And by putting in the time up front, you\u2019ll save time down the road. Once you map out all the important details for guests on your wedding website, you\u2019re less likely to receive last-minute questions about what to expect, where to stay or what to wear. Many wedding website builders like Joy also allow you to manage RSVPs. With all these efficiencies, that means you have more time to enjoy your pre-wedding excitement and other parts of the planning process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To leave a lasting impression on your guests and get them that much more excited for the big day, here\u2019s everything you need to know to build the perfect wedding website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your Wedding Website Should Inform and Delight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to creating your wedding website, you need to strike the perfect blend of information and inspiration. As you start to sketch out what you want to share, it may help to organize the information into two categories: inform and delight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- You\u2019ll need to inform.<\/strong> Give guests all the facts they need to know in preparation for the big day. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- And you\u2019ll want to delight.<\/strong> Tap into your storytelling abilities with photographs and thoughtful content to deliver an extra special experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
From selecting your dream design and outlining the right information to choosing the perfect content and storytelling features, the 19 tips below will help you nail this part of the wedding planning process. Here\u2019s how to impress your guests with a digital hub that\u2019s as useful as it is captivating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Basics:<\/strong> <\/b>Ways to Inform<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/website-2-863x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n1. Add your names, a photo and the wedding logistics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This tip is barebones and obvious, but it\u2019s important. When building your wedding website, include the who, what, where, when and why \u2014 ideally on the main page. Who\u2019s the focus? What\u2019s it about? Why are visitors coming here? At the end of the day, keep your guests at the forefront, approaching any information you include from their point-of-view. This way, you won\u2019t risk overwhelming or under-informing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Include a page briefly detailing the timeline of events <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Everyone wants to feel in the know when it comes to your big day. Help out your wedding guests \u2014 and ensure they won\u2019t be late! \u2014 by providing them with exact times and locations for key moments, starting with your ceremony. Include other nuptial events including your cocktail hour, reception and after-party, as well as any travel and parking details if those celebrations will be held in different locations. This will put everyone at ease and eliminate any last-minute worrying or questions that you probably won\u2019t want to answer the day-of. Joy also has a mobile app<\/a> that guests can download before your big day, which will give them easy access to their personalized schedule of events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Schedule event privacy with Joy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most couples tend to have family-only or wedding party-only events prior to the ceremony, but you don\u2019t want to list those events publicly and risk offending guests (gasp) if they inquire about them and they\u2019re not supposed to be included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The days of having to figure out which events to leave off your site and which to discuss separately with your \u201cexclusive\u201d guests are over. With Joy\u2019s website builder, you can create custom schedules, allowing loved ones to enter their names and see additional festivities that may have a more exclusive guest list, such as your rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch. This means you can list all of your events, control who can see what, and rest assured that no one feels left out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Create a FAQ page to nip common questions in the bud<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre kids welcome?\u201d You\u2019ll likely hear this more than once in the days and weeks leading up to your nuptials. One of the most efficient ways to address all your guests\u2019 burning questions is with an FAQ page on your wedding website. It will not only be helpful for guests (especially anyone who might need special accommodations), but will bring peace of mind to you and your partner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the most common questions you may want to include are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- \u201cWhere do I park?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cCan I bring a plus-one?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cIs the ceremony and reception venue wheelchair-accessible?\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cWhat should I wear?\u201d <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Set up a travel directions and accommodations page<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can either include travel questions on your FAQ list or create a separate page devoted to this theme. Keep in mind that when a page is created for a component of your wedding, it\u2019s ultimately a cue to guests that it\u2019s important. While there\u2019s no \u201cright\u201d and \u201cwrong\u201d method, we recommend creating a travel page because its importance becomes heightened, and the risk is low that it will get buried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After all, travel \u2014 especially for destination weddings or out-of-town guests \u2014 is one of the primary concerns; you want to make it as easy as possible for your loved ones to locate these details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And with Joy\u2019s Booking Assistant (built conveniently into the platform), you can even help guests book and find the best deals on nearby hotels<\/a>, establishing your travel page as a one-stop shop for directions, accommodations and booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Encourage guests to RSVP online but don\u2019t make it the only option<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With Joy\u2019s sophisticated and intuitive RSVP system, it\u2019s easy for guests to click yay or nay \u2014 and for you to collect your RSVPs in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If online RSVP is your preference, make it clear across the board. That means if you mail out paper invitations, emphasize that you want guests to reserve their spot with an online RSVP, and then link directly to the page where they can do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the end of the day, think about what would make their lives easier. For instance, while the traditional method of mailing paper invitations \u2014 including a response card and a pre-addressed and stamped envelope \u2014 to collect RSVPs might seem more official, relying solely on that strategy may not be in your guests\u2019 best interest, or do your sanity any favors. After all, mail can get lost in the shuffle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a wedding website through Joy, you can easily set up an online RSVP page and, if you wish, also mail out paper invites that match your theme. Whatever route you take, ensure that you\u2019re absolutely clear about your preferences on the paper invitation and website \u2014 and any other formats you\u2019re considering. Your clarity will go a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Customize your RSVP questions and tailor them to each guest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gathering information about individual guests\u2019 needs and preferences in preparation for the wedding is a vital part of planning. Basic questions could range from the names of their plus-ones to meal choice and dietary restrictions, along with extras such as song requests and if they\u2019ll need to book accommodations through your room block. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joy offers the ability to customize your RSVP questions<\/a> and tailor them to each attendee based on the events they\u2019re invited to, not just the ceremony and reception. With one RSVP page, you\u2019ll be able to discreetly gather all the necessary information you need for the rehearsal dinner and other weekend festivities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n8. Create a wedding email account for lingering questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unless you\u2019re having a small wedding, or you\u2019re fine with family and friends regularly texting and calling you about miscellaneous curiosities and inquiries, it\u2019s not a bad idea to create a joint email account to address any lingering questions or concerns. It\u2019s also a way to provide guests \u2014 of various generations, ages, needs and preferences \u2014 another way to communicate with you. Then, add this email address somewhere on your website, but make it crystal clear if it\u2019s your preferred contact method or just an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Use a password to protect your site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A wedding website will include personal information about you and where you will be at a certain date and time, so we recommend protecting your site with a password or code and only sharing it with invited guests to minimize the possibility of unwanted wedding crashers or something more nefarious. Better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Set up your site early to include the URL on paper invitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your aim is to encourage guests to refer to your website for all pertinent information, so it\u2019s best to build it on the earlier end \u2014 but only once you\u2019ve settled on a wedding theme, as this will bring more cohesion and intentionality to your wedding experience. Then, you can simply add the URL on paper invitations and include the passcode. Voila!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Basics:<\/strong> <\/b>Ways to Delight<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Three](\"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/website-3-1024x640.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11. Include a page about your wedding party<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Detailing information about your wedding party \u2014 such as photos, names and your relationship to them \u2014 is a nice touch, especially for guests who may not be familiar with who they are. It\u2019s also a courteous gesture to honor and recognize your closest loved ones who will be standing with you on the big day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
12. Keep a cohesive wedding theme across all platforms <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve decided on your wedding theme and venue, create a cohesive experience for guests by merging the physical and digital components. Since your website is the virtual face of your big day, use it to give guests a preview of your wedding vibe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s say, for instance, you\u2019ve chosen a modern yet elegant black tie modern theme for your wedding invitation suite with a minimalist typeset and a monochromatic color scheme. For your website, you\u2019ll want to choose a corresponding design theme<\/a>. Matching or similar fonts and a black-and-white palette will set the tone for your event, and can be carried through to your wedding signage and other design elements on your big day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n13. Use professional photography to amplify this moment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hire a photographer to snap a few engagement photos of you and your partner for the cover photo of your site, and intersperse them across different pages. The sharpness and crispness of professional images will add a layer of significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to include a gallery of photos chronicling your experiences together, be sure not to include too many (as in hundreds) because it can come across as overwhelming. Choose some standout moments and maybe some silly ones if they symbolize you as a couple. At the end of the day, you want to leave a little bit of mystery, as less is usually more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
14. Add a registry page, but don\u2019t emphasize it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to adding a registry to your wedding website, you have to balance a tightrope between accessibility and delicacy. This means making it easy for guests to locate your registry but also deemphasizing it. After all, their presence at your wedding \u2014 one of the most important days of your life \u2014 is a gift in itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can simply add a page titled \u201cRegistry,\u201d add it to your navigation bar or link to it from your home page, and let it live there without actively promoting its existence. For an added layer of class, include a brief message on the page expressing your thanks. The point is, be humble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Extras:<\/strong> <\/b>Ways to Inform<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/website-4-1024x640.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n15. Set social media and photography guidelines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you want your guests to be unplugged at any point \u2014 for instance, during the ceremony \u2014 make those expectations clear. You can either add a social media or photo guidelines page emphasizing a no-phone policy during specific events or simply add social media- and photo-related questions to your FAQ page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s ultimately a question of what your expectations are and how seriously you want to enforce them. Also keep in mind that your guests are excited for you and want to celebrate your love, so however you approach these guidelines, do so delicately and politely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
16. Recommend local activities to prolong your guest experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether they\u2019re traveling from out of the country, out of town or just a short drive away, your guests will appreciate any local activities you can suggest. If you picked your wedding location because it\u2019s significant in some way to your relationship \u2014 for instance, you had your first date or kiss there \u2014 chances are there are surrounding spots that are also significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If this applies to you, share those sweet details as you recommend things to do and see. But if the location is new to you, too, it\u2019s nothing a little bit of research can\u2019t fix. Consider the date of your wedding as well, as there might be interesting festivals or events preceding or following the wedding. Trust us, your guests will welcome the insider knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Extras:<\/strong> <\/b>Ways to Delight<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/website-5-1024x640.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Extras: <\/strong>Ways to Delight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n17. Upload video to showcase your journey and future together<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
From selecting your dream design and outlining the right information to choosing the perfect content and storytelling features, the 19 tips below will help you nail this part of the wedding planning process. Here\u2019s how to impress your guests with a digital hub that\u2019s as useful as it is captivating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Basics:<\/strong> <\/b>Ways to Inform<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n1. Add your names, a photo and the wedding logistics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This tip is barebones and obvious, but it\u2019s important. When building your wedding website, include the who, what, where, when and why \u2014 ideally on the main page. Who\u2019s the focus? What\u2019s it about? Why are visitors coming here? At the end of the day, keep your guests at the forefront, approaching any information you include from their point-of-view. This way, you won\u2019t risk overwhelming or under-informing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Include a page briefly detailing the timeline of events <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Everyone wants to feel in the know when it comes to your big day. Help out your wedding guests \u2014 and ensure they won\u2019t be late! \u2014 by providing them with exact times and locations for key moments, starting with your ceremony. Include other nuptial events including your cocktail hour, reception and after-party, as well as any travel and parking details if those celebrations will be held in different locations. This will put everyone at ease and eliminate any last-minute worrying or questions that you probably won\u2019t want to answer the day-of. Joy also has a mobile app<\/a> that guests can download before your big day, which will give them easy access to their personalized schedule of events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Schedule event privacy with Joy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most couples tend to have family-only or wedding party-only events prior to the ceremony, but you don\u2019t want to list those events publicly and risk offending guests (gasp) if they inquire about them and they\u2019re not supposed to be included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The days of having to figure out which events to leave off your site and which to discuss separately with your \u201cexclusive\u201d guests are over. With Joy\u2019s website builder, you can create custom schedules, allowing loved ones to enter their names and see additional festivities that may have a more exclusive guest list, such as your rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch. This means you can list all of your events, control who can see what, and rest assured that no one feels left out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Create a FAQ page to nip common questions in the bud<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre kids welcome?\u201d You\u2019ll likely hear this more than once in the days and weeks leading up to your nuptials. One of the most efficient ways to address all your guests\u2019 burning questions is with an FAQ page on your wedding website. It will not only be helpful for guests (especially anyone who might need special accommodations), but will bring peace of mind to you and your partner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the most common questions you may want to include are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- \u201cWhere do I park?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cCan I bring a plus-one?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cIs the ceremony and reception venue wheelchair-accessible?\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cWhat should I wear?\u201d <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Set up a travel directions and accommodations page<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can either include travel questions on your FAQ list or create a separate page devoted to this theme. Keep in mind that when a page is created for a component of your wedding, it\u2019s ultimately a cue to guests that it\u2019s important. While there\u2019s no \u201cright\u201d and \u201cwrong\u201d method, we recommend creating a travel page because its importance becomes heightened, and the risk is low that it will get buried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After all, travel \u2014 especially for destination weddings or out-of-town guests \u2014 is one of the primary concerns; you want to make it as easy as possible for your loved ones to locate these details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And with Joy\u2019s Booking Assistant (built conveniently into the platform), you can even help guests book and find the best deals on nearby hotels<\/a>, establishing your travel page as a one-stop shop for directions, accommodations and booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Encourage guests to RSVP online but don\u2019t make it the only option<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With Joy\u2019s sophisticated and intuitive RSVP system, it\u2019s easy for guests to click yay or nay \u2014 and for you to collect your RSVPs in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If online RSVP is your preference, make it clear across the board. That means if you mail out paper invitations, emphasize that you want guests to reserve their spot with an online RSVP, and then link directly to the page where they can do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the end of the day, think about what would make their lives easier. For instance, while the traditional method of mailing paper invitations \u2014 including a response card and a pre-addressed and stamped envelope \u2014 to collect RSVPs might seem more official, relying solely on that strategy may not be in your guests\u2019 best interest, or do your sanity any favors. After all, mail can get lost in the shuffle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a wedding website through Joy, you can easily set up an online RSVP page and, if you wish, also mail out paper invites that match your theme. Whatever route you take, ensure that you\u2019re absolutely clear about your preferences on the paper invitation and website \u2014 and any other formats you\u2019re considering. Your clarity will go a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Customize your RSVP questions and tailor them to each guest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gathering information about individual guests\u2019 needs and preferences in preparation for the wedding is a vital part of planning. Basic questions could range from the names of their plus-ones to meal choice and dietary restrictions, along with extras such as song requests and if they\u2019ll need to book accommodations through your room block. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joy offers the ability to customize your RSVP questions<\/a> and tailor them to each attendee based on the events they\u2019re invited to, not just the ceremony and reception. With one RSVP page, you\u2019ll be able to discreetly gather all the necessary information you need for the rehearsal dinner and other weekend festivities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n8. Create a wedding email account for lingering questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unless you\u2019re having a small wedding, or you\u2019re fine with family and friends regularly texting and calling you about miscellaneous curiosities and inquiries, it\u2019s not a bad idea to create a joint email account to address any lingering questions or concerns. It\u2019s also a way to provide guests \u2014 of various generations, ages, needs and preferences \u2014 another way to communicate with you. Then, add this email address somewhere on your website, but make it crystal clear if it\u2019s your preferred contact method or just an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Use a password to protect your site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A wedding website will include personal information about you and where you will be at a certain date and time, so we recommend protecting your site with a password or code and only sharing it with invited guests to minimize the possibility of unwanted wedding crashers or something more nefarious. Better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Set up your site early to include the URL on paper invitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your aim is to encourage guests to refer to your website for all pertinent information, so it\u2019s best to build it on the earlier end \u2014 but only once you\u2019ve settled on a wedding theme, as this will bring more cohesion and intentionality to your wedding experience. Then, you can simply add the URL on paper invitations and include the passcode. Voila!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Basics:<\/strong> <\/b>Ways to Delight<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11. Include a page about your wedding party<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Detailing information about your wedding party \u2014 such as photos, names and your relationship to them \u2014 is a nice touch, especially for guests who may not be familiar with who they are. It\u2019s also a courteous gesture to honor and recognize your closest loved ones who will be standing with you on the big day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
12. Keep a cohesive wedding theme across all platforms <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve decided on your wedding theme and venue, create a cohesive experience for guests by merging the physical and digital components. Since your website is the virtual face of your big day, use it to give guests a preview of your wedding vibe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s say, for instance, you\u2019ve chosen a modern yet elegant black tie modern theme for your wedding invitation suite with a minimalist typeset and a monochromatic color scheme. For your website, you\u2019ll want to choose a corresponding design theme<\/a>. Matching or similar fonts and a black-and-white palette will set the tone for your event, and can be carried through to your wedding signage and other design elements on your big day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n13. Use professional photography to amplify this moment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hire a photographer to snap a few engagement photos of you and your partner for the cover photo of your site, and intersperse them across different pages. The sharpness and crispness of professional images will add a layer of significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to include a gallery of photos chronicling your experiences together, be sure not to include too many (as in hundreds) because it can come across as overwhelming. Choose some standout moments and maybe some silly ones if they symbolize you as a couple. At the end of the day, you want to leave a little bit of mystery, as less is usually more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
14. Add a registry page, but don\u2019t emphasize it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to adding a registry to your wedding website, you have to balance a tightrope between accessibility and delicacy. This means making it easy for guests to locate your registry but also deemphasizing it. After all, their presence at your wedding \u2014 one of the most important days of your life \u2014 is a gift in itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can simply add a page titled \u201cRegistry,\u201d add it to your navigation bar or link to it from your home page, and let it live there without actively promoting its existence. For an added layer of class, include a brief message on the page expressing your thanks. The point is, be humble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Extras:<\/strong> <\/b>Ways to Inform<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n15. Set social media and photography guidelines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you want your guests to be unplugged at any point \u2014 for instance, during the ceremony \u2014 make those expectations clear. You can either add a social media or photo guidelines page emphasizing a no-phone policy during specific events or simply add social media- and photo-related questions to your FAQ page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s ultimately a question of what your expectations are and how seriously you want to enforce them. Also keep in mind that your guests are excited for you and want to celebrate your love, so however you approach these guidelines, do so delicately and politely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
16. Recommend local activities to prolong your guest experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether they\u2019re traveling from out of the country, out of town or just a short drive away, your guests will appreciate any local activities you can suggest. If you picked your wedding location because it\u2019s significant in some way to your relationship \u2014 for instance, you had your first date or kiss there \u2014 chances are there are surrounding spots that are also significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If this applies to you, share those sweet details as you recommend things to do and see. But if the location is new to you, too, it\u2019s nothing a little bit of research can\u2019t fix. Consider the date of your wedding as well, as there might be interesting festivals or events preceding or following the wedding. Trust us, your guests will welcome the insider knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Extras:<\/strong> <\/b>Ways to Delight<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Extras: <\/strong>Ways to Delight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n17. Upload video to showcase your journey and future together<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n1. Add your names, a photo and the wedding logistics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This tip is barebones and obvious, but it\u2019s important. When building your wedding website, include the who, what, where, when and why \u2014 ideally on the main page. Who\u2019s the focus? What\u2019s it about? Why are visitors coming here? At the end of the day, keep your guests at the forefront, approaching any information you include from their point-of-view. This way, you won\u2019t risk overwhelming or under-informing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Include a page briefly detailing the timeline of events <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Everyone wants to feel in the know when it comes to your big day. Help out your wedding guests \u2014 and ensure they won\u2019t be late! \u2014 by providing them with exact times and locations for key moments, starting with your ceremony. Include other nuptial events including your cocktail hour, reception and after-party, as well as any travel and parking details if those celebrations will be held in different locations. This will put everyone at ease and eliminate any last-minute worrying or questions that you probably won\u2019t want to answer the day-of. Joy also has a mobile app<\/a> that guests can download before your big day, which will give them easy access to their personalized schedule of events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most couples tend to have family-only or wedding party-only events prior to the ceremony, but you don\u2019t want to list those events publicly and risk offending guests (gasp) if they inquire about them and they\u2019re not supposed to be included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The days of having to figure out which events to leave off your site and which to discuss separately with your \u201cexclusive\u201d guests are over. With Joy\u2019s website builder, you can create custom schedules, allowing loved ones to enter their names and see additional festivities that may have a more exclusive guest list, such as your rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch. This means you can list all of your events, control who can see what, and rest assured that no one feels left out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAre kids welcome?\u201d You\u2019ll likely hear this more than once in the days and weeks leading up to your nuptials. One of the most efficient ways to address all your guests\u2019 burning questions is with an FAQ page on your wedding website. It will not only be helpful for guests (especially anyone who might need special accommodations), but will bring peace of mind to you and your partner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the most common questions you may want to include are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can either include travel questions on your FAQ list or create a separate page devoted to this theme. Keep in mind that when a page is created for a component of your wedding, it\u2019s ultimately a cue to guests that it\u2019s important. While there\u2019s no \u201cright\u201d and \u201cwrong\u201d method, we recommend creating a travel page because its importance becomes heightened, and the risk is low that it will get buried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After all, travel \u2014 especially for destination weddings or out-of-town guests \u2014 is one of the primary concerns; you want to make it as easy as possible for your loved ones to locate these details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And with Joy\u2019s Booking Assistant (built conveniently into the platform), you can even help guests book and find the best deals on nearby hotels<\/a>, establishing your travel page as a one-stop shop for directions, accommodations and booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With Joy\u2019s sophisticated and intuitive RSVP system, it\u2019s easy for guests to click yay or nay \u2014 and for you to collect your RSVPs in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If online RSVP is your preference, make it clear across the board. That means if you mail out paper invitations, emphasize that you want guests to reserve their spot with an online RSVP, and then link directly to the page where they can do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the day, think about what would make their lives easier. For instance, while the traditional method of mailing paper invitations \u2014 including a response card and a pre-addressed and stamped envelope \u2014 to collect RSVPs might seem more official, relying solely on that strategy may not be in your guests\u2019 best interest, or do your sanity any favors. After all, mail can get lost in the shuffle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a wedding website through Joy, you can easily set up an online RSVP page and, if you wish, also mail out paper invites that match your theme. Whatever route you take, ensure that you\u2019re absolutely clear about your preferences on the paper invitation and website \u2014 and any other formats you\u2019re considering. Your clarity will go a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gathering information about individual guests\u2019 needs and preferences in preparation for the wedding is a vital part of planning. Basic questions could range from the names of their plus-ones to meal choice and dietary restrictions, along with extras such as song requests and if they\u2019ll need to book accommodations through your room block. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Joy offers the ability to customize your RSVP questions<\/a> and tailor them to each attendee based on the events they\u2019re invited to, not just the ceremony and reception. With one RSVP page, you\u2019ll be able to discreetly gather all the necessary information you need for the rehearsal dinner and other weekend festivities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you\u2019re having a small wedding, or you\u2019re fine with family and friends regularly texting and calling you about miscellaneous curiosities and inquiries, it\u2019s not a bad idea to create a joint email account to address any lingering questions or concerns. It\u2019s also a way to provide guests \u2014 of various generations, ages, needs and preferences \u2014 another way to communicate with you. Then, add this email address somewhere on your website, but make it crystal clear if it\u2019s your preferred contact method or just an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A wedding website will include personal information about you and where you will be at a certain date and time, so we recommend protecting your site with a password or code and only sharing it with invited guests to minimize the possibility of unwanted wedding crashers or something more nefarious. Better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your aim is to encourage guests to refer to your website for all pertinent information, so it\u2019s best to build it on the earlier end \u2014 but only once you\u2019ve settled on a wedding theme, as this will bring more cohesion and intentionality to your wedding experience. Then, you can simply add the URL on paper invitations and include the passcode. Voila!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Detailing information about your wedding party \u2014 such as photos, names and your relationship to them \u2014 is a nice touch, especially for guests who may not be familiar with who they are. It\u2019s also a courteous gesture to honor and recognize your closest loved ones who will be standing with you on the big day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve decided on your wedding theme and venue, create a cohesive experience for guests by merging the physical and digital components. Since your website is the virtual face of your big day, use it to give guests a preview of your wedding vibe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s say, for instance, you\u2019ve chosen a modern yet elegant black tie modern theme for your wedding invitation suite with a minimalist typeset and a monochromatic color scheme. For your website, you\u2019ll want to choose a corresponding design theme<\/a>. Matching or similar fonts and a black-and-white palette will set the tone for your event, and can be carried through to your wedding signage and other design elements on your big day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hire a photographer to snap a few engagement photos of you and your partner for the cover photo of your site, and intersperse them across different pages. The sharpness and crispness of professional images will add a layer of significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to include a gallery of photos chronicling your experiences together, be sure not to include too many (as in hundreds) because it can come across as overwhelming. Choose some standout moments and maybe some silly ones if they symbolize you as a couple. At the end of the day, you want to leave a little bit of mystery, as less is usually more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to adding a registry to your wedding website, you have to balance a tightrope between accessibility and delicacy. This means making it easy for guests to locate your registry but also deemphasizing it. After all, their presence at your wedding \u2014 one of the most important days of your life \u2014 is a gift in itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can simply add a page titled \u201cRegistry,\u201d add it to your navigation bar or link to it from your home page, and let it live there without actively promoting its existence. For an added layer of class, include a brief message on the page expressing your thanks. The point is, be humble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want your guests to be unplugged at any point \u2014 for instance, during the ceremony \u2014 make those expectations clear. You can either add a social media or photo guidelines page emphasizing a no-phone policy during specific events or simply add social media- and photo-related questions to your FAQ page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s ultimately a question of what your expectations are and how seriously you want to enforce them. Also keep in mind that your guests are excited for you and want to celebrate your love, so however you approach these guidelines, do so delicately and politely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether they\u2019re traveling from out of the country, out of town or just a short drive away, your guests will appreciate any local activities you can suggest. If you picked your wedding location because it\u2019s significant in some way to your relationship \u2014 for instance, you had your first date or kiss there \u2014 chances are there are surrounding spots that are also significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If this applies to you, share those sweet details as you recommend things to do and see. But if the location is new to you, too, it\u2019s nothing a little bit of research can\u2019t fix. Consider the date of your wedding as well, as there might be interesting festivals or events preceding or following the wedding. Trust us, your guests will welcome the insider knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Schedule event privacy with Joy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Create a FAQ page to nip common questions in the bud<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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5. Set up a travel directions and accommodations page<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Encourage guests to RSVP online but don\u2019t make it the only option<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. Customize your RSVP questions and tailor them to each guest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Create a wedding email account for lingering questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Use a password to protect your site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Set up your site early to include the URL on paper invitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Basics:<\/strong> <\/b>Ways to Delight<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11. Include a page about your wedding party<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
12. Keep a cohesive wedding theme across all platforms <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
13. Use professional photography to amplify this moment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
14. Add a registry page, but don\u2019t emphasize it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Extras:<\/strong> <\/b>Ways to Inform<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n15. Set social media and photography guidelines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
16. Recommend local activities to prolong your guest experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Extras:<\/strong> <\/b>Ways to Delight<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Extras: <\/strong>Ways to Delight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
17. Upload video to showcase your journey and future together<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/ww-1024x749.jpg\")
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