Announcing Your Invite-Only Wedding: A Website Guide

When it comes to wedding planning, it's essential to communicate the important details to your guests. One such detail is whether your wedding is invite-only. While it may seem awkward to specify this, it's entirely acceptable and even necessary to ensure your special day goes according to plan. Here are some ways to gracefully convey that your wedding is invite-only through your wedding website and other means.

Include a separate enclosure card with your wedding website details

Including a separate enclosure card with your wedding website details is a great way to ensure your guests have all the information they need. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating these cards:

Wording and Content

It is important to provide clear and concise wording on your enclosure cards. You can include a short sentence or phrase, such as "For more information on accommodation, dress code, and RSVPs, please visit our website". You may also want to include a specific URL or QR code to make it easy for guests to access your website. Additionally, consider adding a password if your website is password-protected.

Design and Layout

These enclosure cards are typically smaller than your invitations and are often referred to as "wedding website cards", "wedding enclosure cards", or "wedding insert cards". You can design them to match the style and theme of your wedding invitations, maintaining a cohesive look for your wedding stationery. Consider including your wedding colours or a motif that ties in with your other wedding paper goods.

Information to Include

Your wedding website is a central hub for your guests to access important details about your special day. Consider including the following information on your website, which guests can then access via the URL or QR code on the enclosure card:

• Venue directions: Provide clear directions to your wedding venue, especially if it is hard to find.
• Online RSVPs: Allow guests to RSVP online through your website, making it convenient for them and easier for you to track responses.
• Registry information: Share your gift registry link or details, making it easy for guests to access without having to ask around.
• Accommodation and travel: If you have guests travelling from out of town, provide information on nearby hotels or accommodation options, as well as travel tips or directions.
• Dress code: Give guests guidance on what to wear to your wedding, especially if there is a specific theme or dress code they should be aware of.
• FAQs: Anticipate any questions your guests may have and provide answers on your website, such as information on childcare options, parking, or any other relevant details.

Benefits of Enclosure Cards

Using separate enclosure cards for your wedding website details offers several advantages:

• Formality: Enclosure cards allow you to maintain a formal tone for your wedding invitations while providing additional information in a separate, more casual format.
• Space: These cards give you extra space to include all the necessary wording and details, without cluttering your invitations.
• Privacy: Sharing your wedding website details via enclosure cards ensures that only your invited guests will have access to the information.
• Convenience: Enclosure cards provide a quick and efficient way to share your website details, saving you time and streamlining the process.

Remember to include clear instructions on how and when to RSVP, and consider adding a deadline for responses to help with your planning and preparations.

Add the link to your wedding website at the bottom of your invitations

Adding the link to your wedding website at the bottom of your invitations is a great way to share your website with your guests. This method is cost-effective, less formal, and can be applied to both paper and digital wedding invitations. It is also a good way to maintain your privacy, as only your guests will be able to access the website.

When adding the link, you can include a short sentence such as:

> "For more information, please visit [URL]"

> "Kindly RSVP by [RSVP deadline] at [URL]"

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

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

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

If you are using paper invitations, you can also include a separate enclosure card with your wedding website details. These cards are typically smaller than the invitations and are known as "wedding website cards", "wedding enclosure cards", or "wedding insert cards". This option can help you maintain a more formal tone for your wedding and gives you more space for additional wording.

> "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]"

> "Love, [Name] and [Name]"

> "Please RSVP online by [date] via our wedding website"

> "We can't wait to celebrate with you!"

Remember, it is important to include your password and RSVP details on the invitation or enclosure card, if relevant.

Create a custom URL and password for your wedding website

Creating a custom URL and password for your wedding website is a great way to ensure your special day remains private and secure. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choosing a Custom URL

First, you'll want to choose a custom URL that represents you and your partner. Opt for something simple, catchy, or quirky. You can use your first and last names to keep it succinct, or consider including nicknames, especially if your names are long or hard to spell. You could also explore puns, alliteration, or rhyming words to add a unique twist. Just remember to avoid special symbols, ampersands, hyphens, and numbers, as these can be confusing for guests.

If you're having trouble finding an available URL, try adding your wedding year or using a different domain extension like .net, .date, or .love. For example, instead of "JaneDoeandJohnSmith.com," you could try "JaneandJohn2024.love."

Purchasing a Custom Domain

To have a completely personalised URL, you'll need to purchase a custom domain. This can be done through wedding website platforms like Joy and Zola, or through domain registrars. A custom domain offers several benefits, including a more polished and professional appearance, and it's also a fun activity to do with your partner.

Password Protecting Your Website

Once you've created your custom URL, consider adding a layer of security by password protecting your wedding website. This ensures that only invited guests can access the details of your special day. Platforms like Minted offer password protection, so you can control who has access to your website.

Including Your URL on Invitations

When it comes to sharing your custom URL with your guests, it's best to include it on your wedding invitations or save-the-date cards. This provides a convenient way for guests to access important information like directions, accommodation options, and registry details. You can simply add your URL to the bottom of your invitation or include it on a separate enclosure card.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a custom URL and password for your wedding website, ensuring a seamless and secure experience for you and your guests.

Indicate the number of people invited per family on the wedding invitation

When it comes to wedding planning, it's important to clearly communicate the number of people invited per family to ensure there are no misunderstandings. Here are some instructive guidelines on how to indicate this on your wedding invitations:

Firstly, it's crucial to address the invitation specifically to those invited. For example, if you're inviting a family, you can address the envelope as "The Smith Family". If a family member has a partner you're also inviting, include their name, such as "The Smith Family and John Doe". This makes it clear that the invitation is for the family and their named partner.

Secondly, you can indicate the number of people invited by including a line on the RSVP card that says, "We have reserved ____ seats in your honour." You can fill in the number of seats allocated to that family, so they know exactly how many people are invited. This is especially important if you have limited space or a strict budget and want to avoid any confusion or unexpected guests.

Another option is to be even more specific by listing the names of those invited on the RSVP card. For instance, "Seats have been reserved for Mr and Mrs Smith, Jane Doe and John Doe." This leaves no room for ambiguity and ensures that only the intended guests will attend.

If you're using inner envelopes, you can also utilise these to indicate the number of people invited. For example, if you have a family with adult children, you can address the outer envelope as "The Smith Family" and the inner envelopes as "Mr and Mrs Smith" and "Miss Jane Smith and Mr John Doe".

Additionally, consider including a details card with your invitation suite. This card can provide further information such as travel arrangements, attire requests, and the number of people invited. For instance, "The Smith Family: 5 seats have been reserved for you."

Remember, it's always better to be more specific when indicating the number of people invited to avoid any surprises or last-minute adjustments. By combining these strategies, you can effectively communicate the number of people invited per family and ensure a smooth planning process for your special day.

Offer to accommodate children of out-of-town guests

If you're planning a wedding, you'll know that it's no easy task. One of the many things to consider is how to specify that your wedding is invite-only. Here are some ideas for how to do this, with a focus on accommodating the children of out-of-town guests:

Firstly, it's important to note that most weddings are invite-only. However, it's not uncommon for people to bring extra guests without asking. To avoid this, it's a good idea to be clear about who is invited. One way to do this is to put the names of those invited on the outer and inner envelopes of your invitations. For example, if you're inviting a single cousin and don't want her to bring a plus one, you can word the invitation to say, "one seat has been reserved in your name". Alternatively, you can indicate the number of people invited by writing something like, "two seats have been reserved in your name".

If you're using a wedding website, you can also specify that your wedding is invite-only by making this clear on the website. Include a link to your wedding website on your invitations or save-the-date cards, but avoid posting the link on social media to prevent confusion about who is and isn't invited. On your wedding website, you can provide additional details for your guests, such as directions to the venue, hotel recommendations, and registry information.

When accommodating the children of out-of-town guests, it's important to consider their needs and make them feel welcome. Here are some ideas for how to do this:

• Offer baby/child-friendly rooms: Baby-proof the rooms by installing finger pinch guards on doors, adding safety chains, securing furniture to walls, using anti-tip kits on appliances, and tying up cords on blinds.
• Provide child-friendly activities and amenities: Offer toys, books, or games to keep children entertained. You could also suggest family-friendly activities or attractions in the area.
• Offer kid-friendly dining options: Include child-friendly options on your menu, such as spaghetti or chicken nuggets. Provide smaller portions of adult meals for older children. Consider adding a self-serve ice cream machine or a fresh fruit bar to your dining area.
• Train your staff to be kid-friendly: Encourage your staff to be playful and exciting towards children. They can offer a small toy or a special kid-friendly welcome package upon arrival. Consider offering kid-friendly concierge services, where staff can make family-friendly recommendations.

By implementing these ideas, you can ensure that the children of your out-of-town guests feel welcome and accommodated during your invite-only wedding.

Frequently asked questions