Planning a destination wedding? Our comprehensive guide to destination wedding invitations will help you create the perfect invites. From design tips to essential travel details, we’ve got you!
You and your fiancé have finally worked out most of the details of your destination wedding, and now it’s time to invite your family and friends to be with you on the big day. It probably feels a little overwhelming, but in all honesty, there are only a few extra details that need to be considered for destination wedding invitations versus hometown wedding invitations.
Start by planning your guest list. This should ideally be done when choosing your venue, but if not, it’s crucial to tackle early on. Your guest list sets the tone for the entire event and ensures you are surrounded by the people who matter most to you.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, the most important details to convey on your wedding invitations are the extended timeline and essential information about the destination.
Timing Your Destination Wedding Invitations
Traditionally, invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before for a local wedding. For a destination wedding, the travel required is going to be an important consideration for the guests. You need to give your guests enough time to plan time off work, to book the best deals and maybe to save money for the trip, too.
You have two good options. You can send out a save-the-date card as early as 12 months beforehand, and then you can send the invitations three to six months before the date.
Alternatively, you can send out invitations themselves at the twelve month mark and RSVP reminders at three to six months out. Make sure to give yourselves enough time to lock in group discounts with your vendors and venue and to finalise the catering order. You don’t want to exclude any important guests by giving notice too late, nor do you want to complicate things for yourselves by being in a rush.
Destination Wedding Invitation Wording
Destination weddings are fun and generally less formal, so feel free to incorporate that into your invitations as long as you cover all the necessary details, too. You can use the traditional wording if you want to, but your goal is to convey the romance, excitement and adventure of your destination wedding, so make your invitations so compelling that your guests feel like they absolutely must be there. Just make sure that the important details are very clearly stated somewhere visible.
The details you need to include on your destination wedding invites
The obvious details — date, time, specific locations and attire — need to be included on the main invitation itself, but there is much more that you should include to help your guests out even further.
To avoid overwhelming your guests, other important destination information should be kept to card or envelope inserts, or your guests should be directed to your wedding website, if you have one. The expanded information should include maps, specific directions, accommodation and travel information, local attractions, any pre-wedding events and so on.
Set clear expectations
Make sure your expectations of your guests are clear without being rude. Often, a couple requiring their guests to travel will not expect gifts and if that’s so, include a card insert saying something like, ‘May your presence and good wishes be the only gift we receive’.
If that’s not the case, make sure your guests have an address to send gifts to so they don’t go through the trouble and expense of bringing them to the destination.
What if I don’t want children at my destination wedding?
If you prefer not to have children at your destination wedding, it’s best to handle this situation delicately and thoughtfully and not on the invitation itself. Here’s how you can address it:
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Word of Mouth: Inform close family and friends verbally that your wedding is an adults-only affair. This allows them to spread the message to others who might inquire.
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RSVP Card: On your RSVP card, include a line that specifies the number of adults attending. For example: “We have reserved ___ seats in your honour”
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Invitation Wording: Avoid mentioning children’s names on the invitation and ensure the wording is clear and polite. For example: “We respectfully request the presence of adults only at our destination wedding.”
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Wedding Website: If you have a wedding website, you can provide additional details there, such as local childcare options or activities for families in the area.
By handling this situation with sensitivity and clarity, you can effectively communicate your preference while maintaining courtesy towards your guests.
Dress Code Information
Lastly, attire should only be mentioned if it’s ‘formal attire requested’. If you want your guests to dress appropriately for your venue, use word of mouth to let people know and perhaps include wording that gets the point across, like ‘casual beach-side reception to follow’.
Kylee & Jason at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort – images by Ocean Studio Fiji – bride and groom with guests
With these tips and a personal touch, you will be well on your way to creating your perfect destination wedding invitations!
Your Destination Wedding Invitation To Do List At A Glance
| Step | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Plan Your Guest List | Finalise early, consider venue capacity and budget |
| Choose a Design | Reflect theme, use travel elements |
| Include Essential Info | Date, venue, accommodation, travel details |
| Send Save-the-Dates | Post 8-12 months in advance |
| Draft Invitation Wording | Clear, concise, include RSVP details |
| Add Extra Details | Local attractions, weather, contact info |
| Post Invitations | Send save the date cards up to a year before and the destination wedding invites 3-6 months before the wedding. If you are not sending save the date cards, send your wedding invites as early as possible so guests can factor in travel. |
Related Articles:
Tips for Planning Your Guest List
