Getting engaged

Rings

Proposals

Wedding planning 101

Real weddings

Creating a budget

Wedding websites

Legal

Wedding planning tools

Wedding planning questions

Wedding decorations

Wedding day

Wedding trends

First Look Reports

Venues & vendors

Wedding venues

Photos & video

Food & catering

Florists & flowers

Bands, DJs & music

Cakes & desserts

Bar & beverages

Invites & paper

Save the dates

Invitations

Day-of paper

Registry & gifts

Wedding registry basics

Wedding gifts

Parties & events

Engagement party

Wedding shower

Bachelorette party

Bachelor party

Fashion & beauty

Wedding Hair & makeup

Wedding dresses

Shoes & accessories

Wedding attire

Honeymoons

Honeymoon planning

Honeymoon destinations

Relationship advice

Dating

Newly engaged couples

Newlywed couples

Anniversaries

News & culture

Zola behind the scenes

Sweepstakes

Inside Zola

Covid-19

Create Your Free Wedding Website (Takes just minutes to set up!)

EA_WeddingWebsite

It’s always harder to write about yourself than about others, and that’s made twice as difficult when two people are involved and want to share the story of their union in a personal way. Writing your wedding website’s bio or couple story section can pose a bit of a conundrum if you are both not aligned in what you’d like to share so here are a few ways to approach the topic.

## Keep it Brief

This is a good strategy if you prefer to not get too personal with the insider details of your love story. A good rule of thumb is 1-2 lines on the facts of the situation. Get to the point. 

- Who are you?
- What is the occasion?
- How did you meet?
- When did it happen?
- Where was the location? 
- Why did you decide to marry?

Short and sweet, and not too demanding of your creative juices. This is a practical take on the couple story and works well if wordsmithing isn’t one of your strengths.

## Give Them Details

On the other hand, if you like sharing every detail possible about your journey to this point in your life, then consider about 5-6 lines for a short paragraph on each of these points.

- How you met and where you were in your respective personal paths at that time.
- Why you got along and when your relationship took shape.
- What is it that attracted you to each other?
- And introducing who you are marrying to your friends and extended family.

This allows you to give your wedding guests an insider view into how your couple story came to be and truly share in this journey forward. A great way to truly personalize your piece.

## Manage the Mix

If you are private about some details of your upcoming wedding but like to share more than just the facts, then you can pick and choose certain points to spotlight.

- Give your guests some more insight into what you are both most looking forward to and your plans for the future.
- Talk about how your backgrounds and life experiences are similar and why that attracted you to each other.
- Explain if you are complete opposites and why that attracted you to each other when you first met. 

Your guests will appreciate learning more about the couple they are supporting so there really is no wrong way to go about sharing your couple story. 

Try to be your authentic self in your words and expressions. That sets the tone for the rest of your wedding website so if you are formal, casual, funny, or punny in your choice of phrases then you preferably want to keep that vibe flowing through the rest of your wedding website.


Guide to Writing a Wedding Website Welcome Message

How to Include Your Wedding Website on Your Invitation

A-Z List of What to Put on Your Wedding Website

How to Create a Wedding RSVP Website

Wedding Website Bio/Couple Story Templates

4 Beautiful Wedding Story Examples for Your Website

5 Creative “Our Story” Wedding Website Examples

Example of profile picture with young female

5 Lovely Wedding Website Bio Examples

11 Dos and Don'ts for Your Wedding Website

There are plenty of details that go into __[wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning)__, many of which need to be relayed to the masses rather than on an individual basis. With that comes the creation of your __[wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__.

Your wedding website helps to provide your loved ones all your wedding details—which can help them prepare for your upcoming nuptials. It can also act as a kind of digital wedding planner, helping you to keep all of your wedding ideas and information organized.

Your wedding website highlights where the wedding ceremony will be, what the dress code is, who’s in the bridal party, and even provides some background on the couple's personal love story. Most importantly, this is the place your guests will also go to get the location, details, gift registry, and other fun and pertinent information about your wedding event. But before you get to any of that, you have to construct your wedding website welcome message to guide guests through your website and build joyful anticipation around your big day. 

[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)

## Where to Start
The first things you’ll need to do when [creating your wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/make-wedding-website) is choose a wedding website URL and the design of your website. The URL will tell people how to find your wedding website—and the design will shape the visual experience once they’re there. (Not a designer? Not a problem. Zola has plenty of [wedding website templates](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/20-most-popular-zola-wedding-website-templates) to help you [create a beautiful wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-website)!)

Once you’ve locked in your URL and design, it’s time to start actually creating the content for your website.

To start your welcome message for your special day, give it a headline. This should be an announcement and invitation for guests to share your excitement for your upcoming celebration. Some welcome message wording examples include:

- We’re Getting Married

- We’re Making It Official

- Can’t Wait for You to Join Us on Our Big Day

- Celebrating Our Commitment of Love

After the headline, start with a greeting and a brief introduction that includes what to expect from visiting your wedding website. It doesn’t have to be lengthy, because as guests navigate from section to section, they’ll get the in-depth information they’re looking for with regards to location, accommodations, and events surrounding the day. And there’s no need to be as formal or deliberate as, say, wedding invitations wording; an informal, friendly sentence or two will sum it up nicely.

__Below are some examples of wedding website welcome wishes:__

- *Welcome, family and friends! We’re excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you.* 

- *Hello to our family and friends! We can’t wait to celebrate our wedding day with you. You’ll find all the exciting details throughout our site.* 

- *Welcome to our wedding site! We’re happy to share this exciting time with you and have created a space that shares everything you need to know about our big day.*.

## Share the Details

Put your own personality into the greeting and intro. Then, highlight a few key features of your website that provide information for your special day. For example, let guests know they can easily RSVP online (which also makes it easy for you!), point out travel accommodations, and share a few of your favorite things to do and places to eat for those who are visiting from out of town. These kinds of details are especially important for those who are planning a destination wedding. 

Since your wedding guest list likely isn’t that familiar with the place you’ve chosen, give them a mini-tour of areas you like, where to stay, and why the destination means so much to you. Again, you can be thorough in the separate sections of the website, but tease out a few highlights for your guests in the welcome message with information that’s personal to you as a couple. 

Lastly, sign off with a reminder about the date and a thank you for having your guests join you for your celebration. Use each of your first names or initials in closing. A sample wedding website welcome message may read as follows: 

*Welcome, family and friends! We’re excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. You’ll find all the exciting details throughout our site, including a link to the hotel where we’ve blocked off rooms, a place you can RSVP online, and a list of a few of our favorite restaurants around town. We’re regulars at &lt;favorite place&gt; and hope you enjoy it as much as we do.* 

*We can’t wait to see you in &lt;wedding destination&gt;, and thank you for all your love and support! The countdown is officially on to &lt;wedding date&gt;. See you then!*

*Love,* 
*&lt;couple’s first names&gt;*

You want to create a message that is warm and inviting, so it conveys your excitement, but don’t overthink it. Ultimately, short, sweet, and to the point is best. Once guests click the link that takes them to your website, they’ll be able to navigate through it at their own place. Plus, it serves as a resource for them to check again and again as the wedding day draws near. 

![Writing a Wedding Website Welcome Message](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6rQOJVDiFZQbPIX3C6ozz/cd569d953aa925420a3d2c7c60f24086/Inline2.jpg)*Photo Credits *// Zola Inc

## Taking Guests Through Your Wedding Website
Once you’ve sent out your welcome message and guests arrive at your website, the information should be laid out in a way that’ll be easy and fun for them to read. As mentioned, by choosing from over 300 wedding website design templates, you can customize the look and feel of your website to match your personalities and your overall wedding theme. 

Each [wedding website design](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-website-examples-and-inspiration-themes-and-designs) has a main page, which includes a tagline, wedding date, plus stories of how you met and the proposal. This draws in your guests and puts them in a happy mood as they continue to navigate the site. From there, the following tabs house separate pages of information that will cover everything from online RSVPs to registry information for wedding gifts to the social media hashtags you’re planning to use to celebrate your big day. (You can even create a page to share your Save The Dates!) These separate pages keep the site from looking too cluttered with text—without sacrificing any of the information your guests to plan for the event. 

- Wedding Party
- Events
- Travel
- Things to Do
- Photos
- Registry
- FAQs
- RSVP

This allows all of your guests to get to know more about who’s involved in your wedding, where it’s taking place, and other important details. Since not every guest may be familiar with each other, it’s a way to start connecting people from both sides and generate excitement around your big day. 

### 1.Wedding Party
Share the members of your wedding party with an anecdote or description of who they are to you as a couple. Aside from the two of you, they will be one of the main parts of your wedding day. Let others know why you’ve chosen them to stand up with you at the ceremony. 

### 2.Events
This is the place where you’ll list the date, time, and location of the wedding venue. This includes the ceremony itself, a cocktail hour, and reception. Many couples also have additional events that all guests are invited to, such as a welcome party or a brunch scheduled for the day after the wedding. 

### 3.Travel
Map out the logistics to make it easy for guests who are traveling from out of town. Let them know the closest airport, as well as any accommodations where you have reserved a block of rooms. Additionally, if you’ve prepared any special travel between the ceremony and the reception, include that information here as well. 

### 4.Things to Do
Create a list of fun things to do and places to eat that you like as a wedding couple. Invite guests into your world with your unique insights and recommendations. It’ll be helpful for guests who aren’t as familiar with the location and can serve as a reminder for locals, too. 

### 5.Registry
This section populates the items you’ve registered for through the Zola website and makes it easy for guests to see what’s available to purchase online. They can browse by categories, such as furniture and kitchen, as well as browse through your chosen experiences and gift cards. Rather than worrying about traveling with a gift or bringing it to the reception, guests can have one shipped directly to your home through your [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry).

### 6.FAQs
This is where you’ll answer all of the burning questions friends and family have been asking since you got engaged. Many common ones are if plus-ones and children are allowed, if there is a dress code, and if there are any travel accommodations they need to know about for the day of the wedding. It’s nice to have a go-to resource for everyone to reference as they please. 

### 7.RSVP
Giving guests the opportunity to RSVP online may take off the pressure of sending in their responses by mail. Add a deadline request to this page to let people know when you’d like to hear from them. The feature also allows people to respond for themselves and a guest or for their entire group. 

## When in Doubt, Spell It Out
Add as much information as you’d like to each of these sections to make sure guests have all the details they need to feel prepared and excited to celebrate your big day. Having a central place for them to get this information will help to alleviate the stress of responding to multiple people individually about similar questions. It’ll be readily available to them whenever they want. 

## But Don’t Stress
The website can be updated as you go, or you can wait until you have all the details in place before you decide to launch it. The good news is that by using a website builder design template, it gives you an outline of where you need to fill in the information. Once you’ve crafted your wedding website welcome message, take the rest section by section, or tackle it all at once. Soon, you’ll have everything you need to share the exciting details of your big day.

![Writing a Wedding Website Welcome Message](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2Gl1pjjtsxoamRAoFiIRDB/c5cb49959cb27941c10f55a7d2c08792/Inline.jpg)*Photo Credits *// Zola Inc

## Zola, Your Best Wedding Website Option
Creating a beautiful wedding website doesn’t need to be a hassle! At Zola, we have everything you need to design the perfect wedding website, including a huge library of wedding website templates to help you design a website that feels true to you, your partner, and your style. And not only can we help you create a wedding website, but with Zola, you can also set up your wedding registry—and add it to your website with a click of a button. (And if you don’t get all the gifts off of your registry? Not to worry—Zola offers a 20% discount on all registry items for six months following your wedding date.)

Ready to get started? Set up your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) and [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) at Zola today!

Ready to create the best wedding website for your special day? From figuring out a domain to gift registry information and the best functionality, follow our step-by-step wedding website design guide.

For many newly engaged couples, the wedding website design is an important part of the wedding planning process. It’s where guests go to find wedding details like directions and hotel accommodations, information about the reception and ceremony, and the gift registry. It acts as a resource and a countdown to the big day, plus helps minimize the number of questions you field from inquiring wedding guests. 

The trouble? Putting a cohesive [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/make-wedding-website) together can be overwhelming. The good news: Our comprehensive step-by-step guide can help.

## Your Step-By-Step Guide to Build Your Wedding Website

### 1. Choose a Domain Name

Most websites will give you the option to __[buy a custom domain name](https://help.zola.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001755451-Does-Zola-sell-custom-domain-names-)__ that’s easy for wedding guests to find. You don't need to overthink this part. Make your custom URL something simple and memorable, such as “zola.com/maryandmattswedding” or “zola.com/mrandmrsjohnson.”

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/rH8O0FHFpfw))

### 2. Make It Private

Yes, wedding crashers are still a thing. And since nobody outside of a fictional movie wants that happening to them in real life, a good way to __[protect your information](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/should-you-password-protect-your-wedding-website)__ is by putting __[a password on your website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__ and sending it only to guests. You can include your __[password-protected wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__ on your save the date or the invitation. 

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/7okkFhxrxNw)) 

### 3. Choose a Theme

This also shouldn’t require too much brainwork and can even be made easier by staying on theme with your actual wedding. Boho chic or modern and sleek, your wedding website should follow suit. Thankfully, websites have __[different design templates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/designs?pkey=wed_googlesem_desktop_geo-researchexact_np_&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Wed_Geo-Research%2520(Exact)&gclid=CjwKCAjwnef6BRAgEiwAgv8mQXSOJRo_lT1ePT5jHOCuZOYcwQ1sg6rtbIjx19oAXiYx7T0HRRLP1BoCX_YQAvD_BwE)__ and fonts to pick and choose from, so you’re not stuck building anything from scratch (unless you want to). 

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/GdwWrLHdwpw)) 

### 4. Build Out the Homepage

The homepage is the first thing your guests will see when they visit your site. Make it clear that they’ve landed in the right place. Include basics like the couple’s names, the wedding date, the wedding hashtag, a sweet welcome message, and photos of the couple (if you have engagement pictures, this is a great place to show them off). Guests shouldn’t be bombarded with too much information right off the bat, so keep this part minimal and straightforward. 

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/LeaEBheonI4)) 

### 5. Events

![Inline WeddingWebsiteExamplesandInspiration](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/g8yl1yMjhnb2Tu4hOlqsy/96f11b013e5204046bcedf7631df97bc/Inline_WeddingWebsiteExamplesandInspiration.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Zola

The different sections of your website are where the details should live. The wedding date, time, and location should be displayed in the events tab. You can also include a breakdown of what your wedding day will include—from pre-wedding happenings to planned after-parties. If you’re having events that are exclusive to the wedding party or close friends and family (like a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch), leave them off the site and reach out to those individuals separately.

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/aEnH4hJ_Mrs))

### 6. Travel Information

Here is where information regarding hotel room blocks, airports, car rental details, discount codes, and directions to the venue should appear.

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/RFId0_7kep4))

### 7. Things to Do

If you want to cater to your guests even further (especially those traveling from out of town), you can make a quick and fun list of things to do in the area—from restaurants to local parks. Chances are your guests will be staying more than one day, so suggestions for keeping busy are always a nice, thoughtful touch. 

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/iinYqUgXgxU))

### 8. Online RSVPs

This is more of a modern add-on. If you have older guests who might have trouble with technology, you should probably go with the traditional mail-in RSVPs to your wedding invitations as opposed to wedding website RSVPs. If not, __[digitizing your RSVPs](https://help.zola.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002251631-How-do-I-set-up-online-RSVPs-)__ will make your life a lot easier and help you keep track of all of the cancellations and plus ones. 

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/0FCHGRqHAjk)) 

### 9. Gift Registry

Including __[registry information](https://help.zola.com/hc/en-us/sections/115000476511-Adding-Registries-to-Your-Website)__ on wedding invitations is considered a no-no, so your website is the best place to include a link to your online registry to make sure your guests know all of your gift requests. If you’re accepting money or donations in place of presents, you can also add those details here. 

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/KDxOLjyivbE)) 

### 10. Your Story

This is another optional add-on, but also a good way of personalizing your site. Include a short-but-sweet section detailing your love story, how you met, and how you got engaged along with some of your favorite pictures together. Some couples also choose to include brief bios of their wedding party (from bridesmaids to parents). 

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/5BB_atDT4oA)) 

### 11. FAQs

Here’s where you can list out all the logistics that might not fit on the wedding invitations. Think the dress code, whether there’s parking at the venue, if the wedding is indoors or outdoors, any rules surrounding social media, whether children are allowed, etc. 

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/7okkFhxrxNw)) 

### 12. Contact Information

It’s almost inevitable that, even with all the love and detail you pour into your website, some guests will still have questions. For those individuals, make sure to include a personal email where they can reach out with any additional questions. You can also change and update the wedding site as the date creeps closer (just make sure to notify guests) or even add pictures from your big day and honeymoon after the fact. 

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/gp8BLyaTaA0)) 

![Hero WeddingWebsiteExamplesandInspiration](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2kVkNv44z2747hbFALAjST/dd57c79e4577cbcf3e905a4672e3a9e1/Hero_WeddingWebsiteExamplesandInspiration.jpg) 
*Photo Credit* // Zola

## Tips to Help Build Your Best Wedding Website
While the steps to creating an informative wedding website are fairly straightforward, there are [plenty of quick tips](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/dos-and-donts-wedding-website) that can help you take it to the next level. The following will aid in taking your own from just okay to helpful, beautiful, and easy to understand.

- __Be true to your personalities__. While it’s important to keep things clear and concise, it’s equally important for your website to sound like you. The goal is to strike a balance between informative and familiar. Try not to force a very formal or gushing tone if that isn’t who you are as a couple.

- __Write a short welcome message.__ Aside from your banner, this will be the first thing guests see when they come to your website. Welcome them with a brief greeting, followed by an introduction to your website, including what you’re celebrating or what information can be found throughout. Keep it short, since more detailed information can be located on your other pages.

- __Share your wedding hashtag.__ Whether it’s at the top of bottom of [your template](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/20-most-popular-zola-wedding-website-templates) or included on a couple pages, remember to share your wedding hashtag. That way, when guests share photos from your wedding day, you can easily locate them and create a photo gallery if you like.

- __Dedicate a page to your wedding party.__ If you’re choosing to have a wedding party, consider using a page to introduce them to your guests. Guests of larger weddings—and even smaller ones—won’t often all know each-other. Provide a small photo, name, and brief introduction (your relationship to each-other or how you met) of each party member for guests to get acquainted.

- __Don’t include/mention invite-only wedding events__. If you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner, bridal party only brunch, or other events that are limited to specific wedding guests, refrain from mentioning them on your website. Share that information via private group chats or the like to avoid making other guests feel left out.

## How to Share Your Website

You put a lot of work into building and filling out your wedding website. Not only that, but it’s the primary hub of information regarding your wedding day (or weekend) for all your guests. It’s crucial that you successfully share your website with everyone you’re inviting to your big day. Luckily, there are several ways you can do this. Follow each of the steps below to ensure that your guests are fully aware of your website, what it contains, and how to get to it.

- __Step 1:__ Include it on your save the dates. This will likely be your first opportunity to share your website. Simply place the URL in small or otherwise easy-on-the-eyes text somewhere under your main message. This can be directly under or at the bottom of the card.

- __Step 2:__ Include it on engagement parties and/or bachelor/bachelorette party invitations. Like save the dates, you can include your website’s URL on the invitations of any wedding-related events and celebrations leading up to your wedding day.

- __Step 3:__ Use Zola to share your personalized link. Alter via email or text message. If you’re using Zola to manage your guest list, odds are you have everyone’s contact information (email, phone number, or both) already filled in. With that already done, it’s incredibly easy to share your Zola wedding website URL with everyone as a clickable link. Not to mention, it’s easier for guests to manage (compared to typing in a URL) and allows guests to save the link to their computer or phone.

- To share your personalized link, navigate to “Guest List” from the Zola Weddings dashboard. If you haven’t already filled in your guests’ phone numbers or emails, do so now. After, select certain guests or click “Select All.” Then, click “Bulk Actions” from the dropdown menu. Choose “Send Message,” write a brief message including your link (and website password, if applicable), and send.

[Wedding websites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/designs) may be a relatively new staple as far as wedding planning goes, but they’ve proven to be __[incredibly important](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/make-wedding-website)__. By making your own, you’re given guests a place to refer to for all the information they require about your wedding day—from basics to dress code, to accommodations, and more. If you’ve yet to make your free wedding website, allow us to point you in the __[right direction](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__.

### Create Your Own Wedding Website Using Zola

Did you know you can create a beautiful [wedding website for free](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/designs) by using Zola? Not only is it easy to set up, but there are also more than 200 unique and beautiful designs to choose from that come with matching invites, and your wedding guests can shop for gifts on your registry directly from your wedding website. Choose a theme from the dropdown choices for style, then choose any specific color schemes from the dropdown navigation as well, and there you have your choices. This is a wedding website builder where you can complete set-up in no time and begin sharing with friends and family. 

How Much Does It Cost to Create a Wedding Website?

20 Most Popular Zola Wedding Website Templates

20 Free Wedding Website Templates That Will Inspire You

How to Build a Wedding Website: Guide + Tips

How To Build a Beautiful Wedding Website: 4 Simple Steps

There are many parts of the wedding planning process to prepare for your big day. For example, choosing a wedding venue, narrowing down your guest list, and finding the perfect wedding vendors. Working with a wedding planner can help guide you through each step to ensure everything is organized and done on time.

But one important task you'll want to knock off your wedding planning checklist as soon as possible? Creating your wedding website.

A wedding website is a great way to share details about your upcoming nuptials with your loved ones. But what, exactly, is a wedding website—and as a couple, how do you know what to put on a wedding website?

Let's take a look at __how you can [create your own wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-your-wedding-website) design__ (include web design tips and wedding website ideas!) to help you pull together a website to celebrate your special day:

## What Is a Wedding Website?<a id="1"> </a>  

A __[wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__ is a special webpage created just for your wedding day. It’s a one-stop shop used to help you communicate crucial wedding details with your friends and family (only those who are wedding guests, of course!), such as venue details, the weekend itinerary, the dress code, where you’re registered, travel and accommodation information, as well as photos. For some couples, it acts as a website invitation wedding—and is also how guests RSVP to the event.

Basically, you can think of it as an online help desk for your wedding day, helping you stay organized and push out important information to your guests.

The good news is that you don’t need a fancy wedding website builder to create the website of your dreams (or just one that matches your wedding stationery). Use Zola to build a free wedding website that easily keeps all of your information—recommendations, ideas, photo albums, wedding hashtags, online RSVP form, and more—in one place.

Here’s how to do it—plus, what to include on a wedding website.

### The Goals of Wedding Websites are to:
1. Communicate with wedding guests and share important details that aren’t included in the invitation suite. 
2. Provide more background info about you and your partner. 
3. Share travel recommendations with your guests. 
4. Collect RSVPs from invited guests. (Optional)
5. Reiterate any information included on the invitation. 

<iframe width="720" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-XY5DUSnNf4" title="Everything to Put on Your Wedding Website #weddingwebsite #weddingplanning #zola" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## The 5 Ws of Wedding Websites<a id="2"> </a>  

### 1. WHO Should See Your Wedding Website? 
Typically, most couples make their wedding website public (so a guest who has misplaced their invitation can find it easily with a quick Google search), but if you choose to opt for a private website, your website should be shared with all of your wedding guests. 

### 2. WHAT Should You Include on Wedding Website?
What you include on your wedding website is ultimately up to you and how personalized you want your site to be. It’s best practice to include the following: 

- The location, date, and time of each wedding event (rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, wedding ceremony, wedding reception, farewell brunch)
- The suggested attire for each event
- Details about the wedding party (for example, the names of the bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor, and/or best man)
- Recommendations for nearby hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing 
- Where you are registered (including a link to your gift registry)
- Personal stories about you as a couple (how you met, your love story, or how you got engaged)
- RSVP information
- Photos from different points of your relationship 
- Engagement photos
- Travel information and transportation information (shuttle schedules, directions to the venue, reserved hotel blocks, parking, and, if you're hosting a destination wedding, flight and airline information)
- Any other need-to-know details about the event (for example, letting guests know you're hosting a child-free event or sharing details about handicap accessibility)
- FAQs

### 3. WHEN Should You Make/Share a Wedding Website? 
You should begin creating your wedding website as soon as you __[set your wedding date](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choosing-your-wedding-month)__ and have __[booked your wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue)__. Publish it and make it live at the same time you send __[save the dates](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choosing-your-wedding-month)__ (roughly 6-8 months before the wedding day). This gives your guests enough time to begin making travel plans if needed. 

### 4. WHERE Should You Share Your Wedding Website?
You should share your wedding website with your guest list via your save the dates (or even your wedding invitations) so they can easily go online to learn more details (and RSVP if you’ve opted to collect replies online).

But, what about sharing on social media? We recommend that you do not post your wedding website on your social media accounts. It creates confusion about who is actually invited and can lead to some uncomfortable conversations with uninvited individuals as a result.

### 5. WHY Should You Make a Wedding Website?
Save the dates and invitations are limited in terms of space and what’s acceptable to include on them. This puts a cap on what you can communicate to guests through snail mail. Having a wedding site online is great because it gives guests a place to go if they have questions, rather than bombarding you with texts, calls, and emails. And they make life easier for your guests, too, while making travel plans or in case they lose the wedding invitation.

## How to Make a Wedding Website <a id="3"> </a>  
Instructions for how to make a wedding website will be different for everyone, depending on which platform you choose for your wedding website (or whether you decide to build one from the ground up on your own). Regardless of which method you choose, creating a wedding website is done by following these steps:

### 1. Choose a site or platform. 

Might we suggest the __Zola wedding__ website tool? 

### 2. Pick a design, template, or theme (or create your own)
Zola has hundreds of wedding website templates to choose from. Pick a __[website design](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-website-examples-and-inspiration-themes-and-designs)__ that matches your wedding and invitations, and customize it to speak to your relationship and new chapter in your life.

### 3. Select a domain name.
When thinking of __[a domain name for your wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-website-url-ideas)__, choose something simple and easy to remember. You want a custom URL that is unique to you. Be sure to check if it’s already in use before committing to a name.

### 4. Add your event details.
Include all the necessary information, such as the date, venue (with the address and directions), wedding registry, RSVP date, and dress code. 

### 5. Personalize it.
Make your wedding website stand out from the rest by adding something personal to you and your love story. Add photos, how you two met, or a timeline of your relationship.

### 6. Include a link to your registry. 
Not only can you create your wedding registry through Zola, but you can also integrate your registry into your website too!

### 7. Set up your online wedding RSVP form (if using).
Offering an online wedding RSVP option makes it that much easier for your guests to respond. No need to worry about anything getting lost in the mail.

### 8. Proofread everything and test the links.
It may sound like a no-brainer, but do a grammar check on your website and make sure all the links are working properly. This prevents any issues or confusion when people visit your website. 

### 9. Publish it!
Setting up your wedding website through Zola is an easy process. Once it’s published, you can check this step off your to-do list!

### 10. Share the website link with guests (via your save the dates and/or invitations).
Don’t forget to double-check your URL before your invitation goes to print.

## Where to Make a Wedding Website <a id="4"> </a>
Clearly, we’re a bit biased, but the short answer is to __[make your wedding website on Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__. Our wedding website builder comes with all the features you need, for any wedding theme or style. Its functionality and versatility are reasons enough. Thankfully, there’s a lot of evidence to back up our claim:

- 100+ designs and wedding website templates
- Can be made private (via password protection) or public
- Match your website to your __[Zola Save the Dates and Invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop)__
- Integrates seamlessly with __[Zola’s Registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry)__, __[Guest List Manager](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests)__, and a full suite of tools
- Customize and change your template 
- Option to purchase a custom domain for a small fee
- Designs that look great across all devices
- Google maps integration

## What Makes Zola the Best Wedding Website Builder?
Now that you know how to make a wedding website, let’s jump into some of the reasons you’ll want to make that wedding website with Zola.

Zola is the best wedding website builder for a variety of reasons, including:

- __Wedding Website Templates.__ No matter the theme or style of your event, we have hundreds of [templates to fit your wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-your-wedding-website). And if you decide to go in a different direction? Not to worry—you can change your design at any time.

- __Managing RSVPs.__ Zola helps you take out the worry of waiting on RSVPs with our online RSVP feature. Forget about tracking RSVPs through the mail; with Zola, you can easily track responses through your wedding website. 

- __Wedding Invitations.__ With Zola, you can customize your wedding invitations to match your wedding and website. We also offer up to 5 [free customizable samples](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) so you can try different products until you find the perfect invitation. 

- __Wedding Gift Registry.__ Not only can you make your wedding website with Zola, but you can also make your wedding registry, which allows you to easily connect the two and make it easy for guests to find your registry and buy the perfect gift. 

- Pricing. Did we mention that it’s free? 

## Tips For Creating The Best Wedding Website<a id="5"> </a>  

Looking for some more wedding website advice? Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your wedding website:

### 1. Make the look and feel of your wedding website match the look and feel of your wedding. 
Chances are, you have a very specific wedding style—so why not match your website to that style? Look for ways to tie the look and feel of your website to the look and feel of your website. Match color schemes or use the same fonts on your website that you plan to use on your wedding programs and wedding place cards.

## 2. Choose a unique custom URL and domain name for your website
The URL to your wedding website should be self-explanatory but special to you and your wedding. With so many wedding domains already in use, you may need to get creative. You may need to add some detail to make sure guests are directed to the correct website. Instead of “TheSmiths.com” use “BobAndChrisSmithWedding2023” or something similarly unique.

### 3. Keep things short and to the point
Your wedding website is a great place to share information—but your guests don't want to have to read a novel in order to get the information they need. When writing your website, keep things short, concise, and to the point. Ideally, your guests should be able to easily navigate your website and quickly scan the text to find what they're looking for.

### 4. Include recommendations for fun activities for your guests
If you have guests traveling from out of town for your big day, you should include recommendations for fun things to do in the area. That way, your guests not only get to have a great time at your wedding, but they also get to have a great time exploring the area.

### 5. Share your wedding hashtag on your wedding website. 
If you have a wedding hashtag, share it on your wedding website so your guests know what hashtag to use before they attend the event.

### 6. Include a FAQs section
Trust us, having an FAQ page will limit the number of texts, emails, and calls from all your friends and family. Let your guests know if there is any specific gift registry information (such as making a donation instead of purchasing a gift from a wedding registry), Include information like handicap accessibility, plus ones, and dietary restrictions.

## Cherish The Memories<a id="6"> </a>  

Your wedding website is super helpful in the months and weeks leading up to your wedding. But it's also a great way to share all the amazing memories from your big day with your guests after the wedding.

Some elements you'll want to consider adding to your wedding website after you say your I do's include:

- A photo gallery of professional wedding photos and photos from social media
- Videos from your wedding ceremony and reception
- A personalized message thanking your guests for attending

Now that you know all the benefits of creating a beautiful wedding website, and where to do so, what are you waiting for? Start [designing your free wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) on Zola today!

wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender

What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?

a bridal shower card labeled "soon to be mrs." on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies

A Guide to Bridal Showers

green and white wedding invitation on green background

Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide

wedding cake prices and wedding cake costs

How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2023? 

Zola wedding website as seen on a laptop computer

10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue

Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet

How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Choose The Best Wedding Month 

2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola

How to Create Your Wedding Website: 10 Simple Steps 

One of the best parts of your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) is sharing the story of how you met. Though some guests may already know bits and pieces of how your romance started, writing it for everyone to read is a romantic and engaging way to have guests feel closer to you as a couple. Your guests also get to learn how your relationship began. 

Each couple has their own unique story to tell. How you craft it, is what makes the difference. Need inspiration?  Try one of our wedding story examples. We have hundreds of design options for you to choose from. These examples can help l give you an idea of length and tone to aim for when writing your own “How We Met Story.” For example:

*We first met at a classmate’s party and didn’t think much of it. One day, after a long day of back-to-back-classes a bunch of us went to a karaoke bar. Both of us picked the song, “I’d Do Anything for Love”, and it just clicked. They went low, I went high. There were fist pumps. We harmonized by accident. That’s pretty much when we thought, “OK. This could be something.” *

If you break down this example to use for crafting your own romantic telling, you’ll see how you should keep it to a few sentences with a few personal details sprinkled in. Start by answering these questions when thinking about how to write Our Story for your wedding website: 

- Where did you meet? 
- What happened and how did you feel after first being introduced?
- When was your first date or when did you first feel a spark?

These three questions are the foundation of every love story. Consider the parts of your relationship that make it yours. That means elaborating with specific details—that’s what makes your How We Met special. Remember, you’re sharing your story with your friends and family. 

Other ways you can incorporate your personalities and memories into this section of your wedding website include: funny moments spent together, travel experiences, shared interests, and plans for the future. 

## Funny Moments 
Don’t be afraid to add humor to your wedding website in your Our Story examples. For instance, this could be a funny anecdote about how you met or how your relationship evolved. Did your first meeting stem from miscommunication and end up with your two worlds colliding serendipitously? Were you both caught in a downpour? Missed a flight and met in the airport bar? Think of the parts of your story that make you smile. Those are the parts that will make your guests smile, too. 

![Beautiful Wedding Story Examples for Your Website](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/79cxWVMlTT4fjmA2vThqsS/455ea476fa5d35c1141e4c14e6462176/inline_boho-forest-elopement-styled-shoot_Ali_E.Photography.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Ali E. Photography

## Travel Experiences
You can use a travel experience to tell the story of how you met. Or, maybe it’s  part of your proposal story. Whether the proposal happened during a dreamy vacation on the beach or was a moment on a rugged backpacking expedition, these are the anecdotal moments people want to hear about when it comes to the spouses-to-be. Since the day you got engaged, the first question most people ask is: How did they propose? Give your guests the information they’re dying to know. Share the details of the moment on your wedding website.

## Historical Events
A question to ask yourself for a wedding story is, how did the path of history lead you to a destined path to each other? Was it when your favorite baseball team won the World Series? It could be the day your city experienced a blackout and you found out you were neighbors. Perhaps it was a personal moment like when you  started your first day at a new job and met your future partner at work. Or, it was when you met at the gym after starting  a new workout routine. Take a walk back through memory lane of what possibly led up to your chance meeting for the first time. You fell in love with your fiancé for a reason. Explain what lead you to want to marry your partner.

## Future Plans
Couples who have grown up together or are college sweethearts may feel as if everyone knows their origin story. If this is the case, include a peek into what your plans are for the future. For example, you can say something along the lines of, “We met in college and plan to pursue our dreams as a newly married couple in New York City.” The purpose of an About Us story is to take your guests on your journey with you up to this point, but also after your wedding day. Being witnesses to your nuptials is a special event that your loved ones don’t take lightly. 

## 4 Tips on How to Craft Your Wedding Story

### 1. Write Like You Speak 
Once you’ve decided on a direction you want to take for your version of Our Story for your wedding website, there are a few things to keep in mind as you craft it. First, write conversationally. Write as if you’re talking to a friend and add in your own slang and style into how you’d convey the story verbally. The story is not meant to be a professional record of how you met but rather an anecdotal, sweet tale of where the spark began. Keep it light and lively!

### 2. Keep It Short 
Second, keep it to a short paragraph. No need to incorporate every aspect about the way you met, although they are all important to the full story. Remember, your guests already have a sense of who you are individually and in some cases, as a couple. You don’t have to provide the full background on either of you to be able to put your wedding story into context. It’s not meant to read like a biography, a single, shared memory will do just fine. 

### 3. Add Color 
Third, if you want to elaborate on your story of how you met, share it through photos. There’s a section on the website where you can add a gallery of images. Allow these to further tell the tale of your romantic journey. Whether it’s the first apartment you’ve shared together, places you’ve traveled together, or how you currently spend your time as a couple, a lot of a life together can be shared through pictures when you are limited to the words you can use.

### 4. Use Your Outline 
Finally, if you’re feeling stuck, revert back to the outline of when, where, and how it all happened. Those are the basics for any good story and will leave your audience and wedding party satisfied and excited to read on about the proposal as well in anticipation for your wedding day. Sharing your wedding story on your website gives everyone a chance to relive the memories with you. It’s a way for couples to take a happy walk down memory lane.

## Try Writing Your Wedding Story from Different Perspectives
An alternative way to incorporate both of your personalities and writing styles is telling your own version of how you met. If you decide to go this route, keep the sentence length to a similar number of lines. This is a unique approach to show the memories of what each of you remember, first impressions, and how you both came to the same decision of starting a relationship from there. 

However you decide to approach your wedding story, keep it easy to read for your guests. Break up the summary into sections of one to two sentences per paragraph. By deciding on a framework together, you can come up with the tone that works best for you. Don’t sweat it too much, though. Everyone likes to be told a story, especially when it ends up in marriage. 

After you’ve both written your versions, swap and read them to make sure they flow well together. Have fun with it. Think of it as an additional way to secure the wonderful memories that lead you to where you are today.

## Following the Same Guidelines for Your Proposal Story
Once you’ve written your wedding story, it’s easier to write your proposal story. You’ll have a framework to work with and adjust to include how the proposal happened. You may find it’s easier to write the proposal story first, as it’s more recent. When crafting either your How We Met or Proposal story, stick to the basics first and then add in the details and humor as necessary. To elaborate, share photos about your journey. 

The wedding story section is one of the first parts of your website that you’ll want to fill out. It’s the area guests gravitate toward first. Give the telling of it the time and thought it deserves as you craft what you want to say. As long as you’re authentic and writing from a relaxed place, the words should flow fairly easily. 

You don’t have to be a professional writer to tell a great story, particularly one as beautiful as yours. Lead people to where the spark began and let them feel as happy in the moment of reading it as you are reliving it. 

![Beautiful Wedding Story Examples for Website](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2Nd3g3pFpY0Ysvi9P6xEds/2ed930b66e690053ae1b03afa0d8081f/inline_ethereal-desert-romance-styled-shoot_AcapelloPhotography.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Acapello Photography

What is a wedding website? Do you need one? Learn all about wedding websites, why they make wedding planning so much easier for you and your guests, and finally, how to create the perfect website for your wedding!

Writing your "About Us" story is a meaningful part of creating your beautiful __[wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__. It gives you a chance to reminisce about your relationship journey and gives you yet another reason to be excited for your wedding ceremony and celebration. While your website will include essential wedding details about your venue, dress code, and information about the spouses-to-be, it also provides the perfect opportunity to add a custom touch. That's why including a beautiful story about how the two of you met is highly recommended. It’s one of the most popular parts of a wedding site and in wedding planning overall. Your guests and member in your wedding party want to read it, so why not try to make it enjoyable and engaging for them?

A common way to approach writing an ‘about us’ story is to write the story of how you met. This approach helps relatives and friends from both sides who may not know you as a couple or may have met your significant other only a few times more insight into your relationship

However, some couples opt out of telling the story of how they met. Maybe your friends and family already know the details of your love story. Maybe you’re childhood sweethearts and everyone who is attending your wedding has watched your relationship grow. You can still have an About Us story and skip over the __[wedding website bios](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/5-lovely-wedding-website-bio-examples)__. 

For example, people want to know the story of the proposal. It’s probably the first question people ask when they learn about your engagement. You can share this moment instead of, or in addition to, a How We Met story. Other ideas include sharing a memorable date or milestone that you’ve experienced as a couple. Give information about each of your personalities and what you love about each other. Or talk about your love for each other and how you feel about getting married. [The best wedding website builders](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/make-wedding-website) will also offer an FAQs section where you can share some of the nitty gritty details, such as logistics and transportation, or arrangements for special dietary or mobility restrictions, etc. 

[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)

## “Our Story” Examples For Your Wedding Website

When coming up with your own wedding website’s About Us, think of a favorite moment from your relationship and share it with your loved ones. Here are five [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-website) examples inspired by Hollywood love stories to spark your creativity and inspiration for how to write your own story.

### 1. How We Met

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/2PfhbN1QHQM))

*"We were introduced through Sally’s college friend. We were both moving to New York (separately) from Chicago after graduation and Harry sat shotgun as Sally drove. We talked a lot on that road trip but parted ways as soon as we arrived in the city."* 

*"Throughout the years, though, we’d run into each other randomly and eventually, we started hanging out and became close friends."*

This example follows the classic guideline of answering who, what, where, and when. Fill in the blanks of the questions for yourself and think about who introduced you as a couple, what you were doing when you met, where the first meeting happened, and when you realized that a relationship might be a possibility.

### 2. The Proposal

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/mYJV_MXaTZc))

*"Michael was leaving on another extended business trip and as his train was pulling away, he rushed to the back and yelled out “Marry me!” to Kimmy who was standing on the platform."*

*"It was exhilarating and spontaneous and we both knew right then that no matter how many miles were between us or however many days we had to be apart. We wanted to be together for the rest of our lives."*

Was your proposal a well-planned out affair or a spontaneous moment based on a rush of love and emotions? Let your proposal story be guided by the details of how it happened and the feelings that surrounded it. When writing your proposal story, let it provide a glimpse into your life. This example shows the distance challenges the couple faced and how it worked itself into the actual proposal and setting of a wedding date. Add an engagement photo gallery as pictures do speak louder than words. 

![Zola Wedding Website Proposal](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1bDsrlJEKyVvmZYy94nRzv/3c940c5db4dbd3960ae0223058fc7994/inline_unsplash.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Simply Adrian Photography

### 3. Share a Memorable Date or Milestone

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/j7KxGeWPq0Y))

*"We wouldn’t call it a date necessarily. But we started spending a lot of time together when Kevin was assigned to write a story on Jane." *

*"Her always-a-bridesmaid-never-a-bride tale was intriguing to Kevin’s newspaper and he followed Jane closely as she prepared for the upcoming wedding season, including her sister’s semi-impromptu nuptials."* 

Inject humor when possible or specific details many may not know such as your first date or how you chose your destination wedding. It allows guests to feel like they have personal insight into what makes your love so special and will get everyone geared up for the big day.

### 4. Show Your Personalities

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/Q5YamCSxrBg))

*"Anna has lived in the spotlight her whole life. She likes jet-setting around the world and experiencing the finer things in life. William prefers his own quiet part of the world surrounded by only his closest friends and family. You’ll likely find his nose buried in a book." *

*"At first, our worlds collided serendipitously but not necessarily in a good way. But in the end, a change of pace is exactly what we both needed and we got to a place where we could completely be ourselves together. We found that we balance each other out in all the right ways." *

Showing parts of your personality individually also illustrates how you work together as a couple. It gives your wedding party and guests a chance to know more about both of you since the bride’s side may not know too much about the groom’s and vice-versa. It is also a great way for family members and best friends to learn more about you and your special other.

## 5. Reflecting on Your Love for Each Other

(Photo credit: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/FiJqlLlzoeI))

*Sara: When I met Alex, he seemed like another smooth talker trying to pick me up in a bar. While I must admit his suave demeanor was attractive, it was his sweet and thoughtful side that really drew me in*

*Alex: I was immediately awestruck when I first laid my eyes on her but knew I had to be creative to win her over. She was someone special; I could just tell.*

An About Us story can be short and sweet. Speak from the heart from your individual perspectives to keep it authentic and fill in the space by sharing your excitement about getting married. This will get your guests excited, too.

## Tips for Writing Your Own Story
The About Us section is one of the first parts you'll fill out on your website. Take your time when you create it. Write a few drafts before settling on the final story. Read your words aloud to each other and have fun laughing and reminiscing about fond memories before your wedding ceremony. Keep it to a few short paragraphs and add levity and authenticity when you write it. A few tips to keep in mind as you’re writing are:

- __Tip 1:__ Write it like a casual conversation, not a professional bio. It should read like you’re telling the tale in person to a guest. You want it to feel warm and inviting. Skip writing inside jokes but freely share the humor of a story. Guests want to feel like they have a bit of insider knowledge about the spouses-to-be.

- __Tip 2:__ Don’t overthink it. While most About us stories are about the length of a paragraph, if you want to sum it up in two or three sentences, do as you please. It’s about sharing your story in the way you want guests to receive it.

- __Tip 3:__ Make sure the story flows. If you are each writing from your own perspective, make sure each part is similar in length. You don’t want one of you to extend the writing to several lines while the other person only contributes one or two.

Following the Hollywood formula is useful as it answers the questions of who, what, when, where, and how. It also shows how to focus on the important details and select private moments.

![Zola Wedding Website Photo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7iMxcB3Lsjs2rhBGZsN8Gs/161cd2722cc9508f4576a85c68d593d5/inline_simplyadriphotography.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Simply Adri Photography

### Let Your Wedding Website Design Guide Your Words

Choose from one of hundreds of [wedding website templates](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-website-examples-and-inspiration-themes-and-designs). Each will guide you to where and how much you should add to your wedding website’s About Us story. Using templates helps you decide __[what to put on your wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-z-list-of-what-to-put-on-your-wedding-website)__. You’re able to preview how it looks on the screen and decide if you want to add or delete words to make it easier to read. The design enhances the story by also reflecting your personalities and style of your upcoming nuptials. 

Match your website to your wedding theme. Whether it’s an elegant evening affair, an afternoon countryside ceremony, or one of the many other aesthetics and locations in between, you’ll find one that sets the tone for your big day. This can also be extended to your RSVP, guest list, wedding registry, and wedding invitations. 

Part of creating your wedding website means taking a walk down memory lane while at the same time preparing for the future. It’s a special time so make sure you savor the moment when getting ready for your wedding day!

### Zola, Your Best Wedding Website Option

With Zola, you not only get a free [wedding website template](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/20-most-popular-zola-wedding-website-templates) but also a unique and customizable one with many features. Not only is there an exhaustive wedding registry to choose from, but the variety of designs and templates to add your personality to your wedding website design is huge. You also receive a completion discount for items pending in your wedding registry past your wedding date so go ahead and set up your own [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) and [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) at Zola to see how easy and convenient a platform it is as you plan for your big day.

A Guide to Invitation Enclosure Cards

A Guide to Reception-Only Invitations

Your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website "Free Wedding Website Templates & Builder (Ideas & Themes) | Zola") serves two purposes. For starters, it provide your guests a place to revisit wedding details, including all of the information they’ll need to attend the reception and ceremony. Secondly, it provides them with personal insight into who you are as a couple your love story, and the people you’ve invited to be part of your wedding party. Crafting wedding website bios deserves thoughtful consideration. 

The wedding party is made up of those who mean the most to you. They’re who you asked to stand up with you at your wedding ceremony. Naturally, your guests will want to get to know a little bit about them. Under the wedding party section of the design template of your choice, there are a couple of examples to spark your creativity and get the writing juices flowing. Here is a preview of two different examples from the collection of wedding website designs. 

[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)

### 1. Brief Bio Example
In just a short sentence or two, each of these wedding party bios shows the relation of the wedding guest to the couple as well as an anecdotal detail that illustrates the bond. 

- Maid of Honor - Sure, she’s just two years older than us, but she’s the mama bear of the group forever.

- Best Man - Rec frisbee teammate in college. Friz for life!

- Bridesmaid - We shared a cubby in preschool.e were neat freaks then, and neat freaks now!

- Groomsman - Yes, he introduced the happy couple. He gets a seat at the table.

### 2. Poetry Bio Example
These wdding bio examples put a twist on the first version with added humor and details. When writing your own wedding website bios, inject your own personal flair into the words. 

- Maid of Honor - Sure, she’s two years older than the bride, but she might as well have been a twin.

- Best Man - Lacrosse teammate in high school throughout college. You could say it’s a bromance, but it might be more than that (and Kate’s trying not to be jealous). 

- Bridesmaid - We shared a cubby in preschool. We were neat freaks then and neat freaks now, as evidenced by the spotless apartment we shared until my engagement!

- Groomsman - Yes, he introduced the happy couple. He gets a seat at the table.

The goal of writing these bios is for your friends and family to feel as if they know a little something about your groomsmen and bridal party before the big day. While your wedding site will include practical details, such as accommodations and directions to the ceremony, the bios section makes your website fun and engaging.

Other wedding website bio examples may include how long you’ve known the different members of your wedding party, where you met, and why you’ve decided to include them in your wedding celebration. 

### 3. How Long You’ve Known Each Other Bio Examples
- Maid of Honor - Seeing as she’s my sister, I’ve known her my whole life and couldn’t imagine having anyone else standing by my side on my wedding day.

- Best Man - Mark and I have been friends since Miss Elaine’s kindergarten class and have shared many of life’s big moments. It means the world to me to have him there on the day I get married.

- Bridesmaid - Whitney and I were neighbors growing up and our parents have been friends forever. She’s like another member of the family. 

- Groomsman - Matt and I were college roommates and our annual fishing trip is still going strong 10 years later. 

![Lovely Wedding Website Bio Examples](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/HRU2Q9aCeYO4RVo4Bs1Qk/d3ccf216bc1454607b5572a84e14e8cc/inline_glam-black-tie-wedding-at-the-four-seasons-downtown-4_FionaConradPhotography.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Fiona Conrad Photography

### 4. Where You Met Bio Examples
- Maid of Honor - Five years ago, Candice and I met at a party we both wanted to leave. We headed to a bar close by and laughed over martinis. We’ve still been doing our own thing as besties ever since.

- Best Man - Who knew my marathon training partner would turn out to be one of my best friends getting ready to stand by me on my wedding day?

- Bridesmaid - Rachel and I met in Mr. Gilmore’s homeroom sophomore year where we got in trouble frequently for passing notes. 

- Groomsman - I met John on my first day on the job at Qualcomm 10 years ago. Our friendship has outlasted that job and many others since then.

### 5. Why You’ve Decided to Include Them Bio Examples
- Maid of Honor - Candice is my loving, spirited sister who has my back no matter what, so of course, I’d want her to hold my bouquet and be by my side as my MoH. 

- Best Man - Mark and I are “thick as thieves” as our parents used to say. We fought as brothers do, but he’s my best friend and the obvious choice for my Best Man.

- Bridesmaid - As a longtime family neighbor, Rachel and I have known each other since the day we were born. She’s been with me through all of my big life moments.

- Groomsman - John and I haven’t lived in the same city since college, but we’re always able to pick up right where we left off whenever we’re together.

You can tell the story in a number of ways.  Wedding party bios will depend on which direction you want to go when sharing details and personal glimpses into the lives of your wedding party members and what they mean to you.. The only challenging part is likely how to simplify a lifetime of knowing each other into only a few sentences. 

## How to Get Started With Writing Wedding Party Bios
If you’re having a tough time knowing where to begin, take it step by step. Act like you’re talking to a friend, which is ultimately what you’re doing through your website. With the structure of the design templates to help guide you, it makes it easier to know which bios go where and how much information to include. A few tips to keep in mind when writing website bios are: 

- Keep the bios short, sweet, and reflective of your personality
- Add humor, but keep the inside jokes and potentially - embarrassing details private
- Maintain a light tone throughout
- Use proper names so wedding guests are clear about who you are talking about

You’re sharing an introduction to some of the most important people in your wedding celebration. While some of your guests may be familiar with who they are, there are others who will be meeting them for the first time. Give off a good impression as you write the bios for your wedding party. 

As for who to include on your website, this can be limited to your wedding party. However, the bios can extend to include parents, flower girl, ring bearer, wedding officiant, and any other person who has a significant role in the ceremony. 

### Ideas for Wedding Website Bios
In addition to thinking about how long you’ve known each other and where you met, there are other ways to come up with your website bios. One first idea is to put the work on your party, so to speak. Send out a quick questionnaire to the members of your wedding party that asks them to share a favorite memory or activity they like doing with you. This will jumpstart your memory and inspiration of what to include for each person. 

Another idea is to pinpoint a significant event you’ve shared together. Examples might be college, sharing an apartment, attending a concert, or traveling to a different country. Think of a short list of big moments that you have shared and what kind of stories came out of those experiences. These anecdotal moments are fun to reminisce about and will set the scene for those who are reading about them on your website. 

You can also think of icebreakers guests can ask members of your wedding party or ways to get to know them better. For example, if your maid of honor is a travel enthusiast, guests can ask her about her most recent trip. If your best man is a marathon runner, guests can ask about what his favorite race has been. 

While the focus of the celebration will land squarely on you as a couple, there will be loved ones from both sides who may be intermingling for the first time. Since you won’t likely have time for one-to-one introductions for your entire guest list, bios are a way to give a virtual wedding party introduction and a place to spark a conversation.

### Sentiment Matters Most When It Comes to Wedding Bios
Even if you feel like you can’t come up with the perfect words to describe what your wedding party means to you, as long as you come from an authentic place, the sentiment will be there. Be intentional with your wording, and it’ll be clear their importance in your life as individuals and as a couple. If all else fails, use the bio as a way to thank them for being part of your celebration and your journey as a couple. 

Take the examples we’ve shared and make them your own. Your family and friends are excited to be a part of your wedding moments with you, so no need to put too much pressure on crafting bios. Simply give them an idea of who the people are who you've chosen to stand up for on your wedding day. Keep them lighthearted and fun, sentimental and short, and you’ll be all set. You have this!

![Lovely Wedding Website Bio Examples](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2Vfymt8FT1zhoYiqOuN53r/26d8bfc551816d6ca7cbd11f87779139/Inline_black-tie-wedding-with-rustic-elegance-27_KimberlyCoccagnia.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Kimberly Coccagnia

Gone are the days of relying solely on snail mail to inform your guests about your wedding day. Thanks to [wedding websites](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/8-ways-to-create-a-personalized-wedding-website), you can efficiently communicate all of the important details about your big day in one place.

Better yet, wedding websites with a landing page are more convenient for your guests, especially those who are prone to losing physical invitations. Your guests can refer back to your __[wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__ any time they have questions about your wedding date, location, registry information, or FAQs.

Also, ban any thoughts that using technology, such as an online RSVP or wedding landing page is tacky. Although older guests may wonder how QR codes work or want a printed wedding program, utilizing technology helps modern wedding guests stay engaged.

Use QR codes for your wedding website and invitations. Having a QR code wedding invitation is unique, but it’s also easily scannable for anyone who has a smartphone camera. They also aren’t difficult to DIY to keep destination wedding details and wedding RSVPs close at hand. And that’s just one of many ways that tech can help keep your wedding planning organized.

So, what is the best way to share your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-website-url-ideas) with your guests? While there aren’t decades of etiquette or tradition behind this innovative tool, we have some suggestions for how you can share it in a classy way. Below, we’ll discuss:

- <a href="#web">__What is a Wedding Website?__</a>
- <a href="#share">__What to Share on Your Wedding Website__</a>
- <a href="#how">__How to Share Your Wedding Website__</a>
- <a href="#explore">__How to Encourage Your Guests to Explore Your Wedding Website__</a>

### What is a Wedding Website?<a id="web"> </a>

A wedding website is a personalized website [created and shared](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-should-i-make-a-wedding-website) by an engaged couple. Its purpose is to act as a touchpoint for your guests to access information about your wedding day (or weekend). Typically, your website will include details such as your wedding date, location, and travel accommodations. However, couples may also use theirs to share how they met and introduce their wedding party. Note: If you build a free website with a wedding company, such as Zola, you can also use it to share your gift registry and collect digital RSVPs.

## How to Share Your Wedding Website<a id="share"> </a>

While __[wedding websites have a lot to offer](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/make-wedding-website)__, yours won’t do much good if your guests never see it. Fortunately, there are many classy ways to share your wedding website with your guests that make finding information a snap. Here are a few suggestions of where to place the link to your wedding website:

### 1. Include it on the Save the Dates.
Your save the date is the first place you can share your wedding website URL with your guests. Simply list the URL in dainty text somewhere underneath your main message, or add in a QR code that can take your guests straight to your website in a snap.

If your save the date card doesn’t have enough space for your URL, you can also send a “details” enclosure card along with it. Use this card to encourage your guests to visit your wedding website for additional wedding details.

[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)

### 2. Use an enclosure card in your formal invitation suite.
If your wedding website wasn’t published when you sent out your save the dates, don’t worry. You can share your URL when you send out your formal invitations too. Many guests will save these invitations for future reference, so they’re a great place to include your URL. This is also the perfect opportunity to include an easily scannable QR code.

### 3. Add it to your wedding shower or bach party invitations.
Include your wedding website URL on all of the invitations for wedding-related festivities leading up to your big day. This will give your guests more opportunities to check out your website while your wedding is fresh in their minds. Keeping this information handy is vital to making everything easy on your attendees.

### 4. Send it via email or text message.
Chances are, you already communicate with most of your guests by email or text. Since you have everyone's contact information, use it to share your [wedding website URL as a clickable link](https://help.zola.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002259412-How-do-I-share-my-website-with-my-guests-). Clicking on a link from a laptop or a smartphone is much easier than typing in a URL manually, especially for your less tech-savvy guests. Your guests can also save this text or email message for future reference in case they lose their invitation.

At Zola, we offer a streamlined process for sharing your special link via email. All you have to do is go to your [“Guest List”](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) in the Zola Weddings dashboard. From there, you can:

- Add an email address for each guest on your list

- Check each guest’s name or simply click “Select All”.

- Click the “Bulk Actions” dropdown menu.

- Choose “Send Message”.

- Write a brief message in the field and include your wedding website link and password (if you have one) at the end. An example message might look something like this: “We are so excited to invite you to our wedding. To learn all of the details about our big day, check out our wedding website at www.OurWedding.com. The website’s password is LOVE2021.”

### 5. Make a private Facebook group.
As far as social media goes, Facebook still reigns supreme—everyone seems to have an account. In turn, it’s a convenient place to share your wedding website link too. Post your website in a private group made up of your wedding guests, as opposed to a status update or in a public group. Sharing your link privately will prevent you from hurting any friends’ or family members’ feelings who didn’t make it onto the guest list.

You can enhance the privacy of your website by protecting it with a password. At Zola, you can __[create a custom website password](https://help.zola.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002135571-How-do-I-make-my-website-password-protected-)__ in a few easy steps. This will avert any random internet onlookers from stumbling upon your information. It will also prevent uninvited acquaintances from seeing all of your wedding details. Just make sure to use a password that’s easy for your guests to remember and simple to spell.

### 6. Create a QR code and add it where you need it.
Folks are now pretty familiar with how to use a custom QR code. Nowadays, many restaurants use them instead of paper menus, and you can create a dynamic QR code to convey information to your wedding guests. Similar to barcodes, you can use a QR code generation to create QR codes specific to your big day. 

Things like links to your dress code, wedding invitation cards, venue directions, and RSVP cards can all be turned into scannable images using a free QR code generator. Some sellers on Etsy can create a QR code resembling a shape to coordinate with your invitation design. Think about how easy it would be for your guests to scan a QR code RSVP using their smartphone camera. They can easily let you know if they’ll be celebrating with you on your big day. 

### How to Encourage Your Guests to Explore Your Wedding Website

Creating a wedding website can be a ton of fun. However, it also takes up a lot of precious wedding planning time. You have to write out all of your FAQ answers, research local lodging and transportation options for your guests, and get the design just right.

After all of that work, you want to make sure that your guests use your wedding website to its full potential.

To encourage them to explore your website, try out these strategies with your specific site:

- __Prompt them with an informative message:__ When you share your URL on your save the dates, invitations, enclosure cards, and Facebook posts, make sure to include a brief message explaining why your guests should visit your wedding website. Without this message, they may not realize how important it is to check it out. Here are some short and sweet message ideas you can use for inspiration:

- *Check out our website to RSVP and learn more about our special day: insert link*

- *To learn more about our wedding, registry, and more, visit our wedding website:*

- *Get all of the details about our wedding day and RSVP here*

- *For directions, lodging suggestions, and other FAQs, check out our wedding website*

- __Invest in a custom domain name:__ Typing in a complex URL with a string of numbers, letters, and slashes can be difficult for your guests. To make things easier on them, consider purchasing a custom domain name. With a custom domain name, your wedding website URL will read as “JackAndJill.com,” rather than “Zola.com/wedding/JackAndJill.com.” Choosing a custom URL that’s catchy and easy to spell will also increase the chances that your guests type it in correctly and make it onto your website.

- __Employ a user-friendly layout:__ Once your guests get to your website, you want to make sure that they find all of the information they’re looking for with ease. To do so, clearly label each section of your website and arrange the content in an order that flows naturally.

- __Impress your visitors with stylish design:__ Your wedding website is a place where you can showcase your style and creativity. Make sure that you choose an attractive wedding website template and upload beautiful photos. Stylish web design will captivate your visitors’ attention and keep them on your website.

Whether your wedding is elegant, rustic, beachy, or bohemian, Zola has a wedding website template that will compliment your theme. Better yet, each of our wedding website themes has matching __[invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop)__, __[save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)__, and __[enclosure cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/enclosures/shop)__. By choosing a cohesive design for all of your wedding materials, you can set the tone for your big day.

## Aid and Impress Guests With a Wedding Website from Zola
A wedding website can help share all of your wedding information with your guests in one convenient location. By using a combination of methods to share your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-website), you can increase the chances that all of your guests find their way onto yours and use it to its full potential.

Zola makes it simple to create free, __[beautifully designed wedding websites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/designs)__ that are easy to navigate and convenient to share. You can even search our templates by color so that yours matches your wedding theme. Leading up to your wedding, you and your guests will appreciate the ease, user-friendly nature, and convenience of this crucial wedding planning tool.

The functionality of Zola’s invitation designs is easy to navigate, making it easy for both tech-savvy and older generations to find information on your site. Minimalist fonts are available for couples who want a sleeker invitation template, and perhaps the best part is that you can select an invitation design to coordinate with your Zola wedding website. Nowadays, having a wedding website is essential and almost expected, so make things simple for your guests — from bridesmaids to your grandparents — by finding the [perfect template](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/20-most-popular-zola-wedding-website-templates) today.

## How to Share Your Wedding Website<a id="how"> </a>

While [wedding websites have a lot to offer](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/make-wedding-website), yours won’t do much good if your guests never see it. Fortunately, there are many classy ways to share your wedding website with your guests. You can include it:

<a id="sots"> </a>
### 1. On the Save the Dates
Your save the date is the first place you can share your wedding website URL with your guests. Simply list the URL in dainty text somewhere underneath your main message.

If your save the date card doesn’t have enough space for your URL, you can also send a “details” enclosure card along with it. Use this card to encourage your guests to visit your wedding website for additional wedding details. 

### 2. On an enclosure card in your formal invitation suite
If your wedding website wasn’t published when you sent out your save the dates, don’t worry. You can share your URL when you send out your formal invitations too. Many guests will save these invitations for future reference, so they’re a great place to include your URL. 

### 3. On your wedding shower or bach party invitations
Include your wedding website URL on all of the invitations for wedding-related festivities leading up to your big day. This will give your guests more opportunities to check out your website while your wedding is fresh in their minds.

<a id="link"> </a>
### 4. Via email or text message

Chances are, you already communicate with most of your guests by email or text. Since you have everyone's contact information, use it to share your wedding website URL as a clickable link. Clicking on a link from a laptop or a smartphone is much easier than typing in a URL manually, especially for your less tech-savvy guests. Your guests can also save this text or email message for future reference in case they lose their invitation.

At Zola, we offer a streamlined process for [sharing your special link via email or text](https://help.zola.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002259412-How-do-I-share-my-website-with-my-guests-). All you have to do is go to your “Guest List” in the Zola Weddings dashboard. From there, you can:

- Add an email address or phone number for each guest on your list
- Check each guest’s name or simply click “Select All”.
- Click the “Bulk Actions” dropdown menu. 
- Choose “Send Message”.
- Write a brief message in the field and include your wedding website link and password (if you have one) at the end. An example message might look something like this: “We are so excited to invite you to our wedding. To learn all of the details about our big day, check out our wedding website at www.OurWedding.com. The website’s password is LOVE2021.”

### 5. In a private Facebook group
As far as social media goes, Facebook still reigns supreme—everyone seems to have an account. In turn, it’s a convenient place to share your wedding website link too. Post your website it in a private group made up of your wedding guests, as opposed to a status update or in a public group. Sharing your link privately will prevent you from hurting any friends’ or family members’ feelings who didn’t make it onto the guest list.

You can enhance the privacy of your website by protecting it with a password. At Zola, you can [create a custom website password](https://help.zola.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002135571-How-do-I-make-my-website-password-protected-) in a few easy steps. This will avert any random internet onlookers from stumbling upon your information. It will also prevent uninvited acquaintances from seeing all of your wedding details. Just make sure to use a password that’s easy for your guests to remember and simple to spell. 

![When Should I Make a Wedding Website](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/sLKCakFGZZzhLUqPFfwbg/2ec593f04e02c3cd13836ad9b65db680/Hero_Zola__1_.jpg) *Photo Credit* // Zola

## How to Encourage Your Guests to Explore Your Wedding Website<a id="explore"> </a>

Creating a wedding website can be a ton of fun. However, it also takes up a lot of precious wedding planning time. You have to write out all of your FAQ answers, research local lodging and transportation options for your guests, and get the design just right. 

After all of that work, you want to make sure that your guests use your wedding website to its full potential.

To encourage them to explore your website, try out these strategies: 

- __Prompt them with an informative message:__ When you share your URL on your save the dates, invitations, enclosure cards, and Facebook posts, make sure to include a brief message explaining why your guests should visit your wedding website. Without this message, they may not realize how important it is to check it out. Here are some short and sweet message ideas you can use for inspiration:

- *Check out our website to RSVP and learn more about our special day: insert link*
- *To learn more about our wedding, registry, and more, visit our wedding website:*
- *Get all of the details about our wedding day and RSVP here*
- *For directions, lodging suggestions, and other FAQs, check out our wedding website*

- __Invest in a custom domain name:__ Typing in a complex URL with a string of numbers, letters, and slashes can be difficult for your guests. To make things easier on them, consider purchasing a custom domain name. With a custom domain name, your wedding website URL will read as “JackAndJill.com,” rather than “Zola.com/wedding/JackAndJill.com.” Choosing a custom URL that’s catchy and easy to spell will also increase the chances that your guests type it in correctly and make it onto your website.

- __Employ a user-friendly layout:__ Once your guests get to your website, you want to make sure that they find all of the information they’re looking for with ease. To do so, clearly label each section of your website and arrange the content in an order that flows naturally. 

- __Impress your visitors with stylish design:__ Your wedding website is a place where you can showcase your style and creativity. Make sure that you choose an attractive wedding website template and upload beautiful photos. Stylish web design will captivate your visitors’ attention and keep them on your website. 

Whether your wedding is elegant, rustic, beachy, or bohemian, Zola has a wedding website template that will compliment your theme. Better yet, each of our wedding website themes has matching [invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), [save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop), and [enclosure cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/enclosures/shop). By choosing a cohesive design for all of your wedding materials, you can set the tone for your big day.

## Aid and Impress Guests With a Wedding Website from Zola
A wedding website can help share all of your wedding information with your guests in one convenient location. By using a combination of methods to share your wedding website, you can increase the chances that all of your guests find their way onto yours and use it to its full potential.

Zola makes it simple to create free, [beautifully dessigned wedding websites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/designs) that easy to navigate, and convenient to share. You can even search our templates by color so that yours matches your wedding theme. Leading up to your wedding, you and your guests will appreciate the ease, user-friendly nature, and convenience of this crucial wedding planning tool.

How to Share Your Wedding Website

As part of your wedding planning process, consider creating a beautiful wedding website to host all your wedding information. Yes, this means adding another thing to your wedding to-do list, but trust us, it’ll be worth it! If you need some help on [how to write your wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-your-wedding-website), don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through the ins and outs of creating a wedding website. Keep reading to discover Zola’s best tips on building your own wedding website, starting with choosing the right website URL for your wedding website. 

- <a href="#101">Wedding Website URLs 101</a>
- <a href="#templates">10 Ideas and Templates for Wedding Website URLs</a>
- <a href="#setup">How to Set Up a Wedding Website</a>
- <a href="#custom">Customizing Your Wedding Website to Match Your Custom URL</a>

## Wedding Websites 101<a id="101"> </a>

Wedding websites are fantastic because they provide a __[central place for details on your forthcoming nuptials](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-website)__. All the useful info, such as the date, time, and address, can be kept in one place.

There’s also room on your website to spotlight other fun and helpful tidbits for your wedding. Couples who want a place to share their love story can do so on a separate page. And, if you’re looking for a way to subtly link your __[wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-does-a-wedding-registry-work-the-experts-guide)__, Zola makes it easy by integrating your online registry directly into your wedding site.

Before you can set up an online hub for your wedding, the first thing that you need to decide is what the name and URL of your website will be. The name of your website will build the foundation for everything else that comes after. 

![[Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)

### The Dos and Don’ts of Wedding URLs<a id="dos"> </a>

While anyone can register a domain name, good website names are hard to come by. That’s why we’ve put together this list of dos and don’ts to help you navigate the pitfalls of wedding URLs.

__Do:__

- __Check ahead of time to see if your URL hasn’t already been taken:__ If you’re registering your own website domain, you’ll need to make sure that the name you want is still available, and then lock it down to get started.

- __Make your URL as brief as possible:__ When it comes to URLs, the best wedding websites are short and sweet. Long URLs will make your __[wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop)__ look cluttered and unprofessional.

- __Keep your URL simple:__ Complicated URLs are difficult to remember. If your friend loses your invitation and can’t remember the name of your website, they won’t have access to all the info they need. Plus, for family members who aren’t tech-savvy, a long and complicated address means more room for error when typing.

- __Use nicknames:__ Nicknames are a simple and cute workaround if you have an unusual or uniquely spelled name. They’re also a smart option if your actual birth names aren’t available anymore.

__Don’t: __

- __Misspell words on purpose:__ If the website name you want is unavailable, don’t try to work around it by misspelling words. Chances are that your guests will enter the correct spelling and get sent to the wrong couples’ website. 

- __Use special symbols:__ Non-alphabetical or non-numeric characters will be confusing when sending URLs. Hyphens can often be mistaken for underscores on paper. And, if you tell your mom over the phone that your website is Tina&Celine.com, chances are that she’ll try TinaandCeline.com or TinaNCeline.com before the ampersand. 

- __Use the full date of your wedding in the URL:__ You may not be the only Darren and Zoe ever to get married, so don’t try to remedy the matter by using your wedding date in the URL. DarrenZoe04102021.com is a mouthful and can be incredibly confusing if your international guests are used to a different calendar format.

Websites are more accessible now than ever for anyone to make or use, but don’t fall for common mistakes when registering a domain. Stick with these guidelines and you’ll have a website that makes your life easier, instead of sending your guests straight to the 404 error page. 

## 10 Ideas and Templates for Wedding Website URLs<a id="templates"> </a>

Coming up with an idea for your wedding website can be a fun and easy activity for you and your partner. There are many __[website themes and designs](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-website-examples-and-inspiration-themes-and-designs)__ to choose from that reflect your relationship and personality. If you’re both blanking on where to start, though, we’re here to help.

Use these wedding website ideas and templates as a starting point as you brainstorm your URL:

<a id="combo"> </a>

### 1. A“(First Name) and (First Name)” URL
This template is a classic and effortlessly chic option. Many couples prefer a template that uses both of their first names, as it’s simple and to the point.

This template is also easy to remember, and it puts the focus on the two people getting married. You'll be able to quickly rattle off the name of a website when talking to a friend, and they'll have an easier time remembering it. You could always drop the “and” if your names are long or if you prefer the way the URL looks without it.

__Examples:__ 
- *SamandAlexa.com*
- *SamAlexa.com*

### 2. “(First Name) plus (First Name)” URL
This template uses the same logic as the previous one, but provides a slightly more playful structure. The equation format is reminiscent of romantic high school crushes doodling hearts around their names in notebooks. “Jack + Diane = True Love.” 

__Examples:__
- *KillianplusGeorge.com*
- *SaraplusDan.com*

### 3. “The (Last Name)s” URL
If you or your partner are planning on taking the other’s surname, what better time than the pre-wedding period to test out how this sounds and looks? Surnames make short and concise URLs that get straight to the point.

__Examples:__ 
- *TheMcDonnells.org*
- *The Wilsons.net*

### 4. “The (Hyphenated Surnames)” URL
For those modern couples who will be combining last names once you’re married, debut your new hyphenated surnames in your wedding website URL. That way, you can give your guests a hint of how you’d like to be addressed once you’re married, so as to avoid any awkward toasts at the reception.

__Examples:__
- *ThePolanskiShens.com*
- *TheSanchezSmiths.com*

### 5. Add Your Wedding Year to Your URL
Adding the year of your wedding after your name is a popular option for both a wedding website and a wedding hashtag. It’s less cluttered than including the full month and date (a URL faux pas), but still excites anticipation for your upcoming celebration.

__Examples:__
- *AikoandRachel2021.com*
- *TheChangs2021.net*

### 6. Put the “Wedding” in Your Wedding Website
If the above options are a little too plain and bland for your tastes, adding the word “wedding” to your names will make it crystal clear exactly what this website is about. Combine this with your wedding year for a URL that has all the details.

__Examples:__
- *FredBeeWedding.org
- GoldsteinsWedding2021.com*

### 7. Use Suffixes in Your Wedding URL
Couples who want to try new forms of address can throw in the appropriate suffixes into their wedding URL.

__Examples:__
- *MrandMrsPark2021.com*
- *MrsandMrsWilkinson.net*
- *MrandDrGarciaHaw.com*

### 8. Set the Scene With Destination Wedding URLs
Jetsetting couples hosting their marital celebrations in a destination wedding can make the location a focal point in their URLs. Not only will a __[destination wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/destination-wedding-website-help-your-guests-prepare-for-your-wedding)__ URL provide a unique website name, but it’ll immediately signal to your guests that the wedding location might require some travel.

__Examples:__
- *TheTruongsinVietnam.wedding*
- *MattandFarahinFrance.com*
- *JamieAshgotoMilan2021.net*

### 9. Add Wedding or Love-Themed Phrases
If one or both of you are wordsmiths, you can play around and add some romantic wedding-related words to your website name. Just remember to keep it concise and straightforward.

__Examples:__
- *MinawedsNick.com
- DavelovesJin2021.love
- TheBrownsHappilyEver.wedding
- Zoesaidyes.org*

### 10. Use a Different Domain Extension for Your URL
The most familiar domain extension for websites is “.com,” but you don’t have to stick with that option when it comes to your wedding URL. Couples looking to change things up or navigating around an unavailable ".com" website domain can use a different extension.

Other common extensions include:
- .org
- .net
- .me
- .online

If you’d like to stick closer to the wedding theme in your website, use an unusual, but on-point extension such as:
- .love
- .wedding

Website hosting platforms such as Squarespace can help you check domain availability and suggest alternative combos for your website. Registration on website domains for regular use, such as weddings, usually won’t cost more than $20/year, so it’s an affordable option for couples who want to go the extra mile.

__Examples:__
- *PeggyandSteve2021.love*
- *AmaniplusAdam.wedding*

If you don’t want to fuss around registering and paying for your own wedding domain, Zola can help you with our __[free and customizable website builder](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__ tools. Those who decide on this option won’t need a custom domain name, but, if you want, you can add one to your __[Zola site for as low as $14.95](https://help.zola.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001755451-Does-Zola-sell-custom-domain-names-?%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=711383717283485260)__.

With hundreds of gorgeous designs, Zola makes it simple to set up a website that still feels like “you.”

## Customizing Your Wedding Website to Match Your Custom URL<a id="custom"> </a>

So, you’ve got a lock on a custom website URL and an outline of the kind of website that you want. But how can you take it one step further and make your wedding website something that reflects who you are as a couple?

Using templates from website builder programs doesn’t mean that you’ll end up with a wedding page that looks like everyone else’s. With minimal effort and work, you can transform your website into a stunning and unique portal for your special day.

### Include an “About Us” Section
The best way to personalize a wedding website is to get a little personal—so tell us a little about yourselves with a [wedding website bio](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-website-bio-couple-story-templates). Couples with adorable meet-cutes or first-date stories should feel free to share the details here.

If you have trouble talking about yourself, ask your partner to write a little bio about you (and vice versa)—this can be a sweet and romantic activity for both of you. Think about little habits or quirks that you love about your SO and small jokes that make both of you laugh. 

### Introduce the Wedding Party
Take advantage of your digital space to dedicate a page to your wedding party. Write short bios for each attendant that include their role in the party and why they’re special to you.

Tell the story of how your cousin made you pinky swear that you’d make him your person of honor when you were 10 in this space, or share the time that you met your bridesmaid rock climbing. This section can be a thoughtful way to acknowledge and thank the people who will be standing by you as you enter a new chapter of your lives.

### Decorate Your Website With Pictures
Pictures are a fantastic way to make your website all about you. If you have albums of film from a romantic vacation abroad or beautiful shots from your engagement photos, now’s the time to put them to use. 

Here are some creative ways to utilize photos on the website:

- Feature your favorite shots from your engagement on the landing page.

- Use different pictures on the headers for each page of your website.

- Break up chunks of text with images of the two of you.

- Include side-by-side photos of you two as babies.

- Create an interactive page for guests to upload pictures and videos they take at your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or on the wedding day so that you can look back on your website after the honeymoon.

Customizing your wedding website with personal details and images will help your website stand out and feel unique to you. You can be as creative as you want, even when you’re using a designed template. 

## Use Zola for All Your Wedding Website Needs
Now that you’ve got everything you need to create the ultimate wedding website, you can start organizing all the details of your big day online. Keep track of your guest list and upcoming booking deadlines by using Zola’s online RSVP and wedding checklist. Add your __[wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-dos-donts-when-creating-wedding-registry)__ so guests can easily view it. Include a section on your website to provide dress code information, any social media hashtags, and FAQs your guests may be interested in. __[Give our wedding website builder a try](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__― it has everything you need in one place. 

Found a website template you love, but are still undecided on which paper options to use for everything else? Zola pairs our free website designs with matching paper products so that your wedding aesthetic is the same both on- and offline.

Order a free sample invite to see your dream design brought to life on paper. With Zola’s __[premium paper suite collections](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper)__, you’ll never have to worry about mismatched fonts or clashing color palettes.

Wedding Website URL Ideas

You [wrote your “how we met” story](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-your-wedding-website), uploaded your [beautiful engagement photos](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-get-most-out-of-your-engagement-photos), and [created your wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/registry/registry-basics/tips-for-creating-a-wedding-registry). This can only mean one thing: you completed your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website). Congrats! Crafting a wedding website that communicates all the important details about your wedding day is no easy task. Now that you hit publish, you’re probably wondering when and how you should share your brand-spanking-new site with your wedding guests.

While it can be tempting to post a link to your wedding website on your social media accounts right away, we strongly advise against it. Sharing your wedding details with all of your web-based followers and friends often leads to confusion about who is and isn’t invited to your big day. Instead, modern etiquette suggests that you share your website with your guests via your [wedding invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) (and save the dates, if applicable). For more information on how to include your wedding website on your invitation, keep reading. 

Just getting started? Check out our step-by-step guide on [how to make a wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-website). 

## Why to Include Your Wedding Website on Your Invitation
Including a link on your invitation is the easiest and most common way to share your website with your guests. Traditionally, the wedding invitation suite includes a few different enclosure cards to relay critical information to guests. While that’s still an option, many modern couples have opted to forego multiple enclosure cards and instead direct guests to their website to learn need-to-know wedding details, such as hotel recommendations and registry information. In addition to communication wedding details, the wedding website may be included on the invitation for the following reasons: 

__1. To Collect RSVPs Online__ — Many couples choose to collect online RSVPs rather than have their guests fill out paper response cards. That’s because sites like Zola make it easy to gather RSVPs through your wedding website and [manage the guest list](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) with real-time updates and easy-to-use tracking tools. 

__2. To Share Registry Information__ — In the past, registry etiquette dictated that the registry only be shared by word of mouth. The digital age has rendered that rule outdated, and it’s now considered standard to share where you’re registered on your wedding website. Including your website URL on your invite makes it easy for guests to find your registry without hassle. 

## How to Include Your Wedding Website on Your Invitation
Now that we’ve covered *why* to share your wedding website on your invitations, let’s talk about *how* to include your wedding website on your invitation without sacrificing aesthetic appeal or committing an etiquette faux pas. 

In general, when sending out the [formal wedding invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop/formal), guests appreciate having the wedding website information all in one place. Wedding etiquette insists that you don’t include your website on the invitation directly, but if you do choose to share it on the formal invitation, add the website to the bottom of the invitation. Wedding save the dates and enclosure cards are also a great place to share your wedding website with guests. You can do this by either:

- Adding your wedding website URL
- Adding a QR code

Let's explore these different options for how you can share your wedding website on your invitation.

[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) 

### Save The Dates
Although your [wedding save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) are sent out in advance of your invitations, they’re still a part of your invitation suite and the most popular choice for sharing the wedding website URL with guests as quickly as possible. 

__Where:__ If you make your save the dates using a pre-made design online, then the template will guide you on where exactly you should list your wedding website link. It varies by design, but in most cases, it’s listed on the back of the save the date or at the bottom of the front side. If you’re working with an invitation designer or making your own, where you place the URL is up to your personal preference. If you opt for a QR code, placing it on the back of your save-the-date would be ideal.

__When:__ Send save the dates 4-6 months before your wedding date. 

### The Formal Invitation 
Although some wedding experts believe it’s bad decorum to include your wedding website on your invitation, we’re of the opinion that it’s okay if you’re collecting RSVPS through your site in lieu of response cards. Just keep in mind that unless the link serves a purpose other than broadcasting where guests can buy you gifts, that it may be considered poor etiquette to share your wedding website on your invitation. 

__Where:__ At the bottom of your invitation. Some wording examples:
- “For more information, please visit [URL]”
- “Kindly RSVP by [RSVP deadline] at [URL]”

If you opt to add a QR code instead, adding it to the back of the invite is best.

__When:__ Send invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. 

### The Enclosure Card(s) 
Your other option is to include your wedding website URL on an enclosure card (an additional piece of your invitation suite used to communicate additional details to your guests). While there are many types of enclosure cards, these three are used to point guests to your website: 

- __RSVP Card__ — If guests should RSVP online via your wedding website and you don’t want (or have the space) to include these instructions on your invitation, an option is to include an RSVP card with instructions on where, when, and how guests should accept or decline your invitation online. 
- __Details Card__ — To communicate multiple pieces of information with guests on one card, many couples prefer to enclose a details card with their invite. This card may list your website, travel information, requested attire, and other fine points that your guests should know before the wedding day.
- __Wedding Website Card__ — A final option is to add a wedding website card to your invitation suite. This card serves the sole purpose of sharing your website URL and is a great choice for couples who want their invitation to maintain a formal tone while also taking advantage of modern tech conveniences. 

wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions

Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code

Green/bluescale image of jar of money tipped over with change spilling out

Setting Your Wedding Budget: Step-by-Step

 Zola eastwick wedding website displayed on laptop, tablet, and phone screens 

What to Include on Your Wedding Website + How to Write It

A Guide to Save The Dates

When to Send Out Wedding Invitations

how to address wedding rsvp cards and envelopes

Wedding Invitation RSVP Cards: Wording & Etiquette 

Now that we’ve walked you through what information to include when you __[build a wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-website)__ and __[why you need one](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/make-wedding-website)__ for your wedding, here comes the fun part: figuring out a beautiful wedding website theme and design. 

We stand by our previous advice of having your website complement the style of your actual wedding theme—whether it’s modern chic or bohemian. A great way to translate that online is by being selective about the color schemes, images, and even typography of your wedding website. Adding a personal touch, such as a story about the happy couple or if there’s a special reason behind the date of your big day, can make this part of wedding planning easier and more fun to do together. 

Thankfully, a lot of wedding companies—including Zola—have __[website builder templates](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/20-most-popular-zola-wedding-website-templates)__ for you to choose from that you can then customize to your liking. Ahead, we list out some of our best wedding website examples (from over 300 Zola examples) that will hopefully help spark some inspiration for your own custom __[wedding website design](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__. 

## 1.[Old School Charm](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/griffin-navy)
This is a classic wedding template design with a sophisticated feel. It's great for the traditional couple (hence the monogram) and is perfect for a wedding taking place at a country club or another equally posh wedding ceremony location. 

## 2.[Outdoorsy](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/galata)

For the couple that lives for adventures, this is a nice nod to nature. It’s a good option if you’re having an outdoor wedding ceremony or just know that there will be a lot of greenery involved.  

## 3.[Romantic Vibes](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/steadfast)

![Wedding Website Examples and Inspiration: Themes and Designs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6HbT1C71YJticHNvcQmSf5/e508a0df22b34ef2bfc9b56235cea9d9/Inline_2WeddingWebsiteExamplesandInspiration.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Unsplash

A deep red color like this one automatically reads romance. Specifically, the kind that takes place in a cabin, next to a fireplace, in the middle of winter. So, if you’re opting for a cold-weather wedding, this could be a good choice. 

##  4.[Tropical Getaway](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/escape)

As soon as you see the spiked palms on this website, you immediately know this __[destination wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/destination-wedding-website-help-your-guests-prepare-for-your-wedding)__ is going to take place somewhere warm. It’s a big hint for guests without giving away the entire theme.  

## 5.[Cute Colorblocking](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/peak) 
We love the use of color on this website which, for some reason, reminds us of a quirky startup. It gives off a playful energy that’s bound to make any aesthetic-obsessed millennial happy. 

## 6.[Simple and Sweet](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/violin)
Thanks to the script text, this website design is simple and to the point, while still remaining chic. It’s a great choice for an array of wedding types, from beachfront to ballroom. 

### 7.[Cultural Elements](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/sona-pink)
If you know you’re having a ceremony and reception that follows the traditions of your culture, it’s a nice idea to incorporate those wedding details into your website. This bold and bright website uses Indian motifs and is a preview of what’s sure to be an equally bold and bright wedding. 

## 8.[Architecturally Approved](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/franklin)
This website manages to be both fun and grownup at the same time. The architectural lines and shapes with the abundance of white, marbled space pairs well with black and white photography. 

## 9.[Minimalistic](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/rosemont-red)
Sometimes all you need is a minimalistic, to-the-point website. If you don’t want to spend more time making any other style decisions, go for this simple text and type layout. The wedding day is where the real effort should be directed anyway. 

## 10.[Big Typography Fans](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/louise-green)
For the couple for whom typography is king, we present the graphic designer-approved layout. The color combination gives off Nashville or Austin vibes that are retro and contemporary all at the same time. 

## 11.[Starry Starry Night](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/splendor-black)
Black is a bold, unexpected choice for a website that gives off an air of Great Gatsby-like glamor. It’s also perfect for a wedding that’s taking place outside and under the night stars.

## 12.[Trendy and Bright](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/rios-black)
This website reminds us of a playful, trendy restaurant—in the best way possible. The bold colors are stunning and the traditional Mexican motifs add a hint of folklore. 

## 13.[Wanderlust Lovers](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/perch-green)
We’re obsessed with this sweet, muted green and nude combination. The “you’re invited” sticker is reminiscent of a passport stamp, which makes us think it would be perfect for a destination wedding. Or, it can simply be a nod to the couple’s love of traveling. 

## 14.[City Setting](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/manhattan-skyline-v2-blue)
Make clear where your guests will be partying (and perhaps where the couple also met) straight from the get-go by including an outline of the skyline. In this case, it’s pretty obviously New York City. 

## 15.[Gingham Style](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/august-navy)
Perfect for a backyard or barn wedding, this gingham print makes known what kind of environment guests can expect. Think preppy and sweet. 

## 16.[That Fall Feeling](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/tallulah-beige)
Another great option for a winter or fall wedding, thanks to its deep, warm hues. 

## 17.[Beach Babes](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/oahu-navy)
This website is nautical and beachy without being too obvious. It’s ideal for a wedding taking place alongside the water. 

## 18.[Vintage Perfection](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/festival-kraft)
This wedding website template has plenty of vintage style and charm reminiscent of a western ranch—perfect for a rustic wedding. 

![Wedding Website Examples and Inspiration: Themes and Designs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/IuCIgfMRr6gEZoP3pMTu2/4362e55196930a3ad3dd942689829d57/Inline_WeddingWebsiteExamplesandInspiration.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Zola

## 19. [Desert Boho](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/aurora-beige) 
For any desert-loving couple, this beautiful watercolor cacti design is simple but elegant. It’s great for a wedding taking place in warmer months.

## 20. [Southern Elegance](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/dover-white) 
With a hint of floral and a soft color palette, this wedding template is fitting for anyone planning a charming southern wedding. 

## 21. [Adventurers](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/camden) 
This wedding design features deep, earthly colors, with a beautiful forest of trees, perfect for the adventurous couple. This may be a great option for an outdoor wedding. 

## 22. [Mickey and Minnie](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/mickey-and-minnie-modern-pink) 
If you’re a Disney fan, you’ll love Zola’s Disney-themed designs like this one. It features Mickey and Minnie, a great option for any Disney lover.

## 23. [Summertime Sunflowers](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/bonnie-cream) 
For the couple getting married in summer, surrounded by sunshine and happy vibes, this template radiates joy. 

## 24. [Twinkling Lights](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/design/moonlight) 
Sparkly string lights set the mood with this cute and fun design. 

## What to Include on a Wedding Website?
After browsing some of our beautiful wedding website examples, now it’s time to design your own website. Feel free to customize your website with one of these wedding website templates, but keep some of these must-have features in mind to make sure your website is informative for your guests. 

- __Header.__ Your header can be as simple as your names at the top of your website—or, if you want to give a little more information, use it to greet your guests and explain what they’ll find on your wedding website.

- __URL: Custom Domain.__ Choose a domain name that is simple and easy to remember. Consider using your first names (for example, TommyAndGina.com), include your wedding year (GrangerWedding2023.com), or a cute play-on-words to make your wedding URL unique to you (FinallyFreedmans.com).

- __Share Your Love Story.__ Your love story is unique to you. Your wedding website is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your first date or the moment you both fell in love with each other. 

- __RSVP.__ Make sure the RSVP date is clearly stated on your website so no one misses out on celebrating your special day with you.

- __Event Details.__ You’ll also want to include any relevant event details (more on those in a bit).

- __Dress Code.__ Specify the type of dress code so your guests know what to show up in. Is your wedding black tie—or is it more smart casual?

- __Wedding Party.__ Take a moment to introduce your wedding party and why you’ve asked those closest to you to share in your big day.

- __Wedding Date.__ No one wants to get your wedding date mixed up. Make sure the date is clearly stated on both your wedding invitations and your website. If you have international guests joining you, be sure to write out the month and date to prevent any confusion on when you’re hosting your big day.

- __Wedding Venue.__ Provide the address of your wedding venue along with driving directions (and a map). You can also include how early guests may arrive at the venue and any other information they might need to know about the venue (for example, if they’ll need to catch a shuttle from the parking lot to the ceremony location).

- __Countdown.__ Get people excited about your wedding by including a digital countdown tracker on your website. 

- __Gift Registry/Wedding Registry.__ Integrate your wedding registry on your website to give your guests easy access. (Good news! You can __[create your registry through Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry)__ to make the setup simple and easy.)

- __Social Media Hashtags.__ Create your signature social media hashtag so everyone can look back and find photos from your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding day events. Make sure they’re simple to remember but unique to your wedding—like HappilyEdwardsAfter2023 or BradAndBridgetSayIDo.

- __Slideshow with Photos of the Couple or Engagement Photos.__ As another personal touch, consider including a few photos or videos of you and your partner. Add baby photos, pictures from your childhood, and snapshots that create a timeline of your relationship.

- __FAQs—especially for Destination Weddings.__ An FAQ page is a great place to add any additional information you want your guests to know. This might include travel information (including information on local hotels and hotel blocks, flight options, and car rental contacts), information about your wedding (like if it’s a child-free event), or information about accessibility at your venue.

## Zola, Your Best Wedding Website Option
Your wedding website can be a wonderful tool to use while planning your wedding. It provides a one-stop shop for all the necessary details and information that all your guests can access. And if you need help designing a beautiful wedding website, Zola has got you covered! Choose from our wide collection of themes that match your wedding, style, and relationship. Try __[Zola’s custom wedding website builder](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__ today and access all the features you need to create the perfect wedding website.

24 Wedding Website Examples: Themes and Designs

Your complete guide to wedding planning from start to finish. Get practical advice and insider tips for planning your dream wedding from staying within your budget to creating your gift registry to all the little details in between saying "Yes!" and "I do". Find answers to all your wedding planning questions here.

Wedding Planning 101: Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding

Learn from real couples as they break down exactly how they planned and budgeted for their weddings. Find weddings similar to what you're planning and get inspired by these weddings across a varitey of locations and budgets.

Learn how to create a wedding budget that works for you. Find practical advice and expert tips on how to stay within your budget while creating the wedding you want.

Nothing can dull your excitement at planning your wedding right now. Until you start telling family and friends. And they start dropping those scary figures on you.

Prices for weddings might be on the up, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank when  walking down the aisle with your other half. So, how much does a wedding cost in 2024? We’ve got you, complete with a full breakdown of state-by-state and expense-by-expense average wedding costs.

Want to keep track of your wedding budget? [Try our free budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) with payment reminders and tips on how much to spend.

## How much do weddings cost in 2024? <a id="cost"> </a>

The [average wedding expense](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024) for couples getting married in 2024 totals around $33,000, up slightly from $29,000 in 2023. The most expensive state to get married in is Rhode Island with an average cost of $49,207. The cheapest state to get married in is Alaska with an average cost of $14,444.

## How expensive are weddings really? <a id="expensive"> </a>

Estimating the average cost of a wedding is both art and science. It’s important to keep in mind that average wedding costs are just that — averages. While helpful, a wedding budget doesn’t need to follow any set amount. While some people spend $100,000 on a wedding and the average is $33,000, plenty of couples spend $10,000 or even $5,000 or less.

Average wedding costs vary for several reasons: the number of guests, location, day of the week, and even the seasonality of food served and flowers displayed. It helps to picture the day and think about what matters most to the two of you. Think of the wedding budget in pieces and priorities, rather than imagining the whole thing at once.

You don’t have to spend at the high end of the range. 

## Which wedding expenses cost the most? <a id="expenses"> </a>

On average, the most expensive wedding expenses are the wedding venue ($6,500–$12,000), the catering ($6,500–$10,000), the band or DJ ($2,000–$7,000), and the photographer ($3,500–$6,500). The cheapest wedding expenses tend to be the cake, the ceremony music, and the hair and makeup services.

###  Average wedding cost per service in 2024

Once you nail down the major requirements — where, when, and who — you’re ready to start talking to [vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) and decide how much to spend on each service. Your vendors can help you make budget-conscious decisions, such as selecting food and flowers that are in season or recycling ceremony decor for the reception. 

While you might not be able to splurge on every [checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) item, what’s important is that your wedding still feels like a reflection of your relationship and future together.

To help you and your soon-to-be spouse plan ahead, here are the national average wedding expenses for services in 2024, based on a total budget of around $33,000 and a guest list of 100 people:

### How much does a wedding cost, expense by expense?

- Wedding venue: $6,500-$12,000

- Catering: $6,500-$10,000 

- Band or DJ: $2,000-$7000

- Wedding planner: $1,500–$4,750

- Photographer: $3,500–$6,500

- Videographer: $3,000–$6,000

- Flowers: $2,500–$6,000

- Transportation: $700–$1,200

- Cake: $600–$900

- Ceremony music: $500–$800

- Hair and makeup: $550–$850

## Average wedding cost by state in 2024 <a id="state"> </a>

Here’s a complete breakdown of more than 4,000 couples and their projected average spending on [weddings in 2024 by state](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/wedding-budget-diaries).

![Avg. Cost by State v2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/sW6vqPrYXnmOpf7gX0ZpS/83018538ea7e07b0e1180bcb0eda95c3/Avg._Cost_by_State__1_.png)

## What does the average wedding cost by number of guests? <a id="guests"> </a>

Zeroing in on your [estimated number of guests](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding) and the size of your wedding party early on in the wedding planning process helps when evaluating everything from venue size to catering.

If you’re unsure how many people you'll invite, our team found the average wedding guest list in 2024 is 145 people, and about 75% of guests usually RSVP yes.

This is a good starting point for budget conversations if you’re unsure where to begin when it comes to the cost of weddings. Have open and honest discussions with vendors about how your guest count may impact the pricing of their services, such as how the price of fifteen table centerpieces might 
differ from the price of ten. 

Some wedding cost line items, like photography, are less dependent on guest count and more on other factors, such as services provided and time. But other line items, such as catering and decor, are greatly impacted by the size of the wedding.

Vendors are there to support you and help you get the information you need to make decisions, after all!

As with all things, the average cost per person for a wedding has a lot of variables. But we can derive some [data](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/2024-wedding-trends-zolas-first-look-report-data-deep-dive) based on the size of your guest list.

### Average wedding cost by guest size in 2024

- 500+ guests: $54,500

- 200-300 guests: $42,751

- 150–200 guests: $41,286

- 100–150 guests: $33,957

- 75–100 guests: $24,769

- 50–75 guests: $20,581

- 30-50 guests: $18,768

- 10-30 guests: $17,048

- Fewer than 10 guests: $11,667

## Average wedding cost in the largest metro areas <a id="metro"> </a>

Yes, big-city weddings often come with higher price tags than weddings in rural areas. Still, for the possible tradeoff of some budget items, you can get the urban sophistication of a New York City, Houston, Phoenix, or other metro area wedding. 

Metro areas are also travel hubs, meaning they’re accessible and offer cheaper flights and accommodations than remote locations. It’s all about what matters to you.

You’ll have to balance out your wants with your needs of sticking to a budget and [reducing the guest list](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/small-wedding-guest-list).

### How much do weddings cost on average in 2024, in the largest American metros?

![Avg. Cost by Metro Area (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4MkuyZg2iI6HOD1I9CZWIj/e89b0270a1eb5b00eae2dba241eda470/Avg._Cost_by_Metro_Area__1_.png)

## How couples are paying for their weddings <a id="couples"> </a>

The most important thing to remember is that an amazing wedding can happen on any budget, and along with your team of vendors, Zola is here to guide you along every part of the journey. And there is more than one way to pay for a wedding. Today, the majority of couples contribute to their wedding expenses in some way, and we’ve found that in 2024:

- 31.95% will utilize credit cards
- 50.37% have saved for years to prepare
- 16.69% are including cash funds on their registries to cover wedding costs

So remember that, although the average budget for weddings may seem pretty high, there are many ways to finance your big day!

### 6 ways to save money on your wedding

With so many considerations, it helps to start with a wedding budget breakdown. Here you’ll decide what you want to spend in specific categories or what dollar amount you’d earmark for expenditures. To help get you started, we’ve got six tips to help save money on your big day.

1. Zola’s budget tool

Couples told us they wanted an easy way to track their budget… so we created one! It’s simple to use. In [Zola’s wedding budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget), enter your maximum budget and how much you plan to spend on everything from your venue to your videographer. Our handy tool helps you keep tabs on your spending, get payment reminders, and see expert tips on budgeting.

2. Decide what’s most important

Every couple's “dream” vision is different. For most, the priority is having all of their loved ones in attendance, and often other details fall into place. Sit down as partners and decide on the top three must-haves and go from there, whether it be a live band, top-shelf open bar, videographer, or an unforgettable meal. There are no wrong answers.

3. Explore Zola’s wedding planning tools and expert advice guides

Explore the rest of our [Expert Advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice) articles covering even more tips and tricks on everything from wedding dresses to honeymoon planning to gift registry. After prioritizing the essential pieces of your big day, search Zola for [wedding vendors and venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search) based on price and other factors.

4. Send digital save-the-dates

Sending digital save-the-dates is an easy way to save. Zola’s [digital save-the-dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/shop) are completely free! If the cost of the average wedding looks a little scary, remember there are lots of little ways like this to save money.

5. Thrift wedding attire

Upcycling and thrifting have become second nature for many people in their everyday lives, but shopping secondhand is also a great way to save on wedding attire and decor. After all, doesn’t everyone need to find their perfect [something borrowed](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/7-something-borrowed-ideas)?

In fact, we found that 19% of today’s couples upcycle to avoid excessive spending on tuxedos, wedding dresses, other white outfits, wedding party attire, and more.

6. Include cash funds in your registry

The vast majority of couples today — over 80% — add [personalized cash funds](https://www.zola.com/shop/honeymoon-cash-funds) to their registry. And, like we mentioned above, 16.69% are including cash funds on their registries to cover wedding costs. Not only does this help the happy couple start their life together, but it also helps them afford other major expenses — the dream home, a home renovation, or a future family.

__Let Zola take the stress out of wedding planning__

Your wedding day should be one of the best days of your life, and budget stress shouldn't take away from that. The average wedding cost breakdown figures above are averages, and planning your big day comes down to prioritization and must-haves.

For budget tools and everything else you need for your big day, Zola is here to help. Start by checking out our full suite of free wedding planning tools.

Couple sitting on steps in wedding attire, with text "The First Look Report 2024"

How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost in 2024?

When you’re enjoying being [newly engaged](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/relationship-advice/newly-engaged-couples), the last thing you want to think about is your wedding budget. In fact, almost half of all [Zola couples report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024) that setting and sticking to a budget was the most stressful part of wedding planning. 

While setting your wedding budget may not be the most exciting item on your planning to-do list, it is an important, if not crucial, first step. Knowing how much you can spend helps you focus your planning and narrows your big-decision options, such as which venue to book or which wedding vendors to hire.

While we can’t promise you a completely stress-free experience leading up to your wedding day, we can help you avoid financial headaches as much as possible by tackling one of the most confusing questions for many couples: how to set your wedding budget.

We’ve got you covered with the average wedding budget, a step-by-step breakdown of average costs for each item, and tips on how to save money on each one. 

## What is a good budget for a wedding?<a id="good"> </a>

The [average wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding#) is $30,000. If that seems high, don’t panic. There are hundreds of ways to whittle that cost down to size. Plus, some people who have micro-weddings spend as little as $500 on their wedding and still enjoy a picture-perfect day. The cost is really up to you.

That said, determining how much to spend on each part of your wedding costs isn’t exactly simple. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost per item based on the $30,000 average wedding budget. Remember, these vary by location and time of year. That said, there are a few straightforward steps you can take to help you get.

You can also scale these figures up or down to fit your finances. For example, if you’re working with a $10k wedding budget, divide each cost below by three. For a $100k wedding, you can triple the costs below (and then some!).

__Expert Advice:__ Easily set and keep track of your wedding budget from anywhere: try Zola’s [free budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) with payment reminders and tips on how much to spend.

## Wedding budget breakdown and cost-saving tips<a id="tips"> </a>

It’s important to note that wedding expenses and wedding budgets are extremely individual—it’s part of what makes researching all things ‘wedding budget’ so frustrating.

Here’s how most couples divide up their wedding budget breakdown. (Note that this totals over 100%, as not everyone will include every category in their wedding expenses).

### Wedding venue: 24% 

While this tends to take up the biggest chunk of your wedding budget, you can save money on your venue a few different ways:

- __Choose off-peak days and times.__ Saturday is the most popular day of the week for weddings and therefore almost always the most expensive. Consider a Friday evening or Sunday or, if it won’t wreck plans for your nearest and dearest, another weekday. 
- __Consider less popular seasons.__ This depends on where in the world you’re planning on tying the knot. Generally, winter months are more affordable than summer months. 
- __Look for all-inclusive packages.__ Particularly if you’re having a destination wedding, some wedding venues will offer [all-inclusive packages](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/all-inclusive-wedding-venues-pros-and-cons). Generally, this includes food and drink packages which can help save costs on a big expense. 

Find the [perfect wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues) on Zola’s marketplace.

### Catering: 18%

The easiest way to save money on your catering is to opt for a buffet rather than a sit-down meal. You can also look into a morning or afternoon wedding, as brunch, breakfast, or lunch packages tend to be cheaper (and less alcohol-focused!) than late afternoon or evening weddings. Your guest list size will also be a factor. You’ll need more food for a 100-person wedding versus one with only 20. 

Search for a [caterer that fits your wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering) on Zola.

### Photography: 7%

We’ll be honest: if there’s one area you shouldn’t skimp on in your wedding budget, it’s your photography. After all, there’s nothing more crushing than looking back at photos from your special day that aren’t up to scratch. However, if you’re looking to cut costs, see if anyone in your personal network can offer a reduced photography fee as a wedding present to you and your partner. 

Find [professional wedding photographers on Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers).

### Videography: 5%

Not every couple includes videography in their wedding budget. If you’re trying to cut costs, leave this one out altogether. Or, see if you can find a student or amateur videographer (as long as you’ve got photography from a pro!)

Seach your area for qualified [videographers on Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers).

### Flowers: 8%

You’ll need to be strategic if you’re hoping to restrict your wedding budget with your flowers. A few of the best ways include choosing seasonal blooms, bulking out your bouquets with greenery and foliage, choosing single-bloom bouquets, and looking for local or wholesale florists. You can also just opt for artificial flowers if you’re on a tight wedding budget. 

[Find florists](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists) within your budget on our marketplace.

### Entertainment: 9%

Choose a band or DJ rather than both. Or, to cut costs even more, ask someone musically-minded in your network to put together a wedding soundtrack that you can play yourself. If you know you want some kind of live entertainment, limit the hours they’ll play, book far in advance, and consider local artists who won’t have to charge transport fees.  

[Choose a band or a DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs) from Zola’s list of vendors.

### Hair and makeup: 2%

One of the best ways to save money on your hair and makeup? Do them yourself or enlist a friend’s help. If you’re looking for pro support, look into beauty schools (students are often super talented and have a great range of tools) or look for mobile stylists. When it comes to the actual work, choose simple styles rather than overly elaborate designs. 

[Find hair and makeup stylists](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-hair-makeup) within your budget on Zola.

### Cake and/or dessert: 2%

For starters, opt for something fun like a donut wall or dessert bar rather than a sit-down dessert. Cakes with fewer layers tend to be less expensive than those with multiple tiers. Buttercream is cheaper than fondant, and common flavors are usually cheaper and more accessible than unique ingredients. The “naked cake” trend is another popular way to save money here. 

Search for [cake and dessert bakers](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/florida--wedding-cakes-desserts) here. 

![earth-tones](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1i7bQrefxYFRUhcym6a3O9/29181c291da8b15aa6b4c73bec64d51b/earth-tones.jpg)

### Officiant: 1%

If you have a close friend or family member who's comfortable speaking in public, you could ask them to officiate your wedding. In many places, they can become ordained online for free or at low cost, although you'll want to check local and state laws first. 

Some couples choose to have a simple civil ceremony at the courthouse or city hall. The fees for these services are usually a fair bit lower than hiring a separate officiant.

### Stationery: 3%

The easiest way to save money on your wedding stationery (save the dates, wedding invitations, thank you cards) is to go digital, and Zola has several [digital wedding stationery options](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/shop). If that’s not to your taste, opt for standard-size envelopes, print in bulk, design the stationery yourself (check out our popular [DIY wedding invites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/afe11498-7506-4d03-b30f-d7a024c91afa)), and use simple designs that don’t require fancy embellishments. 

### Wedding dress, suit, or other attire: 7%

Don’t feel like you have to spend thousands on a wedding outfit. David's Bridal, Lulus, ASOS, and Azazie all offer great options at lower prices. You can also consider renting your [wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/fashion-beauty/wedding-dresses) from brands like Rent the Runway. 

When it comes to [accessories](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop-accessories), skip the bridal stores and head straight to your favorite fashion brands. Look for white (or your chosen color) accessories without the wedding mark-up. 

### Wedding planner: 6%

A wedding planner is totally optional. But if you’re prioritizing one in your wedding budget, consider a “day of” or a”‘month of” planner rather than full-service wedding planning. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know when it comes to [choosing a wedding planner in this article](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/questions-to-ask-wedding-planner). 

### Rentals: 5%

You’ve already ticked the budget-friendly box by renting rather than buying certain elements of your wedding. There are rental options for pretty much anything you might need for your wedding besides edible items. From vintage tableware and lounge seating to attire and silk florals, you can rent just about anything nowadays.

### Transportation: 2%

While no one expects you to hop on the bus to your wedding venue, there are still a few easy ways you can cut costs. Instead of renting multiple vehicles, consider using a single, larger vehicle for the bridal party or immediate family. 

Or, if you’ve got friends or family members with stylish cars, ask if you can borrow (or rent) their vehicle for your wedding day. If you have a large group to transport from A to B (like the ceremony venue to the reception), it's worth looking into shuttles rather than paying for individual cars. Check out our article on [wedding transportation](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-transportation-101), for more details.

## Things to consider when setting your wedding budget<a id="consider"> </a>

Now you’re equipped with everything you need to know regarding saving money on your wedding, cost by cost. But don’t forget the admin side of things, too.  

### 1. Determine who's contributing

Figure out who pays for the wedding and what each person or couple contributes. Many couples pay for the wedding themselves, while some couples’ families cover all or some of the expenses. See our guide on [who pays for the wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/who-should-pay-for-wedding#:~:text=As%20is%20often%20seen%20with,wedding%20costs%20on%20their%20own.) for a full breakdown of the best ways to broach the subject of asking for wedding budget contributions.

### 2. Finalize your numbers

Once you know who is chipping in and how much they’ll be adding to the budget, it’s time to finalize your totals. 

To determine your total wedding budget, add together how much each person is contributing. It sounds simple, but there are a few mistakes that some couples make during this stage:

- Assuming that family and/or friends can or will contribute without discussing it with them first.
- Factoring in lines of credit, such as credit cards or loans, rather than creating a budget based on readily available funds like cash, savings, and income. 

__Pro Tip:__ Never acquire more wedding debt than you can repay within a few months.

### 3. Do your research

After you have finalized your totals, we recommend researching typical wedding costs in your wedding location to figure out how much you can expect to spend on vendors specific to your area.

Remember, beautiful weddings are planned on budgets of all sizes every year, so don’t get discouraged if prices are more than you initially expected. 

There is always [room to negotiate](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-negotiate-with-wedding-vendors).

![local-venues](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6bi7wx5xGOJJCvJcdAguMG/5d7b4e4cbc6b6ff7b686a802dd820b6b/local-venues.jpg)

### 4. Prioritize your spending

Your research should give you a sense of what to expect and will help you set your priorities for your wedding. Sit down with your partner to discuss your visions for the day and what vendors and details are most important to you both. 

For example, if a packed dance floor is one of your goals, consider setting aside a larger portion of your budget for a great live band or DJ. Keep your vision in mind as you plan, and use it as a guide when deciding when to splurge and when to save.

To help set your priorities, here’s a great exercise for you and your partner to do:

*Answer the questions below individually at first, then come together to discuss why you each chose your answers and to reach an agreement on your mutual priorities.*

1. What is my ideal engagement length (1 year, 6 months, etc.)?
2. What is my ideal number of guests?
3. What is my ideal wedding location (city, state, country)?
4. What is my ideal wedding season?
5. What is my ideal wedding ceremony and/or wedding reception environment (indoor, beach, church, etc.)?
6. What is my ideal wedding dress code (black tie, casual, cocktail, etc.)?
7. What is my ideal wedding budget?
8. What is my ideal wedding vibe (laid-back, formal, intimate, etc.)?
9. What is my ideal wedding theme or style (glam, boho, rustic, etc.)?
10. What are three things I want my wedding to include (lots of dancing, great food, beautiful invitations, etc.)?
11. What vendors do I not want to go without (videographer, wedding planner, etc.)?
12. How do I want my guests to feel at the wedding (entertained, loved, excited, etc.)?
13. What details do I want to prioritize for the biggest portions of the wedding budget (wedding flowers such as bouquets and centerpieces, reception venue, etc.)?
14. What details, if any, am I interested in DIYing?
15. Who would be my ideal pick to officiate the wedding?
16. Would I prefer an open or cash bar (or something else)?

## Wedding budget mistakes to avoid<a id="mistakes"> </a>

The following are a handful of budgeting mistakes you should look for as you navigate budget and [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/). Getting ahead of them now means you won’t have to handle them later.

### Setting aside less money than needed

It’s better to save more money than you believe you’ll need than to set aside too little and think you’ll ultimately be okay. Even if you might be, certain expenses can catch you off guard up until and even through your big day. Prepare not just for what’s needed—but that and then some, just in case.

### Spending money without keeping expense records

It becomes difficult to stick to a wedding budget when you aren’t vigilant about tracking expenses. When you agree to an expense or purchase something, put the total spent into your wedding records. Keep this current and reflect often on how much you’ve spent and how much wedding money you have left.

### Not considering the extras in your budget

There are a number of things you might not initially consider when creating your budget, from little things like linens, ceremony programs, and your marriage license to larger items, such as wedding attire, gratuities, and your rehearsal dinner. Up front, take the time to create an exhaustive list of everything you might spend money on (and then some miscellaneous spending room) to avoid overlooking anything. This will save you from having to adjust or overspend later.

### Not saving for emergency purchases

Alongside miscellaneous spending, you need to include an emergency purchases budget amount. This allocated money can be put toward just about anything leading up to your wedding, from forgotten and needed expenses to actual emergencies. Not accounting for this from the beginning can eventually put you in a difficult situation.

### Not using any rewards program you may have access to

If possible, we highly recommend putting expenses on a rewards credit card you’re familiar with and understand. Ideally, you can put charges on this card, immediately pay them off, and then utilize the rewards points towards things like your honeymoon. Doing this from the beginning can save you a significant amount of money on future flights, hotel stays, and other perks specific to your rewards program.

## Use Zola’s calculator for budgeting<a id="calculator"> </a>

If you’re having—or anticipate having—trouble keeping track of your expenses, try using our [wedding budget calculator](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget). In the Zola app, simply tap on “start budgeting.” This will take you to a fully customizable budget sheet you can update throughout your wedding planning. No stress, no mysterious expenses.

Who Pays For The Wedding? Everything You Need To Know

Find guidance on legal aspects of getting married and planning a wedding like changing your name, marriage certificates, wedding venue insurance, wedding vendor contracts and more.

We breakdown all of the must-know wedding planning tools to help make planning your wedding seemless. Discover articles on tools that help you keep track of your budget, guest list, RSVPs, gifts, and more. Learn which tools to use and how best to use them to create the wedding you envision, stress-free.

Lots of questions come up when planning a wedding. Find answers to all of your wedding planning questions in these articles. From which vendors to tip to most common wedding etiquette questions to how to write thank-you cards, our experts guide you through.

Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. As a part of the the Bride Tribe, a bridesmaid is expected to plan and attend all pre-wedding parties, help out with aspects of the wedding planning as needed, and be totally present and available to the bride on the wedding weekend. We’ve divided the list of bridesmaid duties into tasks that occur before the wedding and then actually on the big day. Every friend, sibling, or relative who’s asked to be a bridesmaid should have no trouble fulfilling her role if she follows these guidelines.

Pre-Wedding Bridesmaid Duties
1. <a href="#Shop"> Shop (and Pay) for Bridesmaid Attire </a>
2. <a href="#BridalShower"> Help Plan (and Pay) for the Bridal Shower </a>
3. <a href="#BachParty">Help Plan (and Pay) for the Bachelorette Party </a>
4. <a ahref="#Attend"> Attend Any Other Pre-Wedding Events </a>
5. <a href="#Book"> Book Travel & Hotel Reservations </a>
6. <a href="#Rehearsal"> Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner </a>
7. <a href="#Support"> Help Support the Bride Emotionally </a>
8. <a href="#WeddingPlanning"> Help With Wedding Planning Tasks </a>
9. <a href="#Buy"> Buy a Wedding Present </a>

Wedding Day Bridesmaids Duties
1.<a href="#Ready"> Get Ready With the Bride </a>
2. <a href="#Assist"> Assist the MOH </a>
3. <a href="#Provide"> Provide Getting-Ready Snacks </a>
4. <a href="#BrideTribe"> Be the “Bride Tribe” </a>
5. <a href="#Participate"> Participate in the Ceremony </a>
6. <a href="#PhotoReady"> Be Photo-Ready </a>
7. <a href="#ModelGuests"> Be Model Guests (and the Life of The Party) </a>
8. <a href="#Maintain"> Maintain a Stress-Free Send-off </a> 

## Pre-Wedding Bridesmaid Duties
These are the main duties that bridesmaids are typically expected to perform in the months and weeks leading up to the wedding:

### 1. Shop (and Pay) for Bridesmaid Attire
<a id="Shop"></a>

Bridesmaids may be asked to visit a bridal shop as a group to try on and select dresses together, or each woman may be asked do her own shopping and simply send her measurements and dress pick to the bride (or to a chosen shop). If the [bridal party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one) isn’t wearing matching attire, the bride may simply ask that each bridesmaid select her own outfit and share a photo to make sure it coordinates. Here are some additional tips when it comes to shopping for bridesmaid attire: 
- Whether shopping together or individually, follow the bride’s wishes with a smile on your face.
- Be on time with your presence, your information, and/or decisions. 
- Provide supportive and sensitive feedback on the choice of bridesmaid attire *__only when requested__*. 
- Be prepared to pay for your own bridesmaid dress, jewelry, and shoes. 

### 2. Help Plan (and Pay for) the Bridal Shower 
<a id="BridalShower"></a>

The bridal shower may be a shared responsibility among the bridesmaids, the maid of honor, or the parent(s) of the bride or groom—however, bridesmaids are expected to at the very least attend the shower, and if there are no other hosts that step forward, to help the MOH with the [shower planning](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-bridal-shower) and execution.  

### 3. Help Plan (and Pay for) the Bachelorette Party
<a id="BachParty"></a>
While the bulk of the bachelorette party planning usually falls to the maid of honor, the rest of the bridesmaids should lend her a hand wherever possible. This might include helping to secure travel plans, accommodations, activities, and transportation, as well as divvying up the costs between each bridesmaid so the bride’s expenses are covered.

### 4. Attend Any Other Pre-Wedding Events
<a id="Attend"></a>

Whether it’s an engagement party, a couples’ shower, or a gathering of helpers to do some wedding DIY over beers and pizza, bridesmaids are expected to attend all pre-wedding activities to the best of their abilities. 

### 5. Book Travel and Hotel Reservations 
<a id="Book"></a>

Bridesmaids should take care of their own transportation and accommodations for the wedding weekend. It’s a good idea to do this early on, so you can be sure your travel logistics are convenient to both the schedule and location of important events. Whenever transportation is not already provided, the bridesmaids should figure out how they’ll get from place to place during the festivities.

### 6. Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
<a id="Rehearsal"></a>

Bridesmaids should be present at both the ceremony rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. Not only is this a practical concern—everyone involved in the ceremony needs to know where to assemble, enter, exit, and where to sit or stand during the service—but as a member of the bride’s support crew, she’ll need you there during these final moments of preparation before the big day. 

### 7. Help Support the Bride Emotionally
<a id="Support"></a>

As her best friends, siblings, relatives, and just generally the people she wants surrounding her on this huge life decision, bridesmaids carry the role of being the bride’s emotional rock. Wedding planning can come with its fair amount of stress, so bridesmaids should check in with her throughout the process, ask what she needs, and do their best to thoughtfully and sensitively support her feelings. 

### 8. Help With Wedding Planning Tasks
<a id="WeddingPlanning"></a>

While bridesmaids are not wedding coordinators, florists, caterers, or cake bakers, they might be asked to help with certain smaller wedding planning tasks within reason. Activities such as stuffing envelopes, alphabetizing escort cards, getting hands-on with some easy DIY projects, or even making trips with the bride to pick out rentals or attend her hair and makeup trial are tasks where the bridesmaids can lend a hand.

### 9. Buy a Wedding Present
<a id="Buy"></a>

As with any other wedding guest, bridesmaids should buy a wedding gift for the couple off of their [Wedding Registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) and have it shipped to their address before the wedding. The only time this expectation may be removed is if you’re serving as a bridesmaid at a destination wedding and your presence (i.e. travel expenses) are considered gift enough. Going in on a big-ticket [group gift](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) with all of the bridesmaids can be a fun way to give the couple somthing they really want!  

## Wedding Day Bridesmaid Duties
On the big day, bridesmaids help ensure everything goes smoothly for the bride, her maid of honor, and the majority of the wedding guests. Here’s how: 

### 1. Get Ready With the Bride
<a id="Ready"></a>

Bridesmaids should plan on showing up at the designated getting-ready location on time, with all of their gear (bridesmaid attire, shoes, jewelry, makeup, undergarments, etc.) in hand. Besides getting themselves aisle-ready, the bridesmaids should do whatever they can to assist the bride during this time, such as: 
- Keeping her smiling, laughing, calm, and collected
- Answering any incoming texts, calls, or logistical questions for her 
- Making sure she eats something and stays hydrated 
- Pouring celebratory bubbly for everyone to enjoy 
- Keeping hair and/or makeup appointments on track 
- Helping her into her dress
- Assisting her with her shoes, jewelry, or veil

### 2. Assist the MOH
<a id="Assist"></a>

The maid of honor has a pretty big job on the wedding day. Bridesmaids should serve as her right-hand ladies, helping out with whatever tasks are needed—whether that’s making a last-minute run to the drugstore, coordinating with the photographer or wedding planner, or providing (and keeping track of) a wedding day emergency kit.  

### 3. Provide Getting-Ready Snacks
<a id="Provide"></a>

If no other arrangements have been made for getting-ready sips and snacks, the bridesmaids should take it upon themselves to provide these treats. Everyone—from the bride to her mother to even the photographer and beauty stylists—will appreciate the gesture and benefit from some food and drink throughout the busy day.

### 4. Be the “Bride Tribe”
<a id="BrideTribe"></a>

Bridesmaids should embody the concept of being the support crew for the bride and the maid of honor in all ways during the big day. They can also serve as a point of contact for guests and vendors when it’s helpful. Here are some tasks the bridesmaids can cover to be of service:
- Double-check that all members of the wedding party and any special family members have their personal flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, flower crowns, or toss petals). Assist with pinning on boutonnieres or other floral accessories as needed.
- Help guests navigate the venue, such as directing them to parking areas, bathrooms, handicap access, exits, and if applicable, the bar or refreshments station.
- Standing near the gift table, guest book, or wedding favors to help direct and facilitate guests’ participation. 

### 5. Participate in the Ceremony
<a id="Participate"></a>

Bridesmaids should be in place at the ceremony venue on time, (most likely hidden out of sight), and ready for their cues to process down the aisle. Keep chatter to a minimum and be respectful of the planner, officiant, or whomever is running the show. During the actual ceremony, be sure to hit your rehearsed mark, fulfill any other roles you’ve been assigned during the actual service, and then process out of the ceremony according to plan. 

### 6. Be Photo-Ready
<a id="PhotoReady"></a>

If the wedding party didn’t pose for photographs with the happy couple before the ceremony, typically these group photos occur right after the ceremony at the beginning of the cocktail hour. Rather than dispersing into the crowd, bridesmaids should stick together and be ready to follow the photographer’s commands—gathering stray folks for these shots can be tiresome, not to mention steal precious minutes away from the couple’s ability to enjoy their cocktail hour.  

### 7. Be Model Guests (and the Life of The Party)
<a id="ModelGuests"></a>

Bridesmaids should mingle and chat with other guests, enjoy the food and drinks offered, sit down at their dinner table when asked, participate in guest-related activities like signing the guestbook or visiting the photo booth, listen to, applaud, and/or give any speeches (that have been pre-arranged), witness the special dances, and boogie down (tastefully) when it’s dance floor time.

### 8. Maintain a Stress-Free Send-off
<a id="Maintain"></a>

Finally, bridesmaids should help the maid of honor, coordinator, or the couple’s parents assemble any items than need to be transported out of the reception venue at the end of the night. These packables might include: 
- Any getting-ready clothing or gear 
- Extra/unused ceremony programs, favors, or sparklers 
- Leftover alcohol 
- Any decor or signage that was personally provided (not rented) 
- The bride and/or bridesmaids’ bouquets
- Wedding cards and gifts
- The guest book
- Special toasting flutes, cake servers, or cake plate
- A basket of late-night leftovers (packaged by the caterer)
- The top tier of the wedding cake
- A few slices of late-night wedding cake (packaged by the caterer)
- The bride and/or groom’s wedding attire, if they’ve changed into getaway clothes

In addition to making sure the above items leave the venue in the right vehicle(s), bridesmaids can lend a hand with these final logistical tasks:  
- Make sure all guests make it onto the right shuttle buses, find their cars, or otherwise make it safely out of the venue.
- Hand out pre-addressed tip envelopes to the vendors.
- Make sure the bride and/or groom’s overnight bags make it to their wedding night hotel room. 
- Organize guests to the after-party, if there is one. 


A Guide to Bachelorette Parties

A Guide to Bachelor Parties

The Bridesmaid Duties: A Full Breakdown

Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process, along with choosing your venue, photographer, and caterer. The time of year in which you decide to get married will dictate a lot of your subsequent planning, and will stick with you for the rest of your life (hello, anniversary). 

## What is the Best Month for a Wedding? 
June, September, and October are considered the best months for a wedding. June, traditionally, is the most popular month to get married, simply because of the mild weather. With that being said, there’s no wrong time to get married to the love of your life (though it does help to have good weather). 

In most parts of the country, the late spring through early fall months are typically thought of as “wedding season,” but there is so much more to it than that. Let’s walk through the year and look at the pros and cons of each potential wedding month.

__Note__: Keep in mind that while season matters greatly, geography is a factor as well. We have broken the seasons down very generally below, but even still, a winter wedding in the Florida Keys is going to differ drastically from a winter wedding in Lake Tahoe, where the cold weather and snow hazards will be much greater. Be sure to factor in your location when picking your perfect wedding month.

## Spring
. . . . . . . . . . .

### March, April, May

March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. April showers bring May flowers. These are the traditional sayings that correlate with the spring months that we love so dearly. Emerging from the cold of winter, spring is such a welcoming time to host your special day. Without many calendar conflicts (St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, and Easter are the only holidays in the spring), your spring wedding should see good attendance. And after the drab, loneliness of winter, your friends will probably be busting at the seams to get out and celebrate with you.

A spring wedding is a gamble, though, simply because the weather is so unpredictable. Will it be sunny and warm, or is a cold snap going to hit? Even still, the gamble may pay off if you can land one of those quintessential warm, flowery days. In April and May especially, you might begin to encounter increased pricing and competition with other brides for vendors and venues as “the season” set in. We’re talking: wedding season.

![Colin-Lyons-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2I7G4mApUnMjJhsy5Jl3Jb/53209c242d51920fe468dad7d825d8b5/Colin-Lyons-Photography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Colin Lyons Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![3-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6WNr5JisBMZ85xd2TKSIx6/26fa70d21a47bf3e8a8bbeac435e580e/3-2.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Pauline Conway Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![4-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ce7yS6d2k8yuYhLUbjG8E/217f24116aade587a4e43197819ae810/4-2.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Sarah and Rachel](https://www.zola.com/wedding/rachel-sarah/passcode)*

![onelove-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rQO7D0nqBl2thPIDEUwJI/d9002976a70f8e78cac3f7dccbb45608/onelove-photography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [onelove photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![michelle-jones-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/10IZeVW4q8jsvuaGNrULY5/9685001b60b7696da5b0ac7519f145b6/michelle-jones-photography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Michelle Jones Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

## Summer
. . . . . . . . . .

### June, July, August

Wedding season is in full swing by mid-May, with June being traditionally the most popular wedding month. These hot months offer long days and vacation time. Many of your wedding guests will be able to get away from their lives to attend your ceremony thanks to more relaxed work schedules and school breaks. Far removed from the winter holidays, your guests are more likely to have a little extra room in their budgets for travel and wedding gifts. With an abundance of flowers and fruits in season, a summer wedding allows for countless floral options and your pick of delicious produce.

However, these sunny wedding months are not quite that simple. Rising temps is definitely something to take into account, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony. While it may look like a glorious day outside, if it is 100 degrees, you are going to be one sweaty bride with a bunch of hot and sticky guests. You can also just go ahead and count on venues and vendors being harder to book with steeper prices because of peak wedding season competition. Finally, vacation plans or other weddings may conflict with yours when it comes to your guests’ attendance.

![sera-petras-photography-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5DBqt424TW6fxVupMcRREr/5f5b701c3ede984b76c8dd45ac9c3556/sera-petras-photography-1.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Sera Petras Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![10-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6oleAP7FuSKWiW8aoRT2ET/b09b179296b24f279d3f06e188c36c6f/10-1.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![loved-memories-photography-videography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/64qkXcXELxt7XXEexvpXQi/b853e7f659bd6df81cfe3a16b8ba1407/loved-memories-photography-videography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Loved Memories Photography & Videography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![11-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4RiU2cVAawt6etn6imcVC5/828072c76d7d37b0a191dc16c3872137/11-1.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Limelight Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

## Fall
. . . . . . . . . .

### September, October, November
Oh [fall weddings](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/real-weddings/fall), how loved you are! There is something so magical about the changing of the leaves and the cool, crisp air. A fall wedding month will make for cooler temperatures, happier party guests, and less bugs. And with a plethora of pumpkins, there are some very festive and unique [wedding themes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes) to embrace.

In these autumn wedding months, possible conflicts include the beginning of a new school year, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. There are also fewer flowers in season, so you may have to be willing to re-imagine your ideal floral arrangements. And if you and your partner are football fanatics, a fall wedding month might prove difficult to schedule around big game days. What if you accidentally plan your wedding for the most important match-up of the season?

![FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Ubu6ZBziGjm2B4BORdyNT/33e2bb528d1b74ef66a630b03c36d93a/FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Nick Davis Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![13-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3OtiKcANlOnPkYcCgvJY2a/460d2859aacdf429a5caabcf5687bd84/13-1.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![B.-Dembowski-Images](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/w1pEtfzf7XNQuVPoJOBA2/d6785ab23a16cc84309dc10b2f8b51d7/B.-Dembowski-Images.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [B. Dembowski Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![suzanne-karp-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2IotEvPwRzyD4wYnZWWhO8/21bd6d5c7ac111d854c0c5618f77eb0e/suzanne-karp-photography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Suzanne Karp Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![megan-rolfe-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6KAeFqKNiAbKOGmoReYPDQ/e34989f661e509b236290e43d8a5b13c/megan-rolfe-photography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Meghan Rolfe Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

## Winter
. . . . . . . . . . .

### December, January, February
A winter wedding month can be a hidden gem. Gleaming fireplaces, evergreen trees, snowy winter landscapes, less wedding competition (and thus the ability to negotiate prices), and more vendor/venue availability make a winter wedding very appealing for couples. There is something so romantic about wrapping up in warm blankets in front of an early sunset and clinging to each other for warmth.

But for all of the pros, there are still some cons to a winter soirée. Depending on the location of your wedding, getting snowed in (or out) could be a factor for outdoor wedding venues. There is less green outside, making for less picturesque landscapes that might force your wedding photos indoors. And… Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years. While these holidays are considered “the most wonderful time of the year,” they can create many conflicts for your special day. Traveling can be more expensive and difficult around the holidays, not to mention that money will most likely be a bit tighter for people, too.

![17](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/11hvWyN8wxfj6ZSYiyT8SL/e594d0a49432a4f45d859a59669dfde2/17.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Jennings King Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![dana-widman-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Kfdg6c8V9TlcOYdyDoXsP/62a288f8b3e8717982a365552cc9d4fb/dana-widman-photography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Dana Widman Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![loved-memories-photography-videography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6jaKHyWw2EzF2tJGN7rvHD/b7e1869b3d53ae174b5d73505252d3a0/loved-memories-photography-videography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Heather Erson Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![modern-wedding-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2DwNzksI7fCOhWBtJSWKoF/3b5ceefc704779234c84cfdf48f2adab/modern-wedding-photography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Modern Wedding Photography](https://www.modernweddingphotography.tv/)*

![Heather-Erson-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6jT8kMSgL2JTQBo0EYrJAb/f13fb701d13b59411bf937be04ceaadb/Heather-Erson-Photography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Heather Erson Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

Have you fallen in love with your perfect wedding month yet? Once you make a decision, be sure to put the date into your [Zola Weddings Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) so you can get a whole bunch (or just a few) customized planning reminders up until the big day. Happy planning!


The First 10 Things to Do When Planning a Wedding

5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress

How to Make a Wedding Guest List

Planning your wedding decorations and theme just might be the best part. Whether you're searching for beautiful ceremony backdrops, color palette inspo, or unique and trendy ideas, you'll find the inspiration you need to create a picture-perfect celebration.

Grid of different wedding styles - glitz and glam, tropical, rustic, summer camp.

What's Your Wedding Style? + 130 Decor Ideas

75 Wedding Themes to Inspire Every Type of Couple

Advice to make your wedding day go smoothly from start to finish. From ceremony timelines to wedding favor ideas to writing your vows, our experts help you plan the perfect wedding day.

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to warmly greet [wedding guests](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/wedding-guests) as soon as they arrive at your festivities. These gift bags let family and friends know that you’re grateful they’re able to share your special weekend with you. Plus, wedding welcome bags are filled with items that will make guests’ experiences as comfortable—and memorable—as possible. 

Welcome bags are particularly popular for destination weddings, but they’re also super common for local celebrations. Read on for our tips on how to build and how to package your wedding welcome bags—and when you should give them out to guests. 

## What to Put in a Wedding Welcome Bag

### Welcome Note
What would a wedding welcome bag be without a welcome note? Your note doesn’t need to be long—a simple, meaningful message is all that’s necessary. [Handwritten notes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-wedding-thank-you-cards) are always appreciated, but if time doesn’t permit, try to at least sign your names in ink. Don’t forget to include your wedding hashtag at the bottom of the note, too, or any other [social callouts](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/9-savvy-ways-to-use-social-media-at-your-wedding) you want to make.

### An Itinerary and a Map
Even the simplest wedding needs a plan. A detailed itinerary helps guests understand the timing of the weekend and figure out how much time they need to for getting ready and traveling to and from events. For getaways or multi-day events, a detailed itinerary is crucial. Letting guests know where they need to be and when saves them from texting or calling you, or continuously logging onto your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website). 

If you’re hosting a destination or an out-of-town wedding, include a map of the area and recommendations of restaurants, museums, and other attractions in the area. We recommend also including a list of contacts. You can add local emergency numbers and the names and numbers of the best people to reach out to for any questions—you and your fiance will havé enough going on. 

### A Water Bottle—or Two
This is a necessary staple. If your guests are staying in a hotel, they may not feel comfortable drinking tap water. Offer water bottles that they can bring with them to events or can graciously grab the morning after your reception. It’s a wedding after all—people will be celebrating.

![BluePhotoNYC InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2ET2WujqYArzqjKl4KtBV5/2017e7c56f62b9dce66c73f5a8325532/BluePhotoNYC_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Blue Photo NYC

### Mints
Weddings are basically mixers for your guests. It’s a lot of small talk with a lot of people. Add in passed hors d'oeuvres and things can get, well, stale. Keep everyone fresh with a small pack of mints. Add a tin of your favorite mints and guests can throw them in their clutches or suit jackets for the night. 

### Snacks
It’s not a welcome bag if there’s no food. Well, it can be, but your guests will be happy to have the snacks. You can include standard options like chips, popcorn, granola bars, or dried fruit. The welcome bag snack is also a great time to showcase a local treat, like homemade caramel squares or fresh shortbread cookies from a popular bakery. 

### Something Personal 
Your wedding welcome bag should be an extension of you and your partner. So, add a memento that’s reflective of your relationship. If you’re a huge tea lover, give guests a bag of your favorite kind. If your partner has a notorious sweet tooth, include their favorite chocolate bar. If you two are famous for your homemade jam, gift everyone a small jar. Include a little note or label to explain the item’s significance. 

### Single-serving Alcohol
Help guests get the party started with a cute mini bottle of champagne, a can of a local craft beer, or a sparkling rosé. You can also gift a mini liquor bottle and a small mixer. For example, a nip of gin and a can of flavored tonic will set the evening off—or end it—right. Throw in a colorful paper straw for a decorative touch.

## How to Package Wedding Welcome Bags
Package your wedding welcome bags in a way that showcases your [wedding’s theme](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/5-wedding-color-palettes-to-try-right-now) and your personality. If you’re getting hitched waterfront, for example, you may want a nautical-style tote with a rope handle. If your wedding is in a country garden, think floral-print paper bags with pastel ribbon. 

### Craft Paper Bags
Craft paper bags are easy to personalize and decorate—and they’re budget-friendly. They also make packing and bringing them to your guests’ accommodations easy. Use a stamp or customized sticker to label each bag with your and your partner’s name and wedding date.

If you want something more playful, brand each bag with the wedding hashtag. Add tissue paper on top, and tie a ribbon around the bag’s handles to seal the gift. 

### Tote Bags
Tote bags are a take-home souvenir in and of themselves. This option may be better for smaller weddings as it’s definitely an expensive choice. You can go classic with a standard plain tote, or personalize the bags with a custom design or message. You can customize the bags with your couple monogram, your names, or just your wedding date and location. 

### Boxes
Like craft paper bags, paper or cardboard boxes are easy to assemble and recycle—which is ideal for guests traveling light. Give a box the same treatment you would give a bag. Add a custom sticker, fill it with tissue paper, and add your items. It’s important to get a box that’s sturdy enough to hold your bag contents, too.  

![Unsplash InlineImage 1080x720 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4Ohw1ymX79s12z2bBdhOa0/422197e4daafbe545c496709223486c8/Unsplash_InlineImage_1080x720__1_.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Unsplash

## When to Give Out Wedding Welcome Bags

### If you’re having a destination wedding…
If guests are coming from out of town at various times, it’s best to have their wedding welcome bag ready for them as soon as they arrive. If possible, arrange for the bags to be ready in their rooms (if everyone is staying at the same accommodation), or have them handed out at check-in. Ask your wedding party to help organize this. 

Things to consider: If you’re traveling far for your wedding, you want to either have your wedding bags shipped to your destination ahead of time or packed carefully and transported by your wedding party. Since it’s easy for things to get moved around or damaged in transit, don’t assemble the bags until you’ve arrived. 

### If you’re having a local wedding…
It’s pretty typical to have welcome bags ready at the various hotels or other guest accommodations. However, if your wedding is small or most of your guests are traveling from their homes day-of, you can also have welcome bags on display in a designated area of your venue. You can arrange gifts on a front table, stack on a decorative shelf, or have members of the wedding party hand them out to each guest as they arrive.

Wedding welcome bags aren’t required for all weddings (budgets are important, we get it!), they are a thoughtful addition that really adds to the guest experience. 