Creating the Perfect Destination Wedding Website: Essential Elements to Include by Barefoot Bride Megan T.

Mar 7

Planning a destination wedding is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the best tools you can use to streamline the process and keep your guests informed is a well-designed destination wedding website. This digital hub not only helps you share important information but also adds a personal touch to your celebration. Here’s a guide to the essential elements you should include in your destination wedding website to ensure it’s both informative and engaging.

1. Welcome Message

Start your website with a warm welcome message that sets the tone for your wedding. Share your excitement about the event and thank your guests for making the journey. This personal touch will help your guests feel connected to your celebration from the start.

Here are a few examples:

"Welcome to our wedding website! We are overjoyed to share this special moment with you in [Destination]. As we prepare to say ‘I do’ in this beautiful location, we are thrilled to have you join us for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration. Please explore the site for all the details you need about the events, travel, and local attractions. We can’t wait to celebrate with you in [Destination]!"

"Hello Friends and Family! We are so excited to welcome you to our wedding website. Our journey has led us to [Destination], and we are beyond grateful to have you be a part of this amazing adventure. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about our wedding and how to make the most of your time in [Destination]. Thank you for sharing in our joy and making the trip to celebrate with us. We can’t wait to create wonderful memories together!"

"Welcome to our wedding website! We’re excited to share all the details of our destination wedding in [Destination]. Here you’ll find information about the schedule, travel arrangements, and local attractions. We appreciate you making the journey to celebrate with us and can’t wait to see you soon!"

Or make it a little more personal by including reasons why you chose this resort, history about you both as a couple or even some details about the resort/why you chose it! Here is what my welcome message is on my wedding website.

2. Event Details

It is SUPER important to clearly outline the details of your wedding events. Creating an itinerary and posting it on your wedding website will help guests understand where they need to be and when, and what to pack! Don’t forget to include any group activities you have planned outside of the main wedding events (catamaran trips, fishing trips, spa days, golf days, etc) Make sure to include:

Date and Time: Provide the schedule for the ceremony, reception, and any other events, such as welcome parties or post-wedding brunches.
Locations: Offer precise addresses/locations for each event. Including where guests may need to meet ahead of each event. Ex: My guests need to meet at the lobby prior to our wedding since they will be arriving to the location via shuttle.
Dress Code: Let your guests know about any dress code or theme requirements.

Here is an example of my itinerary on my wedding website!

3. Travel Information

Since your wedding is a destination event, provide comprehensive travel information. This is where I found providing more than less is key. Make sure to include:

Accommodation Options: List hotels, resorts, room options or rental properties nearby, and include booking links or discount codes if available. If guests are required to book through your travel agent, make sure to include that.
Transportation: Share details about airport options, local transportation (e.g., car rentals, shuttles), and any arrangements you’ve made for guest transfers.
Visa and Travel Requirements: If your wedding is in a different country, provide information on visa requirements and any other travel essentials, like passports.
If you need your guests to book their accommodation by a certain date, make sure that it is bold and easy to see.

4. RSVP Section

An online RSVP feature is a must. Make it easy for guests to confirm their attendance and provide additional details, such as dietary restrictions or song requests. Include a deadline to ensure you receive responses in a timely manner.

Many wedding websites already have this feature built into their website. Do your research on what website you want to use based on what you need from it.

5. Local Attractions/Things To Do

Help your guests make the most of their trip by highlighting local attractions and activities. Provide recommendations for:

Restaurants and Cafes: Suggest popular dining spots and hidden gems.
Sightseeing: Include must-see landmarks, natural attractions, or cultural sites.
Shopping: Mention interesting markets or shopping districts.

6. Registry Information

If you have a wedding registry, include a section where guests can find links to your preferred registries. You can also provide information on gift preferences or suggest contributions to a honeymoon fund.

7. FAQs

Anticipate common questions your guests might have and address them in an FAQ section. Common topics include:

Weather and Climate: Provide average temperatures and weather conditions for the time of year.
Local Customs and Etiquette: Share tips on local customs that might be helpful for your guests.
Emergency Contacts: List local emergency numbers and important contacts.
Dress Codes: If your restaurants and wedding events have specific dress codes, make sure to include them here.

8. Contact Information

Include a section where guests can reach out with any questions or concerns. Provide contact details for both the bride and groom or the travel agency, and make sure someone is available to assist with any issues.

9. Personal Touches

Finally, make your website uniquely yours by including personal touches. Whether it’s a custom design that reflects your wedding theme or a heartfelt video message, these elements will make your site stand out and enhance your guests’ experience.

I loved using all my engagement photos on my wedding website. I planned for my photos to be “tropical themed” so that they would match the vibe of my site.

By including these essential elements in your destination wedding website, you’ll ensure that your guests have all the information they need to make the most of your special celebration. A well-crafted website not only helps with logistics but also builds excitement and makes your wedding journey even more memorable for everyone involved.