Is a wedding website really necessary?
Today we’re tackling this planning topic: do you need a wedding website? If you’re newly engaged, you’re probably excited to go ahead and get a wedding website, tell everyone on social media the good news, and maybe even lock down the date right away. (Congrats, by the way!)
In this blog post, you’ll find out everything you ever needed or wanted to know about the wedding website: what is a wedding website used for? Is a wedding website really necessary? What’s the big deal? Is it OK to NOT have a wedding website? Is a wedding website free? You’ll also learn the pros vs. cons to get the discussion started. Let’s get started!
Do you really need a wedding website?
First things first, what is a wedding website?
A wedding website is an online portal where guests can access details about your wedding. This website has a unique URL that is custom for you, making it easy to add the website address to your save the dates and RSVP cards (especially with a QR code).
A wedding website includes the following:
– your names
– the date of your wedding
– the location of your wedding
– time and date of ceremony and reception
– map
Some wedding websites may also include…
– a photo gallery
– a list of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, how they are related or known to the couple, and photos
– additional information on wedding-related events (i.e. engagement party or bridal shower)
– a link to your wedding registry
– TRAVEL information (i.e. lodging, restaurants, rental cars, etc.) — this one’s a big deal for out-of-town guests and a must for destination weddings
Without any website-building knowledge, one company like Minted makes it completely free to build a wedding website. Yep, it’s completely free. You can upgrade for more features, but for most couples, the free version of the website is all they need.
It’s so easy to make. (Check out a sample wedding website here.)
With Instagram and Tweets and Apps flying at your face all day, every day, it’s no wonder wedding websites are increasingly popular. Sure, you still need to send save the dates and invitations, but a wedding website serves its own unique purpose, too. Here are some pros on having a wedding website.
PROS OF HAVING A WEDDING WEBSITE
Here’s why you might need a wedding website for your big day.
1. People lose stuff.
I have dozens of papers crammed into my desk drawer, old receipts flying out of my wallet, and an unkempt file cabinet that hasn’t been updated (read: cleaned) in wayyyy too long. Papers, in today’s increasing paperless society get lost. They just do. Life happens.
People lose stuff — yes, even your beloved wedding invitation and its enclosures — so a wedding website like this makes it easy for guests to access the wedding reception ceremony, location, date, and time quickly.
Your wedding website is compatible on Smartphones and you can even get invitations to match (or a website to match your invites!)
2. People need immediate details.
Everyone wants to know up-to-the-minute details as they happen. Since most people are within an arm’s reach of a mobile phone at any given time, it makes sense to have a wedding website they can access for updates to the itinerary, places to check out locally, accommodations, lodging, and even your gift registry when they’re out shopping.
You might need a wedding website even just to provide easy navigation to your wedding ceremony and venue locations. Guests can tap the screen and, ta-da: Google Maps will show them turn-by-turn directions.
3. People crave details. And photos.
Some of your family and friends may want to know ALL the details about your big day. You may need a wedding website so guests can even find out questions they’re dying to ask: how did you get engaged? Where? When?
People love to see photos, perhaps of you and your soon-to-be spouse, fun snapshots of your wedding party, and maybe even some glimpses of the wedding ceremony or reception venue.
They may also be wondering things such as… is there a wedding shower? Is the reception on a beach? What is the dress code: black tie, cocktail, or semi-formal? Who is the Maid of Honor? A wedding website is necessary to answer these questions.
4. Make use of your engagement photos.
You might need a wedding website if you’d like to finally put your engagement photos to good use! You spent good money on those engagement photos, and honestly, how many other places can you use them? And you can only upload pics to your social fees so many times, am I right?! ;)
In conclusion, you might need a wedding website if these pros are all things that you find helpful to you. A wedding website is fun you to fill out, can utilize those gorgeous engagement photos, and are enjoyable for guests (and informative) to read. Win-win-win.
Ok, now that you know the pros of them, let’s talk cons of wedding websites.
CONS OF HAVING A WEDDING WEBSITE
You might not need a wedding website if these things bug you.
1. Some wedding websites can add to your wedding costs.
Hey, weddings are expensive! Totally hear you. Some wedding websites cost money (or require upgrades for better features), so adding yet another cost to your list can be total deal breakers for some couples.
P.S. The good news? If you need a wedding website, you really don’t need any “extras” — a basic (yet beautifully-designed) FREE wedding website is really all you need. So don’t let cost get you down. I think a lot of those “premium” wedding websites aren’t really worth the extra cost. I say, if it’s free and looks great (and serves the needs you have), go for it!
And the upgrade is only $15… you probably spend that much on coffee!
2. “But I’m already paying for invitations!”
This is another good point. Why should you have to buy wedding invitations with all the details, and also have a wedding website with the very same details just because some people can’t stay organized?
This is one reason why couples say no to a wedding website; they figure, I already did the invite thing, guests can figure it out. Fair enough.
3. “I don’t know how to make one.”
If you don’t know how to make one, or you don’t have time to make one, I can understand the hesitation. As many times as I can tell you how easy it is, you may not simply have the time to desire to learn how to do it, and that’s OK.
But here’s some good news: you can actually have Minted make the website for you. Yep, they’ll do it all for you for a small fee.
And that’s it for cons. I tried, you guys, but I am confident that wedding websites (free ones, at least) are more helpful than anything!
Is it OK to not have a wedding website?
In the grand scheme of things, you don’t have to get a wedding website if you really hate the idea (hey, weddings are supposed to be fun, not stressful).
What will happen if you do not have a wedding website? Is it ok to skip it? Of course! It’s not for everyone.
If the idea of one isn’t your cup of tea, no prob. Your wedding will go on as planned and it won’t be ruined or anything. ;)
Some people do, and some people don’t. I didn’t get married that long ago but wedding websites were only just becoming a thing at the time. I didn’t make one. But if we were getting married this year, I would definitely get a wedding website. I love having the information readily available for guests and I believe it’s a useful tool to have.
So, in conclusion, if you think a wedding website will help you and your guests, then you might need a wedding website. Get one here for FREE.
Discuss: Do you need a wedding website, or are you passing on one?
And there you have it! What do you think about wedding websites? Do you need a wedding website, or will you skip it? Tell me in the comment box below!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
This is a sponsored post.
