Do I Really Need a Wedding Website?

DO I REALLY NEED A WEDDING WEBSITE? I mean really, it's just one more thing that to add to the list of 100 things that I ALREADY have to do!!

I have been hearing this question more and more as I assist couple's with planning their weddings, so thought I would share some insights about the "wedding website".

I am sure some of you are asking what do I need one for anyway? Most of my guests already know how we meet and do I really need to list my registry locations again?!

Well, it depends. Here are some things to consider to see if a wedding website is right for you.

Do I Need a Wedding Website?

• Are you have a destination wedding?
• Will you have out of town guests?
• Will you need to communicate with all of your guests via email or the Internet?
• Do you have more information to share with your guests than you can put on your invitations?
• Do you want or need a place for the guests who can't attend to leave you a note or message?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you NEED a wedding website.

Why Do I Need a Wedding Website?

If you are having a destination wedding, then the majority of your guests if not all of your guests will be traveling, staying in a hotel, eating out and vacationing at this location. Your wedding website will serve as a mini guide for them to know where to stay (because you will book one or two hotel blocks so your guests will all be together and hopefully get a discount on room prices), where to eat (you should share your research on restaurants, bars, and clubs), and what attractions they can look forward to visiting. You would much rather your guest be able to read it on your website... than spending alot of extra money printing this information... or time having to repeat yourself who knows how many times and still end up sending the information because if your family/friends are like mine they like their information on paper and would just ask me to email it to them!!

The same rule applies to out of town guests. Depending on the number of out of towners, you will likely book a block of rooms at a local hotel. You should also point your guests to the best restaurants and/or city attractions. Again... your wedding website can serve this purpose.

Depending on who your guests are, you might need to communicate with them via email. Many wedding websites allow you to enter guests' email addresses and send them mass emails with wedding updates.

If you have more information to share with your guests than will git on your wedding invitations - such as driving directions, seating limitations, or potential parking issues, then you have a wedding website. You don't want to include too much logistical information on your invitations... IT RUINS THE MOOD!!

Having a wedding website can be a beneficial way for guests who can't attend your wedding to feel included in on your BIG DAY. They can leave a message, peruse your categories and look at engagement and couple photos. 

So okay I need a wedding website... which wedding website company is the right one for ME?

Wedding website companies range from the very expensive - up to $99 a year - to moderately priced - around $30 a year - to ABSOLUTELY FREE!! And free sounds good to me!

Free wedding websites offer the couple a place to list their information, but normally don't offer customizable color and font options or themed backgrounds. Your website address would be similar to www.yournamehere.weddingwebsitecompany.com.

Paid wedding websites offer a host of options, such as a personalized url www.yournamehere.com, as well a gift tracking, online RSVPs (which eliminates the need to mail RSVP cards and extra stamps) and seating chart assistance.

Wedding Website lists most of the website providers and offers useful reviews and customer ratings. It is a good place to look for ideas and information regarding wedding website companies.