Destination Wedding Invitation Timing: When To Send Them Out

Planning a wedding is tricky, and even more so when it's a destination wedding. There are many factors to consider, and one of the most common questions from couples is about when to send the invitations. The general rule of thumb is to give an extra month for destination wedding invites to be sent out, so guests have enough time to sort out their travel plans. For a small destination wedding, it is recommended to send out invitations two to three months in advance. However, for a larger wedding, sending out invitations three to four months ahead of time is suggested.

Send save-the-dates 9-12 months before the wedding

Planning a destination wedding comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to sending out invitations and save-the-dates. Here are some instructive guidelines and tips to ensure you give your guests ample notice and essential information:

Giving your guests a heads-up as early as possible is crucial for destination weddings. Sending out save-the-dates 9-12 months in advance is highly recommended. This longer lead time is essential as your guests will need to organise travel and accommodation, which can be more complex and expensive than for a local wedding. By providing this advanced notice, you ensure that your guests have ample time to plan and budget for their trip.

Include travel details with the save-the-date:

Consider including travel and accommodation details with your save-the-dates. This could be in the form of a personal website link, where guests can find all the information they need, or a simple paper save-the-date with the destination, wedding date, and URL of your wedding website. You could also include tips on the best ways to get to the destination, when flights are likely to go on sale, and suggestions for reasonably priced places to stay.

Save-the-dates are essential for destination weddings:

While save-the-dates are often considered optional for local weddings, they are crucial for destination weddings. They give your guests the opportunity to plan and budget for their trip effectively. Sending out save-the-dates also allows you to gauge interest and get a rough idea of how many guests to expect, which can be helpful when making other arrangements.

Be mindful of cultural and regional differences:

When planning a destination wedding, remember that cultural and regional differences may impact the timing of your save-the-dates and invitations. For example, in some regions, it may be customary to send out invitations earlier than in others. Be mindful of these variations and adjust your timeline accordingly.

Follow up with formal invitations 3-4 months before the wedding:

After sending out your save-the-dates, the next step is to send the formal invitations. For a destination wedding, it is recommended to send these out 3-4 months before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to finalise their travel plans and make any necessary arrangements. It also serves as a reminder for those who may have procrastinated or need a gentle nudge to book their trip.

Remember, planning a destination wedding requires careful consideration of your guests' needs and travel requirements. By sending out save-the-dates and invitations within these suggested timelines, you can ensure that your guests have the information they need to join you on your special day.

Include travel details with save-the-dates

Planning a destination wedding is no easy feat, but it's worth it to have your dream wedding and share it with your loved ones. Sending out save-the-dates and invitations for a destination wedding requires a different approach to a local wedding. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process and ensure your guests have all the information they need.

It is recommended to send out save-the-dates for a destination wedding nine to twelve months in advance. This gives your guests ample time to organise their travel plans and accommodations. Sending out save-the-dates earlier than you would for a local wedding is essential, as it gives your guests more time to prepare for the additional logistics involved in attending a destination wedding.

• Basic Information: Include the location, date, and time of the wedding. You can also mention that a destination wedding invitation will follow.
• Travel Plans: Let guests know that travel plans are required and provide an online guide or link to your wedding website with more detailed travel information. This can include local airport options, car services, and hotel recommendations.
• Event Itinerary: Destination weddings often include additional events like welcome dinners or guided tours. Provide guests with an itinerary that includes arrival and check-in dates, welcome events, rehearsal details, wedding day schedule, and any post-wedding activities.
• Visa Requirements: Clearly communicate if guests need to apply for visas or any other additional documentation before travelling.
• Hotel and Accommodation: It is a good idea to book a room block to help your guests secure the best price. Provide the hotel's cut-off date, directions from local airports, and any language barrier considerations. You can also suggest other local hotel options for guests who prefer a different experience.
• RSVP Options: While traditional etiquette suggests waiting for the invitations to be sent before collecting RSVPs, an early headcount can help you and your venue prepare. Consider a two-step RSVP process, one indicating the intention to attend and another to collect final travel details.
• Design and Wording: Use creative designs and wording that reflect your destination wedding theme. For example, use engagement photos that hint at the location or incorporate travel-themed elements like passports or boarding passes.

Remember, the save-the-date should provide a high-level overview, and you can include more specific details in your wedding invitations or on your wedding website.

Send invites 2-4 months before the wedding

Sending out wedding invites can be one of the more complicated steps in the wedding planning process, especially for destination weddings. The general rule of thumb is to give an extra month for destination wedding invites to be sent out compared to local weddings. This gives your guests more time to sort out their travel plans.

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's advisable to send your invitations 2-4 months in advance. This is because your guests will likely need to book travel and accommodation, so the earlier they receive their invitation, the better. Sending out your invitations 2-4 months in advance also gives you a chance to include travel details for your guests, rather than in the invitations. This can be particularly helpful if you have guests coming from international destinations, as it allows you to account for lengthier mailing times.

If you send your invitations 2-4 months in advance, you can also remind your guests to book their travel arrangements as soon as possible to avoid increased rates. This is especially important if you have a small guest list, as it's common for guests to wait until they receive a formal invitation before booking their travel. Sending your invitations a few months in advance can help to alleviate this issue and ensure your guests have enough time to make their plans.

Additionally, sending your invitations within this timeframe gives you ample time to follow up with any guests who haven't responded before the RSVP deadline. This helps to ensure you have an accurate guest count and can finalise your wedding planning details, such as the seating chart, menu selections, and cake size.

Include RSVP cards and pre-addressed envelopes

When planning a destination wedding, it's important to give your guests ample time to plan their travel and accommodation. As such, it's recommended to send out your save-the-dates nine to twelve months in advance, and your formal invitations three to four months before the wedding.

Including RSVP cards and pre-addressed envelopes in your invitation suite is a great way to prompt guests to respond in a timely manner. Here are some reasons why you should include RSVP cards and pre-addressed envelopes:

Quick and Easy Responses:

RSVP cards provide a convenient way for guests to respond to your invitations. They can simply fill out the required information and send back the completed card with minimal effort. This also helps you as the host to manage your invitations and responses effectively.

Clear Deadline:

It is standard etiquette to request RSVPs about a month before your wedding date. By including RSVP cards, you can clearly communicate this deadline to your guests. A prominent feature on the card, such as a bolded "Kindly respond by [date]" will ensure guests don't miss the deadline.

Accurate Guest Count:

An accurate guest count is crucial for finalising wedding details, such as the amount of food and drinks needed, seating arrangements, and other vendor requirements. RSVP cards allow guests to indicate their attendance clearly, helping you determine the exact number of attendees.

Entree Selection:

If you're serving a plated meal, RSVP cards can include entree selection instructions. Guests can pre-select their meal choices, reducing confusion on the wedding day and ensuring guests' dietary needs are met.

Additional Information:

RSVP cards can also be used to gather other helpful information. For example, you can ask about transportation plans or include a special request line for song requests or advice for the happy couple.

Seamless Design:

When ordering your invitations, opt for matching RSVP cards to create a seamless, well-designed look for your invitation suite. This adds a nice touch of coordination to your wedding stationery.

Remember to include pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes with your RSVP cards to make it super-easy for your guests to respond. This is also an opportunity to include the name and address of the person handling the responses, such as a wedding planner or a family member assisting with the planning.

Add a separate information card with tips for the area

When it comes to destination weddings, it's a good idea to send out your invitations earlier than you would for a local wedding. While the invitations themselves should be sent two to four months in advance, you can send out "save the dates" nine to twelve months ahead. This gives your guests plenty of time to plan their travel and accommodation.

When it comes to destination weddings, it's a good idea to include an information card with tips for the area. This can be particularly helpful if you have guests travelling from out of town who may not be familiar with the local area. Here are some suggestions for what to include:

• Itinerary details: If you're hosting a wedding weekend with events like a rehearsal dinner, welcome party, or post-wedding brunch, include the dates, times, and locations for each event. You can also include dress codes and transportation information if it's provided.
• Accommodation suggestions: Provide a list of recommended hotels or accommodations, including any group rate codes and booking deadlines. You can also mention your favourite local bed and breakfasts or suggest vacation rental options.
• Travel and transportation information: Share details on nearby airports, shuttles, car rental options, and local taxi or car services. This can be especially helpful if ride-sharing apps are not widely available in the area.
• Local attractions and activities: Include suggestions for things to do in the area, such as your favourite coffee shop, a must-see museum, a beautiful hiking trail, or any other points of interest.
• Map or directions: Consider including a hand-drawn map that highlights your wedding events, recommended accommodations, and local attractions. This can be a fun and practical addition to your invitation suite.
• Weather information: Let your guests know what the weather is typically like at the time of year so they can plan their attire and packing accordingly.
• Contact information: Provide a phone number or email address for guests to reach out with any questions or for more information.

Frequently asked questions