Wedding Website On Invitation: To Include Or Not?

Wedding planning is a tedious task, from deciding the menu to finalising the guest list. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is the invitation. Couples often wonder if it is appropriate to include their wedding website on the invitation. While some consider it tacky, it is becoming increasingly common to include the wedding website URL on the invitation, especially if guests are expected to RSVP online.

RSVP Information

RSVPs are an important part of wedding planning, and there are a few ways to go about collecting them. Traditionally, guests would fill out paper response cards, but nowadays, many couples opt for online RSVPs through their wedding website. This can be a more efficient and cost-effective option, and it allows guests to RSVP immediately upon receiving their invitation. It also makes it easier for the couple to track responses and manage their guest list, especially with the help of online tools.

If you choose to collect RSVPs through your wedding website, it is important to include this information on your invitation. You can simply add the website URL to the bottom of your invitation, along with a short sentence instructing guests to RSVP by a certain date. For example, "Kindly RSVP by [date] at [URL]". Alternatively, you can include a separate enclosure card with your wedding website details, such as a "wedding website card", "wedding enclosure card", or "wedding insert card". This option can help maintain a more formal tone for your wedding and provides a bit more space for additional wording.

In addition to collecting RSVPs, your wedding website can also be used to share other important information with your guests, such as venue directions, accommodation options, dress codes, FAQs, and registry details. By including your wedding website on your invitation, you give your guests easy access to all the details they need to prepare for your big day.

"Please RSVP by [date] at [insert URL]"

"Kindly RSVP by [date] via our wedding website: [insert URL]"

"For more wedding details and to RSVP, visit [insert URL]"

"For more information on accommodation, dress code and RSVPs, please visit our website at [insert URL]"

"For more information about our wedding and for online RSVPs, please visit our website: [insert URL]"

Privacy

There are several ways to ensure privacy when creating a wedding website. Firstly, couples can use a website-building platform that offers password protection, such as The Knot, Zola, or WithJoy. This means that guests will have to enter a password to access the website. Couples can then communicate the password to their guests via their wedding invitations, or by texting or emailing it to them.

Another way to ensure privacy is to use a platform that allows you to hide your website from search engines. For example, The Knot allows couples to toggle their website's visibility so that it doesn't appear in search engine results. Couples can also manually input their guest list, so that only invited guests can RSVP.

Some couples may also wish to avoid sharing their wedding website on social media, as this can lead to confusion about who is invited to the wedding. Instead, it is recommended to share the website link via the wedding invitation, save-the-date cards, or enclosure cards.

Finally, couples can also choose to only include certain information on their wedding website, and keep other details private. For example, while it is common to include registry information, venue directions, and accommodation suggestions on a wedding website, couples may wish to keep other details, such as their budget or guest list, private.

Time Efficiency

Wedding planning can be a tedious and time-consuming process. One way to save time is to include your wedding website on your invitation. This way, you can direct guests to your website for more information, rather than including multiple enclosure cards with your invitation. Here are some tips for including your wedding website on your invitation to save time:

Share Important Details:

Include all the essential details about your wedding on your website, such as venue directions, accommodation options, dress codes, FAQs, and even your "how we met" story. This way, guests can easily access all the information they need in one place.

Online RSVPs:

Encourage guests to RSVP online through your wedding website. This will save you time in managing responses and updating your guest list. It also provides a convenient way for guests to respond, and they will be more likely to respond promptly.

Registry Information:

Instead of sharing registry information through word-of-mouth, include this information on your wedding website. This is now considered standard etiquette, and it makes it easier for guests to find your registry without any confusion.

Save Time and Streamline Communication:

Including your wedding website link on your invitation saves you from having to share the link individually via text message or word-of-mouth. It also ensures that all your guests receive the same information, streamlining the communication process.

Provide Guests with More Time to Prepare:

By including the wedding website on your invitation, guests will have more time to make travel plans, schedule time off work, or arrange childcare. This is especially helpful for guests who need to make arrangements well in advance.

Use a Custom URL or QR Code:

Create a custom URL or QR code that is easy for guests to remember and access. This can be included on your invitation, save-the-date cards, or enclosure cards. A custom URL adds a personal touch, and a QR code provides a quick and convenient way for guests to access your website.

Remember to consider the placement of your wedding website information on your invitation. You can include it at the bottom of your invitation, on a separate enclosure card, or even on the back of your invitation if you prefer a less formal approach.

Guest Preparation

As a guest, receiving a wedding invitation with the couple's wedding website is extremely useful. This means you will have all the information you need in one place, and you won't have to worry about losing any additional enclosure cards.

Travel and Accommodation

The wedding website will likely include details on travel and accommodation. This could include directions to the venue, recommendations for hotels or other accommodation, and information on transport options. This will help you plan your journey and ensure you know how to get to the venue, especially if it is in a remote location or an area you are unfamiliar with.

Dress Code

Details on the dress code for the wedding will also be included on the website. This is important information for guests to know so they can prepare their outfits accordingly and feel comfortable and appropriate for the event.

RSVP

The wedding website will also be where you can RSVP to the wedding. Online RSVPs are becoming increasingly common, and the website will allow you to respond quickly and easily. You may also be able to include any dietary requirements or song requests as part of your RSVP.

Gift Registry

The wedding website will often include a link to the couple's gift registry. This is a convenient way for guests to find out where the couple is registered and what gifts they would like to receive. It is also a more discreet way of sharing this information, rather than including it directly on the invitation.

Additional Information

The wedding website may also include other useful information such as FAQs, details on the wedding party, engagement photos, and any other relevant details about the couple or the wedding day.

By including the wedding website on the invitation, guests will have easy access to all the information they need to prepare for the wedding. This ensures a stress-free experience for both the guests and the couple.

Registry Information

Wedding invitation wording is a delicate balance, and there are differing opinions on what is acceptable. It is generally considered poor etiquette to include your wedding website on your invitation if the link only serves the purpose of broadcasting where guests can buy you gifts. However, if your wedding website contains other important information for guests, such as venue directions, hotel recommendations, and dress codes, it is acceptable to include it.

If you have a wedding website, it is standard to include your registry information there. In the past, registry etiquette dictated that the registry was only shared by word of mouth, but the digital age has rendered this rule outdated.

There are several ways to include your wedding website and registry information in your invitations without sacrificing aesthetic appeal or committing an etiquette faux pas:

The Formal Invitation

Although some wedding experts believe it is bad decorum to include your wedding website on your formal invitation, others argue that it is acceptable if you are collecting RSVPs through your site instead of response cards. If you choose to include your wedding website on your formal invitation, add the website to the bottom of the invitation. Here is some wording you could use:

• "For more information, please visit [URL]"
• "Kindly RSVP by [RSVP deadline] at [URL]"

Enclosure Cards

If you want to maintain a formal tone, you can include your wedding website URL on a separate enclosure card, also known as a "wedding website card", "wedding enclosure card", or "wedding insert card". This option gives you more space for wording and can be included with your invitation suite. Here is some wording you could use:

• "For more information on accommodation, dress code and RSVPs, please visit our website at [URL]"
• "For more information about our wedding and for online RSVPs, please visit our website: [URL]"
• "For travel and accommodation information, please visit our website: [URL]"

Save the Dates

If you are sending out "save the dates", you can include your wedding website URL on these. This is a popular choice, as it allows guests to access your website as soon as possible. The template you use will guide you on where to list the URL, but it is usually on the back or at the bottom of the front side.

Frequently asked questions