Creating the Perfect Wedding Website By Barefoot Couple Benny & Sherry
Planning for any wedding can be overwhelming… let alone a destination wedding! Destination weddings come with a whole lot more logistics for both yourself and your guests, which come with a whole lot more questions. What is the resort like? When’s the ceremony? Am I going? What’s happening?!
The best way to wrangle all the need-to-knows together (and get all your guests TOTALLY STOKED) is to create a one-stop shop for a wedding website! The most compelling reasons to have a website are 1) to serve as a centralized information hub, 2) to manage your RSVPs, and 3) amp up the EXCITEMENT!
I’ll break down website essentials below based on what I had for my own website on WithJoy.
1. Decide on a Platform
No need to build a website from scratch (unless you want to); there are a ton of user-friendly templates that the smart tech folks of the world have already created for you. The three most popular options are The Knot, With Joy, and Zola. These platforms are constantly iterating, so I won’t go too much into their offerings here in fear of dating myself, but be sure to compare and contrast their features when you’re ready. At the very least, all three have the basics down pat and will get the job done; the choice is ultimately personal preference.
Once you get set up, don’t forget to password-protect your site so you don’t have any unwanted visitors. Try to use a super simple password that guests can remember; we used a 4-letter password composed of our initials, and I’ve seen others use the name of their pets.
2. Story & Selfie Wall
This one is a nice-to-have, but it’s an easy way to add a cute and personal touch. You can share how you met, how the proposal went down, what fun facts you have about your relationship such as pet peeves or favorite dates, or why you chose a destination wedding (maybe it was that romantic vacation in Hawaii, or perhaps you just love tacos way too much). Guests would also love to see a photo gallery of your life together! Whatever your story, let your personality shine - let your website be as unique as you.
3. Q&A
This will be one of the first places guests look to get an overview of your events and a sense of the vibe. Here are the questions that I included:
What is included at this “all-inclusive resort”? [builds hype and helps folks understand the all-inclusive format]
How do I book my stay? [provide a summary here, but otherwise refer out to more details on the Travel tab. I discussed RSVP info, noted travel agents/room blocks, and options such as staying off-resort or booking outside the room block]
Can I bring my friends, a date, and/or my kids? [note if your resort is family-friendly vs adults-only]
What will the weather be like?
What should I wear on the wedding day [and other events]?
Can I take photos during the wedding? How can I share my pictures/videos?
What are the bride and groom's travel plans? [people are here to hang out with YOU and they’d love to know where and when they can find you!]
4. Travel
This was by far my longest page. I had three sections:
Booking Your Resort Stay - discuss your travel agent and room block and clearly lay out all deadlines such as RSVP/deposits/room block payments. You should clearly lay out your expectations regarding using the room block as well (e.g. staying off resort or booking outside the room block)
Travel Tips - discuss what airport(s) your guests can fly into, what transportation options they have to get between the airport and resort, provide a suggested packing list if there’s anything special to note, passport requirements, currency exchange
What to Do - Mention how to find the resort’s schedule of activities (do they have a mobile app? A website? Printed sheets in their room upon arrival?). I also added links to various off-resort activities such as cenotes, ruins, nightlife, water sports, and adventure tours.
5. SCHEDULE
If you have multiple events, lay them out here so guests know what to expect! For every event, I included a brief description, the location, logistics, and dress code. For the wedding day, I broke out timing for the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and after-party.
6. RSVP
Wedding website platforms have RSVP features where guests can respond on the site, including their meal choices and plus-one details. This keeps your guest list streamlined and organized; no more chasing down replies or worrying about accidentally double-booking, just point them to the website!
7. Registry
Thank everyone for coming and discuss opportunities for gift giving: a traditional registry, honeymoon fund, cash fund, or pass altogether. Remind them that because this is a destination wedding, they certainly don’t need to bring any physical gifts other than perhaps a card!
Disclaimer that not everyone will read your website as thoroughly as you may like, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but hopefully mine can serve as an inspiration to reduce logistical headaches for both you and your guests. Happy planning!!
