I'm pretty sure here in 2016, we all know why wedding websites (aka " wedsites") are so awesome. Printed invitations can only hold so much information, and it makes things easier for your guests when you've got a personalized website to tell them everything they need to know ... whether that's simple stuff like accommodations and venue parking, or more complex stuff like why they shouldn't wear heels because, well, there will be a bouncy castle at the reception, duh!

So, how to get your guests to ACTUALLY read your wedding website?

1. Oversell your wedding website on your invitations

This is the very first and most important step. Before you can make sure they read your wedding website, you have to make sure they know about - and just a little URL on the invitations may not be enough. Don't just share the website address, but TELL guests they NEED to visit it to get important information. This is known by some folk as a " call to action," and it's super important!

2. Get FAQ-y with it

Guests always have questions... maybe many, maybe frequently. Maybe on the day of the wedding! These might include:

• The date of the wedding (sounds obvious, but it's the detail everyone needs most)
• How do I get to the venue(s)?
• What should I wear?
• Is there a dress code?
• What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?
• Are there any colors that guests should avoid wearing?
• Are kids welcome?
• Can I bring a date?
• Does your wedding have a theme?

We have even more suggestions here for what to include on your FAQ. You could even include a "who to call" cheat sheet online so that anyone can access it on their smartphones in those we-need-to-know-this-NOW moments.

3. Tell your story

Hopefully most of your guests will already know what you are all about, but when it comes to guests' dates, extended family, coworkers, and folks like that, some back-story may be welcome. If you're having a Star Wars theme, guests would love to know that you guys met at Comic-Con. It may feel a little me-me-me, but it might make those less close folks feel more connected with your wedding, and avoid people feeling like the pop cultural references are all inside jokes they don't get.

4. Encourage online RSVP

Most wedding website tools have an RSVP tool, so use it! 20somethings may be totally phone- and snail mail-phobic (trust us, we're right there with you), so an online RSVP is great for when you want to collect and track the headcount without having to track down web nerds like us.

5. Add a map of the area with key points of interest

This is one of those so-useful-it-hurts additions for anyone from out-of-town. Most guests can Google nearby sites, but if it's your town, you probably know the really great places to see, to eat at, or in which to get sloshed.

6. Share registry information

If you are planning to register for gifties, it is pretty efficient to find that information on your wedsite. This is especially true if you're going to use a wedding registry where guests can browse and buy.

7. Write updates

This one is so not required (is anything on Offbeat Bride ever REALLY required?!), but if you're planning to remember key elements of planning or DIYing (or want to submit to a certain website), a blog updating your planning progress can be super helpful and even cathartic at times.

Start designing your forever-free wedding website today, with our favorite wedsite provider, mywedding.com: