Crafting The Perfect Destination Wedding Invitation

Planning a destination wedding is an exciting and unique way to celebrate your love and create unforgettable memories. The wording on your invitations is crucial in setting the tone for your special day and conveying important information to your guests. It's essential to strike the right balance between formal and fun, and between informative and inviting. Here are some tips and factors to consider when crafting the perfect destination wedding invitation.

Boarding pass and passport invitations

A unique and fun way to invite guests to your destination wedding is through boarding pass and passport-style invitations. These invitations are a creative nod to the travel theme and will get your guests excited about the adventure ahead.

Passport invitations can be designed with luxurious hot-stamping foil on the cover, featuring country crests such as the USA or Great Britain. You can also include destination-inspired colours, such as emerald green for a mountain wedding or bold teal for a beach wedding.

Boarding pass invitations can be designed with a travel theme in mind, featuring destination-inspired colours and subtle nods to your wedding location. For example, a sage green boarding pass invitation suits a destination wedding perfectly, with its leafy green details.

Etsy and Zazzle are great resources for finding printable templates for these unique invitations, with prices ranging from $1.31 to $105.24. You can also find luxury options, such as gold foil-printed invitations, for around $92.87.

Wording for pre and post-wedding events

When it comes to pre- and post-destination wedding events, it's essential to provide clear and concise information to your guests. Here are some tips and examples to help you with the wording:

Providing Clear Information:

• Date and Location: Clearly state the date and location of the pre/post-wedding events. For example, "Join us for a welcome cocktail reception on [date] at [location]."
• Transportation and Accommodation: If you have arranged transportation or secured group rates for accommodations, include these details. For instance, "A shuttle service will be provided from the hotel to the cocktail reception venue."
• Schedule of Events: Outline the schedule, including timings and locations, for any pre/post-wedding activities. You may say, "Join us for a rehearsal dinner on [date] at [time] at [location], followed by a morning brunch the next day."
• RSVP and Contact Information: Provide a clear deadline for RSVPs and include contact information for any questions. For example, "Kindly RSVP by [date] to [email address] if you plan to attend the welcome cocktail reception."

Examples of Wording for Pre-Wedding Events:

• "Join us for a sunset cruise the night before the wedding. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served as we sail into the sunset. Please RSVP by [date] to [email address] if you would like to attend."
• "We would be delighted if you could join us for a welcome cocktail hour on [date] at [location]. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle before the big day. Kindly let us know of your attendance by responding to the RSVP card provided."
• "The night before the wedding, we invite you to a casual get-together at [location]. Come as you are and enjoy drinks, snacks, and each other's company! We hope to see you there."

Examples of Wording for Post-Wedding Events:

• "Before we depart for our honeymoon, we would love to spend some more time with you. Please join us for a farewell brunch on [date] at [time] at [location]. We hope to celebrate this new chapter with you one last time before we depart."
• "As a final celebration, we invite you to join us for a post-wedding beach barbecue on [date] at [time]. Come dressed casually, and let's enjoy good food, music, and each other's company."
• "Our journey continues, but we hope to share one last meal with you before we depart. Please join us for a farewell dinner on [date] at [time] at [location]. Kindly RSVP by [date] so we can save you a seat at the table."

How to address the issue of no kids

When it comes to addressing the issue of a child-free destination wedding, there are a few key considerations and approaches to keep in mind. Here are some instructive and focused paragraphs to guide you in this aspect of your destination wedding invitation:

Be Clear and Direct:

It is important to be clear and direct with your guests about your preference for a child-free wedding. While it may be tempting to avoid addressing the issue explicitly, doing so can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. Be specific about your request and the age groups that are not invited. This clarity will help your guests understand your wishes and make the necessary arrangements.

Invitation Wording and Addressing:

The way you word and address your invitations plays a crucial role in conveying your child-free preference. Avoid printing "no children" or "adults-only" directly on the invitations, as this may come across as impolite. Instead, use the invitation addressing format to indicate who is invited. Address the envelopes only to the adult guests, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Johnson," implying that their children are not included. This subtle approach is generally considered appropriate and clear.

Spread the Word:

Utilize your immediate family, wedding party members, and close friends to help spread the word about your child-free preference. Word-of-mouth communication can be an effective way to inform your guests without causing potential offence. Ask your loved ones to casually inform other guests about the adults-only nature of the event, giving them a heads-up to plan accordingly.

Wedding Website and FAQ:

Take advantage of your wedding website to convey your child-free request. Include a dedicated section or FAQ entry that addresses this topic. A simple and polite message, such as "We politely request no children attend the ceremony and reception. Thank you in advance for understanding," will suffice. This approach ensures that guests with children are informed and can make the necessary arrangements well in advance.

Offer Babysitting Options:

If you are open to the idea and have the budget, consider offering babysitting options for guests who may have difficulty leaving their children behind. You can hire a group babysitter or suggest trusted babysitting services in the area. This gesture shows that you are thoughtful and considerate of your guests' needs while still maintaining your preference for a child-free wedding.

Be Sensitive and Firm:

Dealing with upset or disappointed guests is an inevitable part of enforcing a child-free policy. It is essential to be sensitive to their feelings while remaining firm in your decision. Remember, it is your wedding day, and you have the right to decide who is invited. Offer empathy and understanding, but do not waver on your choice. If possible, suggest alternatives or provide recommendations for babysitting options to assist them in attending without their children.

When to send destination wedding invites

Planning a destination wedding comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. Here is a guide on when to send those all-important invites to ensure your special day goes smoothly.

Save the Dates

Firstly, it is important to distinguish between "save the dates" and formal invitations. Save the dates are an increasingly common way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding plans and location, especially for destination weddings. These can be sent out much earlier than formal invites, giving your guests time to plan and save money. The general consensus is to send save the dates around 9-12 months before your wedding. This is particularly important for destination weddings as it gives your guests ample time to organise travel and accommodation. Sending save the dates early also helps your guests find more affordable flights and gives them a chance to plan any necessary visa or passport arrangements.

Formal Invitations

Now for the formal invitations. As with save the dates, the timing for destination wedding invitations differs from traditional weddings. For a local wedding, invitations are usually sent out around 6-8 weeks before the big day. However, for a destination wedding, you should allow more time. The general recommendation is to send invitations 2-4 months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to finalise their travel plans and RSVP without being so early that they forget or procrastinate.

Other Tips

It is worth noting that some sources suggest sending invitations earlier, especially if you have already sent save the dates. Sending invitations 4-6 months in advance can be a good idea, especially if you have a detailed wedding website with all the necessary information for your guests. This ensures your guests have all the details they need to plan their trip and can take advantage of early bird travel deals.

Additionally, it is a good idea to request RSVPs earlier than you might for a local wedding. This is because your vendors at the destination may require final guest counts and payments earlier. Aim to set your RSVP deadline at least a week before the earliest deadline requested by your vendors.

Finally, don't forget to enjoy the process! Destination weddings offer a unique opportunity to celebrate with your loved ones in a special location.

How to incorporate location and theme

The wording and design of your destination wedding invitation should capture the essence of your chosen location and wedding style. Here are some tips to make your invitations informative and exciting while incorporating the location and theme:

Use Creative and Themed Wording

• Reflect the spirit of your destination wedding by using language that conveys excitement and anticipation.
• Incorporate travel-inspired language or destination-specific phrases. For example, "Join us in paradise as we celebrate love on the sandy shores of the Caribbean."
• Opt for a romantic and elegant style: "With hearts intertwined, Bridget and Michael invite you to join them on the shores of Lake Como as they exchange vows."
• Go for a bohemian and whimsical vibe: "Underneath the open skies and surrounded by Venice's beauty, Camila and John invite you to their free-spirited celebration of love."

Include Practical Details

• Provide essential information such as the date, time, location, and accommodation options.
• Share travel tips, local attractions, and itinerary details.
• Indicate whether children are invited or if it's an adults-only celebration.
• Mention any pre- or post-wedding events, activities, and the dress code.

Design Elements that Reflect the Destination

• Use illustrations or images that capture the beauty of your chosen location, such as palm trees or snow-capped mountains.
• Choose a font that complements your destination and wedding style. For instance, a flowing script for a beach wedding or a classic serif font for a historic castle setting.
• Opt for unique invitation styles such as passport-style or boarding pass invitations, map-inspired designs, or airmail-style envelopes.
• Use a sunset colour palette with shades of orange, pink, and purple to evoke a romantic ambience.

Frequently asked questions