Creating A Wedding Page: Our Story Timeline

Wedding websites are a great way to share the story of your relationship with your guests. The Our Story section can be a fun and engaging way to give your guests insight into your relationship, especially if they are unfamiliar with your partner or your journey as a couple. This section can be as creative as you like, with options to include photos, videos, or even an artistic comic-style representation of your love story.

However, writing about yourself and your relationship can be a daunting task, and you may be unsure of how much detail to include. It is important to keep your story concise, engaging, and appropriate for all guests, including older family members. You may also want to consider writing from a third-person perspective or including individual stories from each partner's point of view.

Ultimately, the decision to include an Our Story section on your wedding website is a personal choice. If you are unsure, you can consider seeking feedback from friends or family, or even including an Easter egg for guests to discover.

How to get started

Writing about yourself and your partner can feel awkward, but your wedding website is also an opportunity to set the tone for your event and get your guests excited about the big day. Here are some tips on how to get started:

Choose Your Format

Decide whether you want to create a combined story or write individual stories from your own points of view. There's no right or wrong answer here—you might want to try both options and see which feels most natural. If you do decide to write separate stories, set some shared guidelines first in terms of length, tone, and what to include so that the two stories complement each other.

Keep It Short and Sweet

Your "About Us" story doesn't have to be an essay. Aim for between 100 and 300 words to give your guests a brief summary of your relationship journey so far. Break up the text with a new paragraph every 2–3 sentences to make it more readable.

Brainstorm Ideas

Jot down your ideas first without any pressure. Think about where, when, and how you met, memorable dates and trips, shared interests and hobbies, milestone moments, and funny memories and stories.

Write Conversationally

Write as you would talk in real life. Your "About Us" story should reflect your personality, not sound like a robot! Keep the tone fun and light-hearted—save the more serious sentiments for your vows.

Think of Your Audience

Remember that not everyone reading your story will know you well, so write as if you're telling your story to someone you've just met. Avoid inside jokes and keep things appropriate for all guests, from your partner's great-grandma to your friends.

Keep It Chronological

Start at the beginning and take your guests through your journey together. Begin with how and when you met, then move through the key moments of your relationship to the present day.

How to write about yourself

Writing about yourself can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that your wedding website is a reflection of you and your partner. It's an opportunity to showcase your personalities and give guests a glimpse into your relationship. Here are some tips to help you write about yourself effectively:

Keep it Lighthearted and Conversational

It's essential to keep the tone light and positive. Inject your personality into the writing, but maintain a jovial and optimistic style. Your guests want to share in your excitement, so feel free to be playful and engage their interest. However, avoid inside jokes or obscure references that may confuse some guests.

Write for Your Audience

Remember that not everyone reading your story knows you and your partner intimately. Write as if you're introducing yourselves to someone new. Include basic information such as your full names, hometowns, current residence, and occupations. This way, guests from both sides of the family can get to know you better.

Tell Your Story Chronologically

Start from the beginning and take your readers on a journey. Begin with how you met, your first date, and then move through the milestones of your relationship. Include your favourite memories, trips, and experiences together. This will give your guests a sense of the adventures you've shared.

Include Important Details

While it's essential to keep the story engaging, don't forget to include key details such as the wedding date, venue, and any travel or accommodation information for guests. You can also mention your wedding party, giving a brief introduction to the special people who will be by your side on the big day. This will help your guests feel more connected to the people they will meet at the wedding.

Keep it Appropriate

While it's good to add personality and humour, remember to keep the content appropriate for all guests, from your friends to your grandparents. Avoid sharing extremely private or embarrassing details and always review what you've written before publishing. If writing individually, ensure both stories complement each other in length and style.

Break it up into Sections

Keep each paragraph concise and easy to read. Your guests are more likely to engage with shorter, well-structured paragraphs. You can also break up the story into sections ("How We Met", "The Proposal", "Favourite Memories", etc.) to make it more digestible for your readers.

Include a Call to Action

Conclude your story with a sentence or two about how excited you are to celebrate with your guests on the big day. This will make your guests feel included and valued. It's a nice touch to add a personal touch to the end of your story.

Writing about yourself doesn't have to be intimidating. By following these tips, you can create a memorable and engaging "About Us" section that will leave your guests excited to celebrate with you.

How to choose a format

There are a few different formats you could choose for your "Our Story" section. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Combined story: You and your partner could put your heads together to create one story from both of your perspectives. This could be written in the first-person plural ("we") or third-person ("they").
• Individual stories: You could each write your own story from your own point of view. This could be written in the first-person singular ("I") or first-person plural ("we").
• Response story: You could write your version of the story first and then share it with your partner so they can write a response.
• Timeline: Instead of a written story, you could create a visual timeline of your relationship, including photos or graphics to illustrate key moments.
• Interview: You could answer relationship questions or interview each other, rather than writing a narrative story.
• Artistic version: If you're better with a paintbrush than a pen, you could draw, paint, craft or design your love story.
• Video: If you're better at talking than typing, you could set up a camera and tell your story, or even edit in snapshots from your life together.

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to the format of your "Our Story" section. You might want to try out a few different options and see which one feels most natural to you as a couple. Just make sure that if you're writing individual stories, you set some shared guidelines in terms of length, tone and what to include, so that both stories complement each other.

How to keep it appropriate

The "Our Story" section of your wedding website is a great opportunity to add a personal touch and share your love story with your guests. Here are some tips to ensure that your story is appropriate while still reflecting your unique personalities:

Keep it Lighthearted and Fun

It's important to strike a balance between fun and authenticity in your "Our Story" section. While it's great to inject humour and personality into your writing, avoid anything that might be considered offensive or inappropriate. Keep the tone light and positive, and save the more serious sentiments for your vows. This will help to set the right tone for your wedding and get your guests excited for the celebration.

Avoid Inside Jokes

While it's tempting to include inside jokes or references that only you and your partner understand, these can fall flat with your guests. Remember that not everyone reading your "Our Story" will be a close friend or family member. Keep your writing accessible and avoid anything that might confuse or exclude your guests.

Respect Privacy

When it comes to sharing details about your relationship, it's important to respect your partner's privacy. Some things are better left unsaid, especially if they are embarrassing or sensitive. Discuss with your partner what you plan to include and get their approval before publishing. This ensures that you're both comfortable with the level of detail being shared.

Keep it G-Rated

Remember that your wedding guest list includes people of all ages and backgrounds, including grandparents and children. Keep your "Our Story" section G-rated to avoid offending or embarrassing anyone. While it's great to add personality, avoid explicit language or adult themes that might make your guests uncomfortable.

Focus on Milestones and Memories

Instead of providing a detailed account of your relationship, focus on the key milestones and memorable moments. Share the story of how you met, your first date, and your proposal. Include some of your favourite memories and experiences together, such as trips, moving in together, or overcoming challenges. These moments will give your guests a glimpse into your journey as a couple.

Keep it Concise

A lengthy "Our Story" section may cause your guests to lose interest. Keep your writing concise and to the point, focusing on the most important details. Break up your story into short paragraphs or sections to make it easier to read. Aim for fewer than 300 words, with each paragraph consisting of 2-3 sentences. This will ensure your guests can easily follow your love story.

How to include your family

Including your family in your "Our Story" section is a great way to give guests insight into your family backstory. Here are some ideas on how to do this:

Share How Your Families Met

If your families played a significant role in your relationship, consider weaving details about them into your story. You could share how your families first met and became acquainted, especially if it's a funny or unusual story. This will give your guests a glimpse into the dynamics between your families and how they came together to support your relationship.

Dedicate a Paragraph to Each Family

You can choose to dedicate a separate paragraph to each side of the family, sharing their unique role in your relationship. This is a great way to express gratitude and acknowledge the importance of family in your journey. It also provides a more comprehensive picture of your backgrounds and the people who have shaped you.

Share Family-Related Milestones

Think about the milestones in your relationship that involved your families. Perhaps there was a memorable family vacation, a holiday celebration, or a significant event where your families came together. Including these moments in your story will showcase the special bond you share with your families and how they have been a part of your love story.

Incorporate Family Photos

Visual elements, such as family photos, can enhance your "Our Story" section. Consider including photos of family gatherings, celebrations, or even everyday moments that capture the warmth and love within your families. These visuals will not only make your story more engaging but will also give your guests a glimpse into the precious moments you've shared with your loved ones.

Share Your Families' Roles in the Wedding

If your family members are taking on specific roles in the wedding, such as officiant, maid of honour, or best man, be sure to mention this in your story. It adds another layer of personal touch and showcases the active participation of your family in your special day.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to including your family in your "Our Story" section. You can choose to incorporate these suggestions in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you. The key is to share your love story in a way that celebrates the people and moments that have shaped your journey together.

Frequently asked questions