If you are a soon-to-be bride, or a family member helping plan the wedding, a wedding website is a valuable tool. While it’s not mandatory, this helpful online portal assists both the happy couple and their guests with everything from tracking RSVPs to sharing travel and scheduling specifics while also covering dress code details, linking to the registry, and what they can expect once they arrive. Brides.com recently featured a handful of their favorite wedding planning tools—many are free to use, though you may want to purchase a custom domain to make navigating a breeze. Remember, no wedding website is the same, and you can tailor yours to your preferences, likes and dislikes.
Why is a wedding website important?
Your site is a one-stop shop where you guests can find the answer to more questions than they knew they needed to ask. For example, when there is a start time on the invitation, guests still want to be clear about how early—or how late—they can arrive before the doors close for the bride to walk down the aisle. By the way, the standard arrival time is 15 minutes ahead of time, seated in your chair (factor in getting there early enough to park). Destination weddings introduce another layer of preparation and excitement and even more questions.
What is Texas Black Tie?
While the invitation will also have all the details, a friendly reminder of what to expect is always helpful. Some people may be confused about what the dress code means, especially if it’s a catchy code such as “Backyard Breezy” or “Texas Black Tie,” so you may wish to provide suggestions or examples online to guide your guests. It’s always best to be very specific with your dress code to keep confusion to a minimum. By the way, Texas Black Tie is a Tuxedo – with or without your favorite western boots. Or, a tux and bolero or some artistic cummerbund. In other words, it gives you some creative leeway.
Outside or Inside?
Whether you are a guest coming from out of town or across the street, knowing if you will be sitting inside or out is always helpful. Guests appreciate guidance when it comes to choosing the right heel or whether they should discreetly douse themselves with a non-fragrant bug repellant. If the wedding will take place in cooler months, include whether or not they need to bring a heavy coat or shawl to the ceremony and if you will be providing heaters.
Valet or Self Park?
Unless you are taking an uber, parking information and what to expect upon arrival is of great importance. How long will your guests have to walk to the venue? Will a shuttle be provided to drive them up and down the hill? If the wedding is in the city, downtown, give them very specific options when they must pay to park or find their own parking garage. If you are offering valet parking, share that you will be covering the cost of the valet, so there are no unnecessary awkward moments.
Dietary Restrictions?
The bride and groom may want to include a query on the RSVP to ask for any allergies or dietary restrictions. The wedding website can include specific menu items on the FAQ page on how to inform the couple of their dietary limitations. Leave a number on the website, or a way to let the guest know how to reach out with their questions or concerns. Usually, a family member or wedding planner will monitor the page for all pertinent information to ensure the ceremony and reception goes smoothly.
Open Bar?
The ultimate offense is offering drinks – at a price – and then making your guests pay without warning. Not everyone carries a large amount of cash, so be upfront if you do not plan to have an open bar or serve a specific cocktail.
Is There More?
Yes. The previous bullets are only the tip of the wedding website iceberg. Social media, picture taking, plus ones and gifts will all be spelled out on the wedding website. There is no “one size fits all” rule, so make sure and send your guests the link with all of your specific details. A prepared guest is a happy guest, and they will remember your wedding fondly because you made everything so easy for them to figure out.
For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.
You may also like Wedding Season Etiquette for the Happy Couple and Their Guests. See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.
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