Destination Wedding Save-The-Dates: A Guide To Getting It Right

Planning a destination wedding? Then it's time to start thinking about your save-the-dates. Save-the-dates are especially important for destination weddings, giving your guests ample notice to plan their travel and take time off work. While the specific content and design are up to you, there are a few key pieces of information that you should include to ensure your guests have everything they need to know.

Send them early: 6-12 months in advance

Save-the-dates for destination weddings should be sent early—up to 12 months in advance—to give your guests ample time to plan their travel. This is especially important if your wedding is abroad, as your guests may need to book flights or even update their passports. Sending your save-the-dates early will also help you gauge who is interested in travelling for your nuptials.

The save-the-date cards are the first piece of wedding stationery you'll buy, and they're important for building excitement for your big day. They also have the fewest rules of all the wedding stationery, so you can have fun with the design. Consider including a goofy photo of you and your partner, or even a photo collage.

There are some key details that you should include on your save-the-date cards. The primary reason for sending them is to let your guests know the date of your wedding, so make sure this is clear. You should also include the location of your wedding, even if you haven't finalised the venue. If you have a wedding website, include the URL so that guests can find extra travel information. Many save-the-date cards also include the phrase "invitation to follow", to let guests know that a formal invitation with more details will be sent closer to the wedding.

If you're worried about guests forgetting to mark their calendars or getting confused about the year of your wedding, you can wait until closer to the eight-to-twelve-month mark to send your save-the-dates. However, if guests will need more than a year to plan or save for travel, send your save-the-dates as early as possible, making it clear what year the wedding is taking place.

Include an information packet

When it comes to destination weddings, it's important to give your guests more information than you would for a standard wedding save-the-date. Instead of a simple postcard, consider sending out an information packet with room for additional details. This means treating your save-the-date as a pre-invitation, giving your guests a general timeline for the weekend's events. This could include details about the welcome party, brunch, and any group activities you've planned. It's also a good idea to mention if you've already secured a room block at your hotel, so guests can figure out which days to take off work and reserve their accommodation.

• A clear call to action: Tell your guests what you want them to do, such as calling your travel agent or RSVPing via your wedding website.
• Wedding ceremony details: Include the exact address of the wedding ceremony, including the postcode, and any venue-specific information such as parking availability.
• Wedding reception information: If the reception is at a different location, provide the full address and venue details.
• Transport, parking, and taxi numbers: Reduce stress on the day by providing transport options and parking details. Include the nearest train station, local taxi numbers, and any information about overnight parking.
• Accommodation options: Include a range of nearby accommodation options with different price points, descriptions, and booking details.
• Dress code: A brief note about the expected dress code will ensure your guests know what to pack, whether it's black tie or a casual summer cocktail party.
• RSVP details: Let your guests know how to RSVP, and include a printed RSVP card and envelope if you're expecting a postal response.
• Gift registry or honeymoon fund: If you have a gift registry or honeymoon fund, provide the details along with a short poem to soften the request.

Remember, the goal of the information packet is to give your guests the details they need to plan their travel and attendance at your destination wedding. By providing this information in advance, you can make the process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Ask guests what they want to do

When it comes to planning a destination wedding, it's important to give your guests ample notice to plan their travel. While a standard save-the-date may only include the wedding date, venue, and wedding website URL, there are a few more things you'll want to consider for a destination wedding.

Response Card or Wedding Website Poll:

Provide a few activity options for your guests to choose from, either through a response card included with the save-the-date or a poll on your wedding website. This way, you can get an idea of what activities your guests are interested in and plan accordingly.

RSVP as Part of Save-the-Date:

If you're planning something intimate or remote, consider asking guests to RSVP as part of your save-the-date. This will give you a better idea of the expected attendance and help with planning. You can then use the formal invitation as a confirmation closer to the wedding date.

Include Basic Information:

At a minimum, your save-the-date should include the location of your wedding, especially if it's a destination wedding. Include the name of the venue, as guests will need this information to plan their travel and accommodations. You may also want to mention any dress code or transportation details.

Send Save-the-Dates Early:

For destination weddings, it's recommended to send save-the-dates at least six to twelve months in advance, or even earlier if guests need to travel internationally. This will give your guests enough time to plan their trip, request time off work, and make any necessary arrangements.

Include a Wedding Website URL:

If you have a wedding website, be sure to include the URL on your save-the-dates. This will allow guests to find additional travel information and stay updated as you finalize the wedding details. You can also use the website to gather information from guests about their preferences and interests.

Remember, the save-the-date is the first impression your guests will have of your destination wedding, so it's important to include the necessary information and give your guests enough time to plan their attendance.

Put everything on your wedding website

A wedding website is a must-have for a destination wedding. It's the perfect place to provide guests with all the essential information they need to plan their trip and get excited about the big day. Here are some key things to include on your wedding website:

The Wedding Weekend Itinerary

Provide a detailed itinerary for all wedding-related events that every guest is invited to. Include specific locations, start and end times, and dress codes. It's also a good idea to include any pre- or post-wedding events, such as a welcome dinner, ceremony rehearsal, or recovery brunch. This will help your guests with booking flights and accommodation.

Travel and Transportation

Offer suggestions on the best airports, train stations, and driving routes to arrive at your wedding destination. Include information on taxis, Ubers, or other transportation options, especially if these are hard to come by. If your wedding is outside the US, remind guests about any necessary travel documents, such as passports or visas.

Accommodation

Suggest a few accommodation options at various price points, relatively close to the wedding venue. If you've set up a hotel room block, provide the details and direct links so guests can secure their rooms.

Local Area Guide

Share your favourite local attractions, restaurants, cafes, and things to do in the area. Provide transport options and insider tips to make your guests' stay more enjoyable.

Contact Information

Share your contact details so guests can reach out with any questions. As the wedding festivities get closer, direct all queries to a point person like your wedding planner or maid of honour.

Registries

Share your registries on your wedding website, making it easy for guests to find and access. If you prefer no gifts, communicate this clearly and provide your home address for those who still wish to send something. Alternatively, you can set up a honeymoon fund online.

RSVP

Include an online RSVP option for guests to confirm their attendance. This will help you finalise wedding plans and stay on top of guest numbers.

Bridal Party Introductions

Include photos and brief introductions of your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and close family members. This will help break the ice and familiarise guests with the people they'll be spending time with.

Remember, the more detail you can provide on your wedding website, the better prepared your guests will be. It's also a great idea to share your wedding website URL on your save-the-date cards and invitations, so guests know where to go for the latest information.

Include the location and date

Location and Date

The location and date of your wedding are arguably the most important pieces of information on your save-the-date. Even if you haven't finalised the venue, include the place you plan to get married as your guests may need to book flights or travel. If you're getting married in a city, including the name of the venue may be the only way for guests to ascertain whether they can afford the trip, as two resorts in the same city can come with vastly different price tags.

If you're getting married abroad, consider a passport-themed save-the-date, which acts as a subtle reminder for your guests to update their passports. If you're getting married in a country that requires visas, be sure to include this information on your wedding website.

For a destination wedding, it's best to send out your save-the-dates at least six months in advance, and up to a year if guests are travelling internationally.

Frequently asked questions