Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Website Url Placement

Wedding websites are a great way to provide guests with important information about your wedding, such as venue directions, dress codes, and FAQs. While it may seem convenient to post your wedding website on social media, it is best to avoid doing so as it may cause confusion about who is and isn't invited. The best way to share your wedding website with your guests is through your wedding invitation. But where does the website URL go on the invitation?

Including a URL on a wedding invitation

Including a URL or website link on your wedding invitation is a modern and convenient way to share additional information with your guests. It allows you to provide details that may not fit on the invitation itself, such as venue directions, accommodation suggestions, dress codes, FAQs, and your gift registry. It also provides a central hub for guests to refer to and can make it easier for them to RSVP and for you to manage your guest list.

Where to Place the URL on the Invitation:

You have a few options for placing the URL on your wedding invitation:

• On the invitation itself: You can add the URL at the bottom of the invitation with a short sentence. For example, "Kindly RSVP by [date] at [URL]" or "For more information, please visit [URL]." This option is cost-effective and can be applied to both paper and digital invitations.
• On a separate enclosure card: You can include a separate small card, often called a "wedding website card," "wedding enclosure card," or "wedding insert card," with your wedding website details. This option can help maintain a more formal tone and provides additional space for wording.
• On the back of the invitation: Some couples choose to print the URL on the back of the invitation, along with a short message such as "For more information about our big day and to RSVP, please visit our wedding website at [URL]."
• QR Code: Instead of the full URL, you can use a QR code that guests can scan to access the website. This can be included on the invitation, on a separate enclosure card, or even on the back of the invitation.

When to Send Out Invitations:

It is recommended to send out your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. However, if you are sending "Save the Dates," those should be sent out earlier, typically 4-6 months in advance.

Creating a Custom URL:

Consider creating a custom URL for your wedding website, making it more memorable and easier for guests to type. For example, "TheFuture(Surname)'s," "(Name)and(Name)GetHitched," or "(Surname)Wedding2022."

Privacy Considerations:

Avoid sharing your wedding website URL on social media to maintain privacy and avoid confusion about who is invited. Instead, share it directly with your guests via the invitation or through word-of-mouth.

RSVP instructions

The wedding website URL is usually included on the invitation or on a separate enclosure card. If you are collecting RSVPs through your website, it is helpful to include the link on the invitation itself. Here are some examples of wording for your invitations:

"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 prefer to include the URL on a separate enclosure card, you can use one of the following options:

• RSVP card: Include instructions on where, when, and how guests should accept or decline the invitation online.
• Details card: Communicate multiple pieces of information, such as the website URL, travel information, attire requests, and other important details.
• Wedding website card: This card's sole purpose is to share the website URL, allowing you to maintain a formal tone while utilising modern conveniences.

"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]"

When creating your wedding website, it is recommended to create a custom URL that is personalised and easy to remember. This can be something like:

• TheFuture(Surname)
• (Name)and(Name)GetHitched
• (Surname)Wedding2022

Now, let's move on to the RSVP instructions. Here are some key points to include in your RSVP instructions:

• Guest names: It is important to include a blank line for guests to write their names, along with their honorifics (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss). This ensures that you know who is attending and helps with the correct spelling of names for the seating chart.
• Acceptance or decline: The primary purpose of the RSVP is to confirm attendance, so include checkboxes, circles, or fill-in-the-blank lines for guests to accept or decline the invitation.
• RSVP deadline: Set a deadline for RSVPs, typically around four weeks before the wedding date, and feature it prominently on the card. Use wording such as "Kindly reply by [date]" or "Please respond by [date]."
• Meal choices and dietary restrictions: If you are serving dinner, allow guests to indicate their meal preferences and any dietary requirements or allergies. Use checkboxes or fill-in-the-blank lines for this information.
• Special requests: You may include a section for special requests, such as song requests, drink preferences, or a favourite memory of the couple.
• Online RSVP instructions: If you are using online RSVPs, provide clear instructions on how to respond. Include the wedding website URL and the deadline for responses. For example, "Please visit our website to respond by [date]" or "Kindly respond by [date] at [URL]."
• Return envelopes: Provide pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes for guests to send back their RSVP cards. The envelopes should be addressed to the person handling the RSVPs, such as the couple, wedding planner, or a member of the wedding party.

Privacy concerns

Wedding websites are a great way to provide guests with a central hub for all the information they need about your wedding. However, it's understandable that you may have privacy concerns about putting your registry, wedding date and location, and personal photos visible to anyone with an internet connection.

Firstly, it's important to note that wedding websites are entirely optional. If you feel strongly about not having one, you can simply include all the essential information on your save-the-date cards and wedding invitations. If you need to announce any changes or share additional details, a concise group email will also do the trick.

However, if you'd like to take advantage of the convenience of a wedding website, there are several ways to ensure your privacy:

• Password protection: Many wedding website platforms, such as The Knot, Zola, and WedSites, offer password protection. This means that only people who know the password can access your full wedding website.
• Privacy settings: In addition to password protection, some sites allow you to change the privacy settings so that your website won't show up in Google Search Results.
• Email verification: If you're looking for even more security, platforms like Squarespace offer "member areas" where guests need to create a profile to access certain information. Another option is to use Google Forms, which can be set up so that only certain people with verified emails can access the information.
• Physical security: While you can't control whether your guests spread the word about your wedding details, you can control who gets into the event. Consider having someone at the door checking invitations to ensure that only invited guests are allowed in.
• Avoid social media: Sharing your wedding website on social media can lead to confusion about who is and isn't invited. Instead, share the link via your wedding invitation or save-the-date cards.
• Enclosure cards: If you're concerned about the aesthetics of your invitation or including too much text, you can include a separate enclosure card with your wedding website details. These are typically smaller than the invitation and are known as "wedding website cards" or "wedding insert cards."
• RSVP instructions: If you're collecting RSVPs online, make sure to provide clear instructions to your guests. You can include these instructions on a separate RSVP card or at the bottom of your invitation.

Remember, when it comes to wedding planning, it's important to consider what works best for you and your partner. If you have privacy concerns, weigh the pros and cons of different options and choose the approach that makes you feel most comfortable.

Cost-effectiveness

Wedding invitations can be costly, so it's no surprise that couples are looking for ways to save money. One way to do this is by including the wedding website URL on the invitation itself, rather than on a separate insert. This can be a cost-effective solution, especially if you're on a tight budget. Here are some reasons why this approach can be beneficial for your wallet:

Saving on Inserts

Including the website URL on the invitation itself eliminates the need for an extra insert, which can add to the cost. Inserts can range from $20 to $50, and if you're trying to cut costs, this can make a difference. It's also one less thing to worry about in terms of printing and paper weight, which can further increase expenses. By keeping everything on one page, you streamline the process and reduce costs.

Reducing Postage Costs

The weight of your invitation suite can impact postage costs. By opting for a single-page invitation with the URL included, you may be able to keep the weight lower and avoid paying extra for heavier envelopes. This is especially beneficial if you have a large guest list, as postage costs can add up quickly.

Simplifying the Process

Creating separate inserts for your wedding website can be time-consuming and may require additional design and printing costs. By including the URL on the invitation, you simplify the process and save time and money. It's a more efficient approach, especially if you're working with a tight timeline.

Online RSVPs

If you plan to collect RSVPs through your wedding website, including the URL on the invitation makes it easier for guests to respond. They can go directly to the website and RSVP online, eliminating the need for separate RSVP cards and envelopes. This not only saves you money on printing and postage but also makes it more convenient for your guests.

Maintaining Privacy

Adding your wedding website URL to the invitation ensures that only your guests will access it. Posting the URL on social media or sharing it via text message may result in unwanted visitors. Keeping the URL on the invitation helps maintain your privacy and that of your guests.

Design Considerations

When including the URL on your invitation, be mindful of the design and layout. You don't want the invitation to look cramped or cluttered. Choose a font size that is easy to read, and consider placing the URL at the bottom of the invitation or on the back. This way, you can maintain the aesthetic appeal of the invitation while still providing the necessary information.

In conclusion, including the wedding website URL on the invitation itself is a cost-effective solution for couples on a budget. It eliminates the need for extra inserts, reduces postage costs, simplifies the design and printing process, facilitates online RSVPs, and maintains privacy. By being mindful of the design and placement of the URL, you can create elegant and informative invitations without breaking the bank.

Registry information

Traditionally, registry information was shared by word of mouth only. However, modern etiquette suggests that it is now standard to share registry information on your wedding website.

If you have a wedding website, you can include the URL on your save-the-date cards, your formal invitation, or on an enclosure card. If you don't have a wedding website, you can still include your registry information with bridal shower invitations.

It is not recommended to include your registry information on your wedding invitation. This can come across as gift-grabby and greedy. Instead, you can include your wedding website on your invitation, and then have a clearly marked registry tab on your site.

• "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]"
• "Please RSVP by [date] at [URL]"
• "Kindly RSVP by [date] via our wedding website: [URL]"
• "For more wedding details and to RSVP, visit [URL]"

Frequently asked questions