Destination Wedding Invitation Guide

Destination weddings are all about creating lasting memories in stunning locations with the people you love most. Imagine celebrating your big day on a sun-soaked beach, surrounded by breathtaking views and your closest friends and family. It’s not just about tying the knot; it’s about turning your wedding into a mini vacation and experience for everyone involved! Choosing a unique spot like a charming coastal town or a picturesque vineyard means you and your guests get to share an adventure, making your celebration even more special and unique. Crafting unique destination wedding invitations is a goal for many couples planning a destination wedding.

As destination weddings become increasingly popular, couples need to understand the special considerations involved in planning one. From the stunning locales to the intimate gatherings, a destination wedding offers a memorable experience. One of our favorite stories is about a couple, Meghan and Cole, a Pennsylvania couple who decided to hold their destination wedding in Destin, Florida, where they had first met at another wedding a few years earlier. We helped them craft a beautiful wedding suite that perfectly captured their love story and provided their guests with all the essential information needed to make travel plans. They came to us because they wanted their guests to feel the excitement and adventure right from the moment they received their invitations. However, Meghan and Cole quickly realized that planning a destination wedding required different timelines and details compared to a local wedding. Since Heather and I (Emily) are seeing more and more couples opt for a destination wedding, we wanted to break down the essential elements and timeline for destination wedding invitations to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whether you’re planning a tropical beach wedding or a romantic European getaway, we’ll guide you through the process.

Destination Wedding Invitation Wording

When it comes to the wording of a destination wedding invitation, there are some subtle differences compared to traditional wedding invitations. The wording should convey the excitement of the adventure while providing all the essential information.

Wording Differences:

• Traditional Wording: While traditional wording typically includes the request for guests to attend the marriage of the couple, destination wedding invitations often emphasize the experience. For example, “Join us for a celebration of love and adventure in beautiful [Destination]”.
• Essential Details: Include clear details about the destination, travel information, accommodation options, and any pre-wedding events.
• Tone: The tone can be more casual and inviting, reflecting the laid-back and intimate nature of destination weddings. This will depend on the overall vibe of your wedding. Not sure how to tackle this? We can help design invitations that truly reflect you as a couple and your overall wedding vibe and aesthetic.

Timeline:

• When to Send: 4-6 months before the wedding. This gives guests ample time to arrange travel and accommodations.

P.S. Need help crafting your wedding guest list? Click here to check out our post on how to make a wedding guest list!

Why It’s Important:

Destination weddings often involve travel plans, and clear, detailed invitations help guests plan their trip without confusion.

Details Card

For a destination wedding, a details card can be a lifesaver for your guests, providing essential information that goes beyond the basics included in the invitation.

Timeline:

• When to Include: With the wedding invitation.
• Details to Include: Accommodation options, transportation info, itinerary of events, local attractions.

Why It’s Important:

A details card ensures that your guests have all the information they need in one place, reducing the likelihood of confusion and multiple back-and-forth communications. It helps your guests feel prepared and excited about the trip.

RSVP Requirements

Getting RSVPs back on time is even more crucial for destination weddings. You’ll need accurate headcounts for travel arrangements, accommodations, and any group activities planned.

Timeline:

• RSVP Deadline: 2-3 months before the wedding.
• Details to Include: Return address, RSVP card, and/or online RSVP option.

Why It’s Important:

A clear and early RSVP deadline helps you finalize numbers for the venue, caterers, and any transportation or accommodation bookings. It also allows you to follow up with guests who haven’t responded, ensuring you can make necessary adjustments in time.

Save the Dates for Destination Weddings

Save the Dates are crucial for destination weddings because they give your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements.

Timeline:

• When to Send: 8-12+ months before the wedding.
• Details to Include: Wedding date, destination, and a note that formal invitations will follow.
• Wedding Website: Including the wedding website on your Save the Date is highly recommended. This allows guests to find all the necessary information in one place. Wedding websites will typically need to be set up earlier for destination weddings than for local weddings.

Why It’s Important:

Early notification helps your guests plan and budget for the trip, ensuring they have enough time to book flights and accommodations. Save the Dates for destination weddings often include extra details, such as travel information and/or a link to your wedding website.

The Importance of a Wedding Website

A wedding website is particularly beneficial for destination weddings, offering a central hub for all relevant information.

Timeline:

• When to Launch: As soon as you send Save the Dates, your wedding website should be live!
• Details to Include: Travel information, accommodation details, itinerary, dress code, and RSVP options. Many couples also put information about local activities and eateries, since some guests do turn a destination wedding into a vacation.

Why It’s Important:

Your wedding website can be continually updated with any new information or changes, making it an invaluable resource for your guests. It can also include local tips, FAQs, and a contact form for any questions. This is especially helpful for a destination wedding where guests might be unfamiliar with the location and logistics involved.

Thank You Cards

Thank you cards are the final touch in your wedding stationery suite and an important way to show appreciation to your guests.

Timeline:

• When to Send: Within 3 months after the wedding.
• Details to Include: Personal message, gratitude for their attendance and any gifts received.

Why It’s Important:

Sending thank you cards promptly shows your appreciation and leaves a lasting positive impression. It’s a thoughtful gesture that acknowledges the effort your guests made to attend your destination wedding.

Planning a destination wedding involves unique considerations, especially when it comes to wedding stationery and timelines. At Heather Paperie, we understand these nuances and are here to guide you through the process. Our goal is to help you create a cohesive and beautiful wedding invitation suite that sets the tone for your special day and ensures your guests have all the information they need.

For more information on how we can assist you with your destination wedding invitations, reach out to us today. We’re here to make your wedding planning journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Want to WOW your guests at your destination wedding? Here are some simple tips that you can do to elevate your wedding guest experience!