Destination Wedding Invites: When To Send Them Out

Planning a wedding is a tricky affair, and when it comes to destination weddings, there's a whole new set of rules and logistics to navigate. One of the most important questions for couples is when to send out those all-important invitations. So, how far in advance should you send destination wedding invitations?

The general consensus is that destination wedding invitations should be sent out earlier than for a local wedding to give guests ample time to sort out travel plans and accommodation. While local wedding invitations are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, for a destination wedding, it is recommended to send them three to four months, or even twelve weeks, in advance. This ensures guests have enough time to book travel and make the necessary arrangements.

It's also a good idea to send out save the date cards for a destination wedding. These should be sent out nine to twelve months before the wedding, giving guests a heads-up to start planning.

Save-the-date cards: Send 9-12 months before the wedding

Planning a destination wedding comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to sending out save-the-date cards and invitations. Here are some instructive guidelines and tips to help you navigate the process:

Giving your guests a heads-up about your destination wedding plans as early as possible is crucial. Unlike local weddings where sending save-the-dates 6-8 months in advance is customary, destination weddings require more lead time. Aim to send out your save-the-date cards about 9-12 months before the big day. This extended timeframe is essential as it allows your guests to make the necessary travel arrangements, book accommodations, and plan their schedules accordingly.

Personalize Your Save-the-Date Cards

Destination weddings are unique, so feel free to get creative with your save-the-date cards. You can design them to match your wedding theme or the location of your nuptials. For instance, if you're tying the knot in a tropical paradise, consider save-the-date cards adorned with protea flowers and palm leaves. Or, if you're exchanging vows in a winter wonderland, snowy wedding-themed save-the-dates will set the right tone. You can also include a personal message like, "We can't wait to celebrate with you!"

Include Practical Information

While it's not necessary to provide all the wedding details at this stage, including some practical information will be helpful for your guests. Mention the destination country or city, the wedding date, and your wedding website URL if you have one. If you already have travel tips or accommodation suggestions, you may want to include those as well. This way, your guests can start planning their trip and making the necessary arrangements.

Digital or Physical Save-the-Dates?

The choice between digital and physical save-the-date cards is a matter of personal preference. Digital options, such as sending emails or creating a wedding website, can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. However, traditional paper save-the-dates add a special touch, especially if you include a simple magnet or a vintage postcard with rustic details. If you opt for physical save-the-dates, don't forget to factor in mailing time to ensure they reach your guests on time.

Keep Your Guest List in Mind

When sending out save-the-date cards, be mindful of your guest list. Typically, save-the-dates are sent to those who are definitely going to receive a wedding invitation. This helps avoid any confusion or hurt feelings. If you're having an intimate destination wedding, sending save-the-dates only to those invited will ensure that your guests feel valued and respected.

In conclusion, sending out save-the-date cards 9-12 months before your destination wedding is a thoughtful gesture that gives your guests ample time to plan their attendance. By personalizing the cards, including practical information, and considering the format and guest list, you'll set the right tone for your upcoming nuptials and ensure that your guests have all the information they need to join you on your special day.

Invitations: Send 2-4 months before

Sending out invitations for a destination wedding can be a tricky business. You want to give your guests enough time to plan their travel and accommodation, but you don't want to send them out so early that they get lost in the shuffle or are forgotten about. So, when is the best time to send out those invites?

Most sources recommend sending out destination wedding invitations two to four months before the big day. This gives your guests plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements without being so far in advance that they procrastinate or forget. If you're only inviting a few international guests, it's generally fine to send their invitations at the same time as everyone else's, but be sure to give them a heads-up about the details beforehand so they can start preparing.

However, some people recommend sending out invitations even earlier, especially if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or if many of your guests will be travelling from far away. In these cases, sending out invitations three to six months in advance may be more appropriate. This gives guests more time to book flights and accommodation, which can be especially important if they need to request time off work or if flight prices are likely to increase closer to the date.

To ensure your guests have all the information they need, it's a good idea to set up a wedding website with all the details, including travel and accommodation suggestions, things to do in the area, and any other relevant information. You can then include the URL for this website on your save-the-date cards and invitations.

RSVPs: Ask for them no later than 1 month before the wedding

When it comes to destination weddings, it's important to give your guests ample time to plan their travel and accommodation. While save-the-dates should be sent nine to twelve months in advance, invitations can be sent three to four months before the wedding. This gives your guests the information they need to prepare for their trip.

Now, let's talk about RSVPs. Why ask for them no later than a month before the wedding? Well, there are a few reasons. Firstly, it gives you, the happy couple, enough time to finalise the details with your vendors. This includes confirming the final headcount with your caterer, venue, and other suppliers. It's also a good idea to give yourself a buffer, in case you need to follow up with any guests who haven't responded by the deadline.

The RSVP deadline is crucial in ensuring you receive all the necessary information from your guests before your wedding day. You don't want to be frantically calling guests who haven't responded while you're on your way to a catering meeting! Asking for RSVPs a month in advance gives you time to work with out-of-town vendors and make any necessary accommodation arrangements.

It's also beneficial for your guests. If they need to book travel and accommodation, an early RSVP deadline gives them the opportunity to find suitable options and perhaps take advantage of early bird deals. It's a considerate approach that recognises the extra effort your guests are making to celebrate with you.

So, when creating your destination wedding invitations, be sure to include a clear RSVP deadline, ideally asking for responses no later than one month before your special day. This will help you stay organised and ensure that everything runs smoothly in the lead-up to your wedding.

Website: Set up as soon as you get engaged

It's a good idea to set up your wedding website as soon as you get engaged. This will be a central hub for all the details of your big day and can be updated as and when you confirm them. It's also a great way to communicate any changes to your plans.

You can include all sorts of information on your wedding website, such as:

• Date, time, and location
• Transportation details
• Bar and food offerings
• Nearby activities and attractions
• RSVP responses
• Wedding registry
• Dress code
• FAQ
• Your love story

Your wedding website can also double as your save-the-date, or you can send out paper save-the-dates with the URL of your wedding website. This will allow your guests to access all the information they need in one place and will save you from having to answer lots of individual queries.

You can start creating your website as soon as you're engaged. No one will see your site until you publish it, so feel free to play around with different wedding website design ideas and add in information as you acquire it. It's a good idea to have the website ready to share with your guests when you send out your save-the-dates or invitations.

Travel and accommodation: Include these details in the save-the-date or invitation

When it comes to destination weddings, it's important to give your guests plenty of notice so they can plan their travels. It's a good idea to send out save-the-dates nine to twelve months in advance, and invitations three to four months before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to organise their plans, especially if they need to budget for the trip or make arrangements with work or childcare.

• Keep it simple: While there's a lot of information to communicate, try not to overwhelm your guests. Include the basic details, such as the wedding date, time, location, RSVP date and method, and your wedding website link. You can provide more information on your wedding website or include additional insert cards with your invitation.
• Excite your guests: Include a few words that will get your guests excited about the location. Mention the ocean, sea, sun, sunsets or travel plans. You can also emphasise why their presence is important to you. For example, "Your presence is the only gift we need to make our day complete."
• Provide a clear call to action: Don't forget to tell your guests what to do next. For example, provide the contact details of your travel agent or direct them to your destination wedding website for more information.
• Be creative with your wording: Use language that reflects the ambience of your chosen destination. If you're having a beach wedding, you might use words like "seaside celebration" or "sunset ceremony". If your wedding is in a romantic European city, opt for sophisticated and traditional wording.
• Provide travel and accommodation tips: On your wedding website or insert cards, include information such as transportation options, airports, accommodation options, and any group booking or discount information. You can also suggest places to visit and eat during their stay.
• Outline the schedule of events: Let your guests know about any pre- or post-wedding activities, such as a welcome dinner or recovery lunch. This will help them plan their trip and ensure they don't miss out on any of the celebrations.
• Be generous with plus ones: When it comes to destination weddings, it's considerate to offer plus ones to all significant others. It's also a nice idea to include a plus one for single guests so they have a travel companion.

Frequently asked questions