A wedding website saves you answering the same fifty questions on WhatsApp. For an Indian wedding with several functions, it also solves a real problem: different guests are invited to different events, and everyone needs to know where to be, when, and what to wear.
Good wording is clear first and charming second. This guide walks through each section with sample text you can adapt. Replace the bracketed parts with your own details.
Principles before you write
- Lead with what guests need. Names, dates, places. Put the story below.
- Write per function. Haldi, mehendi, sangeet, wedding and reception each get their own block with time, venue and dress code.
- Keep sentences short. Many guests will open this on a phone, standing in a queue.
- Use the languages your guests read. A line in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu or Gujarati for elders is a kind touch.
- Say what you mean. If you do not want gifts, say so plainly and kindly.
1. The welcome note
This is the first thing guests see. Keep it to three or four lines.
Welcome to our wedding website. We are getting married on [date] in [city], and we would love to celebrate with you. Here you will find the schedule, venue details, travel information and a place to let us know you are coming.
A warmer alternative:
Two families, one big celebration. Please join us in [city] from [start date] to [end date] as [Name] and [Name] begin their life together. Everything you need to know is below.
2. Our story
Guests enjoy this, but it should not be longer than a few short paragraphs.
We met in [year] at [place], when [a small, true detail]. [Name] says it was the chai; [Name] says it was the playlist. Four years and two cities later, we are still arguing about both. In [month, year], [Name] asked, and the answer was yes.
Tips:
- One specific, true detail beats three general ones.
- Mention both families briefly if that feels right for you.
- Add a photo or two, but do not let images slow the page down.
3. The schedule, ceremony by ceremony
This is the most useful section. Use the same structure for every function so guests can scan it.
Template
[Function name] Date and time: [day, date, start time] Venue: [name, area, city] Who is invited: [all guests / family and close friends] Dress code: [description] Note: [anything unusual]
Sample: Haldi
Haldi Thursday, 12 December, 10:30 am The Garden Lawn, [Area], [City] Family and close friends Dress code: yellow or pastel, in clothes you do not mind getting stained Note: Breakfast will be served. Please arrive by 10:15.
Sample: Mehendi
Mehendi Thursday, 12 December, 4:00 pm [Venue] Dress code: bright colours, comfortable footwear Note: Mehendi artists will be available for guests who would like their hands done.
Sample: Sangeet
Sangeet Thursday, 12 December, 7:30 pm [Venue] Dress code: festive Indian or Indo-western, something you can dance in Note: Performances start at 8:30 pm. Dinner follows.
Sample: Wedding
Wedding Ceremony Friday, 13 December Baraat arrives at 9:30 am. Muhurat at 11:07 am. [Venue] Dress code: traditional Indian attire Note: Please cover your head if you plan to enter the mandap area during rituals, in line with our family's customs.
Sample: Reception
Reception Friday, 13 December, 8:00 pm [Venue] Dress code: formal Indian or cocktail
If you have trouble deciding who to invite to which event, read building your guest list by side and ceremony.
4. Dress code, kindly explained
Guests often worry about what to wear, especially those who are not familiar with Indian weddings. A short, friendly note helps.
There is no need to buy anything new. For Indian outfits, think saris, lehengas, kurtas, sherwanis and bandhgalas. If you prefer Western formal wear, that is welcome too. We would gently ask guests to avoid white and black at the wedding ceremony and to avoid red at the bride's side events. Comfortable shoes are a good idea; there will be a lot of dancing.
Adapt the colour guidance to your own family customs, since these vary by community.
5. Travel and stay
State the facts that save people time.
Getting here The nearest airport is [name], about [distance] from the venue. The nearest railway station is [name].
Where to stay We have reserved rooms at [Hotel A] and [Hotel B] at a special rate. Please mention [wedding name] when booking, and book by [date], after which the block is released.
Getting around Shuttles will run between the hotels and venues on [dates]. A schedule will be shared closer to the day.
If guests are travelling in for a destination wedding, read destination wedding costs and logistics in India for what to arrange.
6. RSVP wording
Be specific about what you need and by when.
Please let us know which functions you will attend by [date]. If your plans change, you can update your response on this page. Please include everyone in your party; we are planning meals for each guest.
For more on asking and chasing replies, see RSVP etiquette for Indian weddings. Mangalyam lets guests reply per function from the website; see wedding website and RSVP for how that works.
7. FAQs
A short FAQ cuts down on repeat questions. Common ones:
Can I bring a plus-one or my children?
We have planned for the guests named on your invitation. If you have questions about children or a partner, please message us.
Will there be vegetarian and Jain food?
Yes. All functions will have vegetarian options, and we will make Jain food available on request. Please mention dietary needs when you RSVP.
Is there a gift registry?
Your presence is our gift. If you would like to give something, [a blessing or a contribution to our new home] is welcome.
Can I take photos during the ceremony?
Our photographer will capture the rituals. We would be grateful if you could keep phones away during the pheras and enjoy the moment.
What if it rains?
All outdoor events have an indoor backup. We will message you on WhatsApp if anything changes.
Who do I contact on the day?
[Name], [phone number], is our point of contact for guests.
8. A note for wishes at the venue
Some couples add a short line inviting guests to leave blessings or messages. If you use a QR code at the venue, explain it simply.
At the venue you will find a QR code. Scan it to leave us a wish or a message. We will read every one.
Final checks before you publish
- Spell-check every name, especially those of elders.
- Check every date against the day of the week.
- Test the page on a phone.
- Read the dress code section aloud. If it sounds stern, soften it.
- Ask a relative who has not seen it to find the venue address in under ten seconds.
If you are still planning the wider timeline, our Indian wedding checklist shows when each of these details is usually confirmed.
Build yours free
Mangalyam gives you a free wedding website with per-function details, RSVP, and a link that is easy to share on WhatsApp. See the wedding website page for what is included.
Create your free wedding website and paste in the wording above.