Why not a Wedsite?

Marriages may be made in heaven, but all the planning takes place here on earth. And planning a wedding can be a stressful and busy time. Creating your own individualistic ‘wedsite’ aka wedding website is an ideal way to keep friends and family informed about the wedding plans as they unfold.

The world of the internet has grown far beyond its early function as a means of sharing information in an encyclopedic fashion. It has become a social networking tool for staying in touch despite our chaotic lifestyles; and weddings are no exception.

More aware of their special day than ever before, today’s couples create individualistic wedding ceremonies that reflect their personal styles, beliefs and cultural backgrounds. While traditional vows and ceremonies are still the most sought after, a lot of people are looking for something that little bit different. The personalised element is a very big trend, and this is where wedsites win over. By creating a beautiful, stylish wedsite, couples are able to provide meaningful information to their guests about themselves and about their wedding. Out-of-town friends and family can still participate in their special day, even if they can’t attend in person. A wedsite can not only provide practical information about the day’s events, but also allows the couple to share their stories, photos and other personal details for the family and friends (and most importantly,

A wedsite can not only provide practical information about the day’s events, but also allows the couple to share their stories, photos and other personal details for the family and friends (and most importantly, themselves!) to enjoy.

A labour of love

Anshuma and Ravi, who tied the knot in November 2008 themselves!) to enjoy.

We were all game for a wedsite. It seemed like the perfect platform to share our excitement about the most important day in our lives. As a couple we wanted to plan and share our wedding with the people who matter the most to us, and a wedding website could facilitate this and so much more. It was online right after our engagement and months before the wedding day. So friends and family from both sides had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the bride and groom. Our friends and family were way too excited about the new concept. We published the web address on our wedding cards as well, so people visited the website and shared their good wishes. And many still rely on it for checking out updates on our life or just reminiscing over our wedding memories.

So what kind of information goes on a wedsite? Virtually anything you want to communicate with friends and family can be added. A few suggestions from various wedding portals include an introduction of the bride and groom, the story of how they met, where they plan to live, and where the honeymoon will be. You can also share photos and stories of your wedding day and invite visitors to add their well-wishes and memories.

The initial setting-up cost was around $500, which included webmaster’s fee, buying a domain name and space etc. This excluded the concept developing cost as we both did it together rather than getting it professionally done. The running cost is approx. $200 per year. Couples can create their wedding webblogs for much less, as many websites offer free services on set templates for a limited period of time. But we wanted something special and unique that reflected our personal styles, beliefs and cultural backgrounds, as well as entertained and included our guests. So we created ours from scratch. We would highly recommend the idea to all to-be-married couples. In fact, some of our friends liked it so much that they have asked for a wedding website as their wedding gift. They want us to develop it for them when they get married. Another career option for us, you reckon?!

SHWETA SIROHI GUPTA investigates another novel trend that technology has on offer, this time in preparing for matrimony

But wedding websites aren’t all about the memories. They can play a very functional role as well. Function dates are available long before the invitations are mailed, so that guests from far away can plan accordingly, using added directions to wedding and party venues. Guests can often post messages or email questions to you directly from your wedsite. And after the wedding, it can be the best platform to proclaim your thanks and appreciation.

Adding personal touches and distinctive elements to the wedsite helps make the couple’s wedding day truly unique and exciting.

Technology is changing the way weddings are conducted, deviating from the traditional Indian methods of sending out invites and stacking up wedding albums. Your wedding will be one of the most important events in your life – so why not share it with as many loved ones as you can?