Your wedding website is live. You’ve diligently filled in the “Our Story” section, listed the venue address, and set up your online RSVP. You’ve covered the fundamentals, and you’re wondering, “Is that enough?” While the core pages are essential, it’s the additional, thoughtful sections that transform a standard informational site into an indispensable guide and a heartfelt welcome for your guests. These pages anticipate questions, ease anxieties, and make everyone feel truly considered, ultimately allowing them to be more present and enjoy your celebration.
Going beyond the basics is what separates a good wedding website from a great one. If you want to create a seamless experience for your guests and save yourself from a flood of last-minute texts, these are the must-have wedding website pages you need to add right now.
1. The “Things to Do” Page: For Your Out-of-Town Guests
While you might have listed hotel blocks, your guests—especially those from out of town—will appreciate a curated guide to your city. This page shows you’ve thought about their entire trip, not just the wedding day.
- What to Include:
- Local Gems: Share your favorite coffee shop, a fantastic breakfast spot for the morning after, or a great hiking trail with a view. This personal touch is far more valuable than a generic list.
- Family-Friendly Activities: If guests are bringing children, suggest a nearby park, museum, or zoo to keep them entertained.
- Rainy Day Plan: Recommend a museum, art gallery, or indie movie theater in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
- Your “Date Night” Pick: Suggest the restaurant where you had your first date or your favorite place for a romantic dinner. It adds a personal story and gives couples a great idea for their stay.
This page isn’t just helpful; it’s an invitation to explore what you love about your city or wedding location.
2. The “Q&A” or FAQ Page: Your Personal Secretary
This is arguably the most important page for saving your sanity. An FAQ page proactively answers all the small but common questions that would otherwise land in your inbox.
- What to Include:
- The Kids Question: Clearly state, “While we adore your little ones, our wedding will be an adults-only occasion to allow all guests to relax and celebrate.” Or, happily welcome them and note if there will be a designated kids’ area.
- Plus-One Etiquette: Address this delicately. “Due to limited space, we are only able to accommodate those guests formally named on the invitation.”
- Dress Code Clarification: Go beyond “cocktail attire.” Explain what it means. “Cocktail attire: Summer dresses, suits, and no need for a black tie! Ladies, note that the ceremony is on grass, so wedges or block heels are recommended.”
- Parking and Transportation: “Valet parking will be provided at the venue,” or “We highly recommend using ride-share services as parking is limited.”
- COVID-19 Contingencies: A brief, reassuring note about any health precautions shows you’re being thoughtful. “The ceremony will be held outdoors, and hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the venue.”
3. The “Weekend Timeline” Page: A Guide to the Events
A simple schedule with just the ceremony and reception times is no longer enough. Many weddings now involve multiple events over a full weekend. A detailed timeline helps guests plan their time, know what to expect, and ensure they don’t miss a moment.
- What to Include:
- Friday: Welcome drinks location, time, and dress code (e.g., “Casual welcome gathering at the Firefly Bar & Grill from 7-9 pm”).
- Saturday (Wedding Day): A detailed, hour-by-hour breakdown is incredibly helpful.
- 4:00 PM: Ceremony begins (please be seated by 3:45 PM)
- 4:30 PM: Cocktail hour on the terrace
- 5:30 PM: Reception begins in the main hall
- *9:00 PM: Sparkler send-off*
- Sunday: Details for a post-wedding brunch, if you’re hosting one. “Join us for a casual farewell brunch at the Hotel Grand ballroom from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.”
4. The “Wedding Party” Page: Celebrate Your VIPs
This page is more than just a list of names. It’s a chance to honor the most important people in your life and share a fun anecdote about each one. It helps your guests feel more connected to the people standing by your side.
- What to Include:
- A great photo of each person (or a photo of you with them).
- Their name and their role (Maid of Honor, Best Man, etc.).
- A short, sweet blurb about your relationship. “This is Sarah, my college roommate and the person who knew I was in love with Alex before I did. She’s my forever plus-one.”
5. The “Registry” Page: With a Note on Etiquette
While a registry page is standard, its presentation matters. Frame it gracefully to avoid appearing gift-grabby.
- What to Include:
- A gentle introduction. “The greatest gift we could ask for is your presence at our wedding. For those who have asked, we’ve registered a few items at the following places…”
- Direct links to your registries (Zola, Amazon, Crate & Barrel, etc.).
- A mention of alternative options, like a honeymoon fund or contributions to a charity that is meaningful to you. “For those who prefer, we’ve also set up a fund to help us celebrate our honeymoon in Italy.”
By crafting these thoughtful pages, you do more than just provide information; you build anticipation, express gratitude, and extend the warmth of your hospitality long before your guests arrive. Your website becomes the first glimpse into your celebration—a celebration that is organized, personal, and deeply considerate of everyone involved. Take the time to add these essential layers to your site; your guests (and your future self) will thank you for it.
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