Wedding Website Changes Everything
a one-stop-shop for all the information, a single place for you to update and manage, and it’s accessible to everyone at all times. It’s your central command centre. your website can cover:
Arrival time vs ceremony start
Pre-ceremony drinks? Let people know to arrive early
Google Maps pin
Parking info
Dirt roads / access notes
Ceremony vs reception locations (and how to get between them)
Nearby stays
On-site accommodation (and if it’s limited)
Whether transport is needed
Uber/taxi availability
Public transport options
Cut-off times for bookings
dress code (you can even include colour schemes)
Indoor vs outdoor
Grass? Sand? Heels warning required?
Is there a bar?
When does it open?
Do guests need to pay at any point?
links to your gift registry or online wishing well
ability to collect RSVp’s, dietary requirements and even song requests
some can even help you put together a floor plan and seating plan for both ceremony and reception
and if you want to get real bougie, in some case you can even track your budget and create your runsheet
is there anything you should not put on your wedding website?
if i am your celebrant, then yes! i would highly recommend that you leave out your couple story (I’ll be telling it at your ceremony) and your wedding party introductions (i’ll embarrass them for you). That’s ceremony gold. Save it for the big day.
Your website = logistics
Your ceremony = storytelling
my final take…
couples who have a wedding website are less stressed, more organised and not dealing with answering the same 1000 questions over and over again. send beautiful invites if you want, but have the website regardless.