Destination Wedding Guest List: Who Makes The Cut?

Planning a destination wedding is exciting, but it's important to consider the etiquette surrounding such an event. When it comes to invitations, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is common to end up with a smaller guest list due to preferences, venue size, or the number of loved ones who are able to attend. This means you might want to consider inviting more people than you expect to attend, but be mindful of your budget. It is also important to give guests plenty of advance notice, usually six to nine months, so they can save money, book time off work, and get the best travel deals. The invitations themselves should include essential information such as names, destination, date, time, location, accommodation, and travel information. You might also want to include a separate insert with more detailed travel tips and local attractions.

Inviting extended family and friends

When it comes to extended family and friends, the general consensus is that you should invite anyone you want to be there, just like you would for a wedding at home. However, it's important to keep in mind that destination weddings are often smaller and more intimate affairs, so you may need to be more selective with your guest list. Ultimately, the decision of who to invite comes down to your personal preferences, the size of your venue, and your budget.

If you're close to your extended family and friends and want them to share your special day, by all means, invite them! However, it's essential to understand that not everyone you invite may be able to attend due to factors such as budget constraints, time availability, or personal preferences. It's common for destination weddings to have a lower acceptance rate, so don't be surprised if some of your invited guests decline the invitation.

When inviting extended family and friends, it's considerate to provide them with as much information as possible to help them make an informed decision. This includes giving them ample notice by sending out "save the dates" at least six months in advance and providing travel details such as the nearest airport, accommodation options, and transportation arrangements.

Additionally, you may want to consider ways to include those who cannot attend. For example, you can set up a livestream or video call during the wedding, create a wedding hashtag for them to follow, or plan a separate celebration closer to home after your return.

When deciding whether to invite extended family and friends to your destination wedding, it's essential to be mindful of their budgets and time commitments. While you may want to include them, remember that attending a destination wedding can be a significant expense and time investment for your guests. Be understanding if they decline your invitation, and don't pressure them to attend.

In conclusion, inviting extended family and friends to your destination wedding is a personal choice that depends on your relationship with them and the vision for your wedding. Provide clear and timely information, be understanding of their circumstances, and consider ways to include them even if they can't physically be present.

Save-the-date timing

The timing of save-the-dates is also crucial for ensuring your guests can secure the necessary travel documents, such as passports and visas. By giving them enough notice, you can ensure that your guests have enough time to renew or apply for these documents.

Additionally, sending save-the-dates early can help you gauge interest in your destination wedding. It can give you an early indication of how many guests are likely to attend, which can be helpful for planning purposes.

It is also worth noting that the timing of save-the-dates can impact the overall cost of your wedding. By giving guests more time to plan and save, they may be more likely to attend, which could increase your final guest count. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between sending save-the-dates early enough to be considerate of your guests' needs but not so early that it becomes a burden for them.

In conclusion, the timing of save-the-dates for a destination wedding is a critical aspect of the planning process. By sending them out six to nine months in advance, you can ensure your guests have enough time to plan their travel, secure any necessary documents, and give you an early indication of attendance numbers. However, it is important to be mindful of not sending them too early or too late to avoid causing unnecessary stress for your guests.

Invitation wording

When it comes to destination weddings, the wording of your invitations is crucial. It should capture the essence of your chosen location and reflect the style, formality, and overall vibe of your wedding. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect invitation wording:

Keep it Simple and Special:

Start with a catchy opening line that excites your guests and sets the tone for the celebration. Mention the ocean, sea, sun, sunsets, or travel to get them dreaming about the location. Here's an example:

"Pack your bags and join us for a tropical escape as we exchange vows on the sandy shores of Bali!"

Provide a Clear Call to Action:

Don't forget to tell your guests what to do next. Include a clear call to action, such as "RSVP by visiting our wedding website" or "Call our travel agent to book your spot."

Include Essential Details:

In addition to the catchy opening line and call to action, provide the following essential details:

• Wedding date and time
• City, state, or country of the wedding
• RSVP date and method
• Your wedding website link

Elaborate on Your Wedding Website:

Use your wedding website to provide additional information that won't fit on the invitation. This can include travel and accommodation tips, a local map or itinerary, and details about any extra events like a welcome dinner or recovery lunch.

Be Mindful of Etiquette:

When addressing etiquette concerns in your destination wedding invitations, consider the following:

• Give your guests enough time to prepare by sending save-the-dates 9-12 months in advance.
• Avoid asking for gifts due to the costs involved in attending a destination wedding.
• Be generous with plus-ones, especially for guests who won't know anyone else at the wedding.
• Consider inviting children if asking their parents to attend creates a difficult situation.

Examples of Destination Wedding Invitation Wording:

"Our greatest adventure awaits! Please join us for the wedding of [Bride] and [Groom] on the beaches of Bali. For accommodation details and to RSVP, visit our website: [insert link]."

"Join us in paradise! You are cordially invited to our wedding weekend getaway, from November 10th, 2024, at Solmar Resort, Cabo San Lucas. For more details and to RSVP, visit our wedding website."

"Love is a journey. Please join us as we celebrate the beginning of a beautiful adventure at the marriage of [Bride] and [Groom] on March 12, 2025, at Jellyfish Restaurant, Punta Cana. Visit our website to RSVP and for more information."

Paying for guests' travel

When it comes to destination weddings, it is traditionally the couple's responsibility to cover the cost of their guests' travel and accommodation. However, with the increasing popularity of destination weddings, it is becoming more common for couples to share these costs with their guests or ask guests to cover their own travel expenses.

Guests' Travel Costs

It is generally expected that guests will pay for their travel costs when attending a destination wedding. This includes expenses such as flights, airport transfers, and any other transportation costs. As the host, it is a nice gesture to provide transportation for your guests to and from the ceremony and reception sites, as well as a shuttle service from the airport.

Guests' Accommodation

Guests are typically responsible for covering their own accommodation costs. However, if you are having a small, intimate wedding or your venue has onsite accommodation, you may be able to cover these costs. It is also a thoughtful gesture to guide your guests towards affordable hotel rooms or secure group rates at your resort.

Other Costs

As the host, you are expected to pay for the wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, and any welcome activities or brunches. It is also considerate to host a thank-you event or provide welcome bags to express your gratitude to your guests for their efforts in attending your destination wedding.

Communicating with Guests

It is important to be transparent with your guests about what they can expect to pay. This will help them plan accordingly and avoid any uncomfortable surprises. Be sure to communicate your expectations clearly and provide all the necessary information on your wedding website or invitations.

Planning activities for guests

Planning activities for your guests at a destination wedding can be a fun way to ensure your guests have a great time and bond with each other. Here are some ideas for planning activities for your guests:

Host a welcome party or dinner:

This is a great way to kick off the festivities and set the tone for the entire trip. It allows your guests to mingle and get to know each other in a casual setting before the wedding. It can be a simple dinner, a pool party with music and cocktails, or even a beach bonfire with snacks and drinks.

Suggest outdoor activities:

If your wedding destination has beautiful scenery, suggest outdoor activities such as hiking, paddle boarding, or kayaking. These activities are usually free or low-cost and can be a great way for your guests to experience the local area.

Organize city tours:

If your wedding is in a city, consider organizing distillery or brewery tours for your guests. It's a fun way to explore the city and learn about the local culture. You can also suggest other city tours or activities, such as a boat tour or snorkelling if you're near the ocean.

Plan a game night:

A game night is a fun and informal way to get your guests interacting and laughing together. You can play games that are related to the wedding or the couple, such as the newlywed game or a quiz about the bride and groom. Provide some snacks and drinks to keep it casual.

Offer spa or relaxation activities:

Destination weddings can be stressful for guests, so offering some relaxation activities can be a great way to help them unwind. This could include a yoga session, a spa treatment, or even just suggesting a beach day where guests can relax and mingle.

Create a guest itinerary:

Putting together a guest itinerary with a variety of activities and events is a great way to ensure your guests are entertained and have a memorable experience. This can include a mix of organized activities and suggestions for things to do on their own. It's also a good idea to include some downtime for guests to explore and relax.

Remember, you are not required to plan or pay for all of these activities. Simply providing some options and suggestions for your guests will be much appreciated. It's also important to communicate clearly whether you will be covering the costs of any activities, so guests can plan and budget accordingly.

Frequently asked questions