5 Wedding Website Pages Your Guests Will Gush Over

 

 

Once upon a Vow works with you to transform your LOVE + STORIES into unforgettable wedding vows, speeches, ceremonies, and every written word in between personalized to feel every bit like you.

 

 

You said ‘YES’ to your happily ever after and now you can’t wait to say ‘I Do’! Wishing everyone could feel your love and excitement, you brilliantly decide to build your own wedding website. But where do you start and what do you say?

 

First, pick the right wedding website platform for you. With so many WEDsite options to choose from, it’s important to figure out which one matches your needs and style. Maybe you want a free, no-frills platform that shares your wedding details and your love story. Or maybe you want more of an interactive website that helps you manage RSVPs, gift registries, and wedding photos taken by your guests. You might want a wedding website that comes with a personalized URL or one that links to your own purchased domain. There are even options, like MyWedding.com, that matches your favorite wedding website design to your wedding invitations so you can kill two birds with one stone.

Once you’ve figured out which wedding website platform works best for you, give your guests a sneak peek into your big day with these five must-have WEDsite pages.

 

1. Wedding Homepage

This will be the first page your guests will see and their first look into your wedding day so you want their experience to reflect your wedding story style. Make everything simple, uncluttered, and clear. The menu should be easy to navigate so guests can find your registry, guest book, and every page in between. Add a beautiful picture of you two with your names and wedding date front and center. Welcome your guests to your story and thank them for celebrating your upcoming wedding with you. If you’d like to add an extra touch of excitement, include a countdown clock so you can tick off the days together.
 

2. Your Love Story

Share all those serendipitous moments that brought you two together, especially the details of how you first met, your first date, your favorite things to do together, and all the reasons you’re both imperfectly perfect for each other. Add a scrolling gallery of your favorite moments and take your guests through your sweet timeline.

3. Your Proposal Story

Everyone wants to know how they asked so give them those details here. You can walk them through both your perspectives on the whole experience, like their planning process versus your emotional reaction. This is the perfect place to share your favorite engagement photos or video, if you have one. Let your personalities and quirky love shine through in both your love story and proposal story pages. It will undoubtedly make your guests excited to witness your I Do’s!

4. Wedding Day Details

Your wedding website will be your guests go to resource for all your wedding day details, especially if you’re having a destination wedding or invited many of out-of-town guests. Clearly paint a picture of what the big day will look like - when is the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception? Where will each be held? It’s important to be as specific as possible to avoid confusion, especially if there are multiple locations. Add a picture of the venue and a Google map widget so guests can be prepared and plan ahead.

5. Wedding Party

This is a great opportunity to highlight the important people in your lives, especially the members of your wedding party. Include a picture of them and a short introduction with their wedding party role (i.e. Best Man, Maid of Honor, Mother of the Bride(s)/Groom(s), etc.). Personalize each one, describing what makes them an important part of your life or tell a story about your friendship. On a more somber note, if you’d like to remember someone who is no longer here with you, include a Remembrance section dedicated to your lost loved ones. In this way, you’re acknowledging their importance in your life and giving others an opportunity to fondly remember them with you.

These five must-have pages intimately walk your guests through your journey that they wouldn’t otherwise experience until your ceremony. But with a well crafted wedding website, they can share in your excitement, bask in your joy, and feel lucky to witness this incredible moment in both your lives.

Guest Blogger/Written by: Daniela VillaRamos


Have a Sweet Day,
Clarissa

Save.The.Dates 101: Tips & Advice

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Being engaged is a exciting time! As you get closer to saying I DO, you want to create a buzz of excitement. What better way to do that is by sending out Save.The.Dates. I was inspired to write this blog post by one of my 2016 Brides, she's getting married next Summer (so exciting). Let's chit chat today all about how to properly create and send them out to all your
guests.

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What is a Save.The.Date?
 

 

A Save.The.Date can be designed in many forms and ways. But it's basically a elegant way to announce to your guests that you are getting married. This speaks volumes for your special day that's coming up, and sets the tone! Furthermore, letting them know to make plans to attend your wedding. This is exactly what you send out BEFORE the formal wedding invitations.

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Hire a Professional Paper Designer!

Please! Hire a professional that specializes in paper. The same person that is going to design your BEAUTIFUL wedding invitations; should be the EXACT same person that designs the SAVE.THE.DATES. You want everything to be cohesive, this is your wedding after all. Your wedding is one of the most amazing events (biggest events) you will plan in your lifetime. We talk about this on the Bridal Style Blog Wedding Talk Show. When you hire a professional you will get quality paper. You want a nice polished, and professional look. What you don't want is cheap paper (even the actual weight of the paper is IMPORTANT), that washes out the over look and feel of the Save.The.Date. When you have the menu cards, invitations, save.the.dates, place cards, ect you want everything to look amazing (and match).

 

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When do you send Save.The.Dates out? 

Rule: Ship out 6 months PRIOR to your wedding date.

Once you have hired a professional paper designer (aka person the specializes on making invitations, and all other wedding stationary). Also, before hand you want to allow time to have the Save.The.Dates created, which I recommend to start that process 8-12 wks (if possible) before you ship. This allows time to gather mailing addresses directly from your guest list as well. Furthermore, time to have the envelopes   "addressed" postage stamps, ect.   You are ready to ship to all of your guests. Starting ahead of time makes this process so much smoother. Also, for a special added touch you can hire a calligrapher to address your envelopes for you (makes the Save.The.Date more elegant. 

 

How should I choose my overall style? 

The style or theme should be a true reflection of you as a couple. Starting from your wedding website, to the save.the.dates, and wedding invitations. This is the gateway into your wedding day. As mentioned, earlier in the post, this sets the overall tone. Perhaps, if you are having a shabby chic, or boho style, perhaps vintage rustic, or glam wedding; the Save.The. Date should reflect just that. Also, the time of year, season of which the wedding is taking place. You want to capture the true essence of that into that Save.The.Date. Not only is this exciting for the guests, but let's them know what to expect. 

Written By: Clarissa 

 

Have a Sweet Day,

Clarissa 

How to Plan a Romantic Indoor Picnic

Choose the date and plan ahead - Think about when exactly you want to snuggle up and have a indoor picnic. I really love how this romantic activity can be done during the week or weekend. Keep in mind, it doesn't have to be a holiday or special occasion. You can just plan one "just because". Go pick out everything you will need from the blanket, pillows, picnic basket, china, flatware, stemware, rose petals, and all the special little touches you want to add (Make it EXTRA Special)!         

                                                  

  

Plan the menu - choose your significant others favorites food/beverage. Don't forget to plan a nice dessert as well. The menu planning should be really fun and easy. Don't forget the fresh fruits, such as strawberries! Maybe, even chocolate covered strawberries, white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, some rolled in nuts, ect,. My husband and I really love Kilwin's here in Atlanta for fresh speciality candies,...

Pick up a glass a Champagne or wine! Have it already chilled and ready for that night.

Set the mood - after you place the blanket on the floor, and all the other romantic goodies...set the mood. Dim the lights, light some candles, and set-up the plates and flatware, and pour the bubbly/wine. Write your significant other a love letter (handwritten letters are always best (pre-write the letter) spread your rose petals all over. Play some music you both enjoy! Talk, laughter, eat, drink, and enjoy each other's company.

Make it extra special and give your love a massage at the end!

Bonus Tip: Wear something comfortable (because you will be on the floor together), and don't forget to seal the night with a kiss!

 

Have a Sweet Day,

Clarissa

 

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Written By: Clarissa
 

 

 

New Year Eve Inspirations

Happy Wedding Wednesday! The countdown for 2015 is tonight! This is my last blog post for 2014, WOW what a incredible year.  I cannot wait to bring you more great content next year! Today, I wanted to bring to you some fabolous New Years Eve inspirations. The holiday is surrounded with lots of glitter, confetti, and glam! Also, New Year Eve themed weddings, social events, and big spectacular parties. Here at The Sweetest Thing Events we are excited about the new year. Enjoy these inspirations and perhaps you can incorporate some into your own celebrations.

 

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Imagine celebrating the New Year in this beautiful sequin dress, covered in gold, it's very gorgeous and perfect for a night out of celebration.  Imagine arriving to a party, and dancing the night away in this dress. I love how it's paired with a clutch purse, and bracelet.

 

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New Years Eve parties are about the eye candy ( the pretty decorations) and you can WOW your guests with unique decor! When hosting a New Years Eve themed party you want to create a fun, festive atomosphere! Here's a awesome idea to implement if you love to do DIY projects! I love the GOLD!

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I was inspired by this beautiful bridal bouquet perfect for a blushing bride as she exchanges vows on New Years Eve! The colors are so soft and beautiful, and the bottom is wrapped so lovely in gold sequin. Lots of sparkle, and shine, and any Bride will dazzle as she carries this bouquet throughout the wedding day!

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Here's a sassy, short sequin, and pretty "Cut the Cake" dress, perfect for the curvy bride. The golds, blacks, and shimmer make the dress shine. Also, this dress is great "after the wedding" as the bride exits the reception on New Years Eve night! 

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Make the grand entrance into the wedding ceremony FUN! Here's a great way to bring out the theme of the New Year by adding shining stars into the aisle.   When the wedding guests enter the wedding ceremony they will love to see all the pretty stars in the aisle.  This will be a fun conversation piece as well for the guests, and will make ROCKIN wedding photography.

 

 

 

 

Also, for more inspirations, tips and more please CLICK HERE thank you!

 

 

Happy New Year!

2015

Have a Sweet Day,
Clarissa


Written by: Clarissa The Sweetest Thing Events

Engagement Feature: Love Story of "Zachary & Ashley"

"A Teenage Love"

This lovely couple out of Wisconsin met through mutual friends during their high school years. Their friendship turned into a sweet "teenage love"! 

Their engagement story is heartfelt, and sweet. I love how music played a role in setting the tone for the actual marriage proposal.  Enjoy their "love story" as it is lovely! What started out as a typical anniversay date turned into a beautiful night for Zachary & Ashley! 

THE COUPLE ...

 " Zachary & Ashley" 

HOW THEY MET....

Zachary and Ashley were introduced to each other by mutual friends; while attending high school. After, becoming friends later they began dating. By their junior year of high school their friendship blossomed into a relationship. 

LOVE CONQUERS ALL....

Zachary and Ashley have learned how to conquer all challenges they have faced. No matter what they always come out on top better than ever!

THE DATE NIGHT....

On, Wednesday December 11, 2013, Zachary and Ashley went out to celebrate their 4 year anniversary. 

The couple chose to have a dinner date  and go ice skating. Immediately, following dinner the couple made their way to the ice skating rink.

 As the couple skated, Zachary pointed  out that the song "Still Into You" By Paramore was playing; of course Ashley was so focused on skating ( it had been quite a while, since she last ice skated). 

As Ashley got the hang of ice skating she started to notice the music....

The second song was "Marry Me" By Jason Durlo. The last song that played was their favorite song. "I'll Be" By Edwin McCain. 

THE MARRIAGE PROPOSAL ... 

As Zachary and Ashley stopped for a break during the song, Ashley pointed out to him that their favorite song was playing.  By this time he was already on the ground fixing his ice skates.  

Zachary looked up at Ashley and said, "Ashley there's a reason for these songs playing today." She just looked at him with a confused looked he reached into his coat that was on the bench and pulled out a big box... 

HE ASKED ....SHE SAID YES...

As Ashley kept repeating the word no over and over because she was convinced that he wasn't going to propose for a while still. Then, Zachary opened the box and looked up and said, "Ashley I love you...will you marry me?" At first she took a couple steps back still being in shock. Then, Ashley said yes! 

For details on Zachary & Ashley's "Love Story" and more, stay tuned! 

Photo Source: via Instagram

Thank you, 

Have a Sweet Day ❤

January Giveaway

I'm excited to announce the first giveaway of 2014! Valentine's Day is coming soon. Love is in the air!

One lucky "engaged couple" will have a chance to win "The Sweetest Box"  - a sweet little box filled with romantic items by "Risqué"! Perfect, gift for your upcoming Honeymoon!

The prize is sponsored by: 

Owner, Neva Wilson 

Risque

"Where Elegance meets Erotica"  

Http://www.therisquestore.com

Email: info@therisquestore.com

Qualifications: You must be "Engaged" in order to win the Prize! 

Rules: 

Post a picture of you and your fiancée on Instagram. 

Be as creative as you like! Think out-of-the-box! The couple with the most "likes" on Instagram wins the prize! 

Follow me on Instagram: 

@sweetestthingevents 

Hashtag the picture via instagram: 

#sweetestthingevents

Note: must be a United States Resident 

Giveaway ends February 1, 2014 

11:59pm (EST) winner will be notified via Instagram, and the prize will be shipped to your home address.

Photo Credit: Envisage Photography

Photo Credit: Risque

Photo Credit: www.eclecticrecipes.com

  

Good luck! 

Have a Sweet Day❤

Clarissa 

3 Fab ideas of how to host a Engagement Party

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Love is in the air!  Engagement season is here, it starts the month of November and runs through February! This is the time when guys drop down on one knee to ask the BIG QUESTION; "Marry me"! 

Such, a exciting time in Bride.2.Be's life (The moment she has dreamed of, all her

Life). So, now that it's here, she's got to make it special!

Immediately following the engagement, you want to start planning a ......."Engagement" Party!  I know you need some FAB tips to get all the elements planned! 

#1) Establishing a date for the event- if you don't have a "Location" the rule is..... you don't officially have a "date" secured for your event! Don't announce to your guests the when, where, what... until you have officially "locked" in your venue!  

Think of a date ( be flexible on your dates)! You don't want to have your heart set on a particular date.  Later, only to find out that "date" is unavailable!  Start early a lot of places "book" 6-12 months in advance. 

#2 Location! Location! Location! - you have so many choices. Be creative, and unique. You don't have to be traditional! The options are endless, don't limit yourself to where you host your engagement party!  

Here's a few ideas:

 Rooftop of a Hotel, here in Atlanta, Georgia there is a boutique hotel called The "The Glenn Hotel" that has a venue called "Sky lounge" located on the roof of the hotel. Heated & A/C available, full bar, cute contemporary seating/couches, and more ( The view of the city "Breathtaking)! 

Museums, Aquarium, Movie Theater (yes, I said "movie theater") I know of movie theater that offer private rooms to host parties!  Private room at a restaurant my favorite is "Two Urban Licks" the room

is amazing ( the room sun roof that opens up into the sky, Awesome)! 

#3) Guests - plan your guests list with "love" and invite close family, and loved ones. You want to think about the most important people (Parents, Godparents, Grandparents). Focus on the most important first when making out your guest list. Remember this is the "engagement party" NOT THE WEDDING! You don't have to invite a HUGE crowd of guests. It's ok to have a small intimate group of people for the event. 

Bonus Tip: Relax, have fun and make your engagement party your own. This is a special time for you and your fiancée. Furthermore, this event is a opportunity to formally announce the engagement; among your close family and loved ones. 

If you can think of more tips on planning a Engagement Party, please leave a comment below. 

Click here and contact me if you need a planner to pull this FAB event together! 

Have a Sweet day,

Clarissa ❤

3 Fun activities Before "I Do"

 You have been busy thinking, dreaming, and planning the wedding! But, now you need to take sometime to plan a few activities "Before" the BIG Day! These are special little outings that will make being engaged a "joy"!  

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1) Plan a "Engagement Party" - this is a opportunity to gather your close friends and family to celebrate your engagement! Perhaps, opt for a "Cocktail Party", or "Dinner Party".  Don't forget to Hire a planner so all the fine details come together smoothly. 

2) Plan a "Date Night" at least twice a month - Plan two dates a month ( not to discuss the wedding) and just enjoy that "two" of you. Here's a few ideas: dinner & dancing, dinner and a movie, or a private candle light dinner at home ( You will need a break away from the wedding planning)!

3) Plan a Photo "Engagement" Session together - Hire a Professional Photographer to shoot your session. Maybe a outdoor/indoor photoshoot; consider 1-2 dress changes, and for added fun include some props! 

Bonus TIP: Hire a Wedding Planner if you have not already to plan and coordinate your wedding the "Day of"!

Please leave a COMMENT below if you have more sweet ideas of activities you can think of. 

Thank you, 

Clarissa ❤