A good location link on an invitation takes guests to the entrance they should use, not just to the venue's name on a map. Drop a pin on the exact gate, copy the share link from Google Maps, add a landmark and a parking note in words, and test the link on a phone before sharing. For homes in large societies, a pin on the right tower and gate saves every guest five minutes of wandering.
Venue listing or dropped pin?
| Venue listing | Dropped pin | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The venue's own entry on Google Maps | A point you place yourself |
| Best for | Well-known halls, hotels and temples | Homes, large campuses, a specific gate |
| Risk | Some listings point to an office or a back gate | Needs care to place exactly |
| Shows | The venue's name, photos and reviews | Only a location |
For a famous hotel, the listing is fine. For anything else, check where the listing actually points; if it's not the entrance guests should use, drop a pin instead.
Making the link
- Open Google Maps and find the venue, or press and hold on the exact gate to drop a pin.
- Check the pin in satellite view, so you can see the actual gate.
- Tap Share and copy the link.
- Open the link on another phone to check it lands in the right place.
- Add it to the invitation's venue page, with the address in words.
Say which gate
Name the pin's purpose on the invitation: “Map to Gate 2, the main entrance” tells guests that the link was chosen with care.
Plus Codes
Google Maps shows a Plus Code for any location, a short code such as 7JFJ+2X followed by the city. It's handy for places without a clear address, such as a farmhouse or a field used for a garba. Guests can type it into Google Maps to find the exact point. Put it beside the link, not instead of it.
Words still matter
Not every guest will tap the map, and elders often prefer directions in words. Under the link, add:
- A landmark: “opposite the Shiv temple”, “next to the petrol pump on the ring road”.
- The entrance: “enter from Gate 2 on the service road”.
- Parking: where to park and whether there's valet.
- For homes: tower, floor and flat number, and the name to give at the security desk.
Several venues
Weddings often have a different venue for each function. Give each function its own map link on its own line, and label them clearly: “Mehndi: Kapoor House (map)”, “Wedding: The Grand Lawn (map)”. Guests will open the invitation on the day and tap the first link they see, so put the right one next to the right function.
Guests who don't use Google Maps
Some guests use Apple Maps, some elders don't use maps at all, and some arrive by auto or cab and simply hand the phone to the driver. A Google Maps link opens in a browser on any phone, so it still works for iPhone users. For elders, the address and a landmark in words matter more than any link, and many families add a phone number to call for directions: “Lost? Call Rahul on 98XXX XXXXX.”
Large campuses and gated societies
Hotels, clubs, hospitals-turned-banquet-halls and big housing societies often have several gates, and the main listing may point to the wrong one. Drop a pin on the gate guests should use, mention the gate number in words, and tell security to expect guests. For a society, add the tower and the name to give at the desk: “Tower C, tell security you're visiting the Joshis on the 12th floor.” Ten words save every guest a phone call.
Testing before you share
- Open every link on a phone, outside WhatsApp.
- Start directions from your own location and check the route ends at the gate.
- Ask someone unfamiliar with the venue to try it.
- Check that the link isn't a shortened one that some phones block.
Home addresses
Don't put the exact location of your home on an invitation you share publicly, on social media or in large groups. Share the link privately with invited guests only.
On the day
Send the map link again in the morning reminder for each function. Guests search their messages for it rather than opening the invitation, and having it in the latest message is a kindness. The link preview guide covers how links look when shared, and the QR code guide covers adding a map to printed cards. More are under sharing and digital invitations.
Questions people ask
How do I add a Google Maps link to an invitation?
Find the venue or drop a pin on the right gate in Google Maps, tap Share, copy the link and add it to the venue page with the address in words.
Should I use the venue's listing or a dropped pin?
The listing for well-known venues; a dropped pin for homes, large campuses or when the listing points to the wrong gate.
What is a Plus Code?
A short code from Google Maps, such as 7JFJ+2X Surat, that marks an exact point. It's useful for places without a clear address.
Should the address be written as well as linked?
Yes. Add a landmark, the entrance and parking in words, since not every guest will tap the map.
Filed under Sharing & digital invitations
Written by ShubhLink Editorial Team
The team behind ShubhLink's invitation templates and ShubhLink AI. We write down what families ask us most, and check each guide before it goes live.