Junior Rasmussen
When creating a wedding website, one of the most common dilemmas is whether to write in the first or third person. While some couples prefer the first-person perspective for a more casual and conversational tone, others opt for the third person to maintain formality and neutrality. The choice often depends on the couple's preference, the website's content, and their desire to involve both parties in the narrative. This decision can impact the website's tone, readability, and the level of personal involvement conveyed to the guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tone | First person is casual/conversational; third person is more formal |
| Perspective | First person may make it seem like only one person in the couple wrote the website |
| Readability | Switching between first and third person on the same page can be hard to read |
| Creativity | First person can be more personal and creative |
| Content | First person is more appropriate when addressing the audience directly |
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What You'll Learn
First-person singular vs. plural
When it comes to writing a wedding website, there are a few options for the narrative perspective: first-person singular ("I"), first-person plural ("we"), or third person ("he/she", "they"). Each has its advantages and considerations.
First-person singular is a very personal approach, allowing one individual's voice, feelings, and experiences to shine through. However, it can also be limiting, as it only provides one perspective on the relationship and may exclude the other partner's experiences. This approach can be suitable for certain sections of the website, such as a "How We Met" or "Proposal" page, where one partner shares their unique story.
First-person plural, on the other hand, is a more inclusive approach that involves both partners in the narrative. It creates a sense of unity and presents a shared perspective on the relationship and wedding details. This perspective is often used when addressing guests directly, such as on pages related to the reception, ceremony, and other informational sections.
Third person is a more formal and detached narrative style, presenting the couple as "characters" in their own story. This approach is often used in the "About Us" or "Our Story" sections, where an outside perspective is given on the couple's relationship, from how they met to their engagement. While it may seem less personal, it provides a balanced view and can be a creative way to share the couple's story.
Some couples choose to mix these perspectives, using first-person plural for certain sections and third person for others. This can add variety and allow for different voices to be heard. However, it is important to maintain consistency within each section to avoid confusing readers.
Ultimately, the choice between first-person singular, first-person plural, and third person depends on the couple's preference and the tone they wish to set for their wedding website. Each perspective has its advantages and can be used effectively to share the couple's unique story and important wedding details.
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Third person for formality
There are several reasons why a couple may choose to use the third person on their wedding website. One reason is to achieve a more formal tone. Another is to avoid the appearance that only one person in the couple wrote the website.
Some couples choose to write their “About Us" section in the third person, as if someone else is writing about them. For example, "Joe & Pam have been dating for x amount of years". This approach can make it seem like both people in the couple contributed to the website, even if that is not the case.
Some couples also choose to write their "Our Story" and "Bride & Groom" pages in the third person. This can be a way to avoid the website sounding like it is only from the bride's perspective, which can be off-putting to some readers.
One couple chose to write their website in the third person because they wanted it to feel more formal. They used the first person for statements like "join us in celebration" or "we reserved a block of rooms", but the third person for descriptions of people, such as "Bride and Groom met at university, now Bride does X and Groom does Y".
Another couple chose to write their "Our Story" and "Bride & Groom" pages in the third person, while keeping the other pages in the first person. They felt that this made the website more personal and avoided it being all about one person.
Some couples worry that using the third person will make the website sound impersonal. One couple chose to write their website from both the bride's and groom's perspectives to avoid this. They each wrote their own account of how they met and how the proposal went, and then put them side by side so that readers could enjoy both viewpoints.
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Our Story and About Us sections
When it comes to wedding websites, the "Our Story" and "About Us" sections are all about sharing your love story and giving guests a glimpse into your relationship. Here are some tips and examples to craft these sections beautifully:
Choosing the Narrative Perspective
The narrative perspective you choose for your wedding website is a matter of personal preference. Some couples prefer the third person, as it creates a more formal tone and makes it seem like someone else is telling their love story. This perspective is often used in the "Our Story" and "About Us" sections. However, it is also common to use the first-person perspective, especially when addressing guests directly or sharing personal experiences and feelings. Some couples even choose to mix perspectives, with the first person for some sections and the third person for others.
Sharing Your Love Story
The "Our Story" section is where you can take your guests on a journey through your relationship's important milestones. Start with how you met, your first date, and the proposal. Include engagement photos and add a touch of humour to make it fun. Remember, not everyone reading this section knows you intimately, so share some individual details like full names, hometowns, occupations, and hobbies. Be mindful of your partner's comfort level when sharing personal stories, and avoid inside jokes or excessive details that might be inappropriate or boring for some guests.
Involving Both Perspectives
Some couples choose to include both perspectives by creating “his story" and "her story" sections, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into their relationship from each person's point of view. This approach can be especially meaningful and provide a well-rounded picture of your love story. It also ensures that both partners are actively involved in crafting the website's content.
Example Paragraphs for "Our Story" and "About Us"
Example 1:
"It was a chance encounter at [location] that brought us together. Little did we know that our paths would intersect in such a life-changing way. [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] instantly connected over shared interests and values, and our first date at [location] only confirmed that this was the beginning of something special. As we spent more time together, our love grew, and we knew we wanted to build a future together. The proposal, which took place at [location], was a magical moment that solidified our commitment to each other. And now, we can't wait to celebrate our love with our loved ones by our side."
Example 2:
"We are [Couple's names], and our story begins in [year] when we first met. Over the years, our love has taken us on adventures near and far. From exploring new cities to creating cosy moments at home, we cherish every moment together. [Bride's name] is a talented [occupation], with a passion for [hobbies]. [Groom's name], on the other hand, is an avid [hobbies] enthusiast and works as a [occupation]. Our relationship is built on shared values of [values] and a love for [common interests]. As we prepare to embark on this new chapter, we are excited to share our joy with those who mean the most to us."
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Creative personal touches
Your wedding website is the perfect place to share your love story and add creative personal touches to make your website unique and fun for guests to visit. Here are some ideas to get you started:
"Our Story" or "About Us" section
Share your love story with your guests, from how you met to your first date and your proposal. Write it as if you're telling your story to someone you've just met, and be sure to include some personality and humour. However, avoid inside jokes and keep things G-rated as everyone on your guest list will be reading it! Typically, these sections are written in the third person, but you can also include a "his story" and "her story" section in the first person.
Engagement photos
Add some visual interest to your website by including engagement photos of you and your future spouse. These can be formal portraits or candid shots, and they'll help your guests feel more connected to you as a couple.
Wedding party bios
Introduce your wedding party to your guests with fun and creative bios. Include information such as how you know them, their relationship to you and your future spouse, and any roles they'll be playing in the wedding. This is a great way to involve more people in your website and give your guests a better understanding of your chosen entourage.
Individual profiles
Before diving into the details of your relationship, share some information about yourselves as individuals. Include your full names, hometowns, current city of residence, where you attended school, your occupations, and your hobbies. This is especially helpful for guests who may not know one or both of you very well, and it celebrates your unique qualities as individuals.
First-person perspective
While some couples prefer to write their website in the third person, using "we" and "us" can make your website feel more casual and conversational. It's also a subtle way to include your perspective as a couple, rather than just one individual. However, be mindful of switching perspectives too often, as it can be hard to read.
Remember, your wedding website is a reflection of you and your future spouse, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
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Avoiding oversharing
A wedding website is a great way to give guests an insight into your relationship with your partner. However, it is essential to avoid oversharing personal information. While it is a good idea to reflect on your journey as a couple, it is also important to find the right balance when sharing personal details to avoid making your guests uncomfortable.
It is best to avoid directly asking for money as gifts or contributions to your honeymoon fund, as this can be considered impolite. Instead, you can use a subtle approach by adding options like a honeymoon fund or a home improvement fund to your registry. This way, you make the option available without directly asking for cash, which may make some guests feel uncomfortable.
You should also avoid sharing exclusive events on your wedding website, such as engagement celebrations, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and the rehearsal dinner. These events typically have their own separate invites, and sharing them on your website may lead to hurt feelings and confusion among those who are not invited.
It is also important to be mindful of the tone of voice you use on your wedding website. While certain phrases may be interpreted as playful or joking in person, they might come across as rude or demanding on your website without the right context. For example, a phrase like "no kids allowed!" may be better expressed by announcing that you are keeping the party a grown-up affair or providing alternative accommodations for children.
Additionally, consider the level of detail you share about your relationship. While it is great to give guests an insight into your journey, avoid sharing overly intimate details that outsiders may not appreciate or understand.
Remember, your wedding website is ultimately an information hub for your guests, providing practical details and answering common questions they may have about your big day.
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Frequently asked questions
Writing in the first person can make your wedding website feel more personal and conversational. It can also be a fun way to involve your partner in the website-building process by including their perspective.
Writing in the third person can make your wedding website feel more formal. It can also help to avoid the website appearing as though only one person in the couple wrote it, even if that was the case.
Mixing narratives can work, but it's best to do this by page rather than within the same paragraph or section, as this can be hard to read and confusing.
Your wedding website should convey your personality and excitement for the big day. It should be warm and inviting, providing guests with all the information they need in a fun and cohesive way.
