Destination Wedding: Inviting Guests The Right Way

Planning a destination wedding is exciting, but it's important to get the invitations right. Here are some tips on how to invite guests to your destination wedding:

Give Guests Plenty of Notice

It's important to give your guests as much notice as possible, especially if they need to budget for their trip and make arrangements for work or childcare. It's recommended to send save-the-dates around 9-12 months in advance, with formal invitations following around 4-6 months before the wedding.

What to Include in the Invitation

Destination wedding invitations should include essential details such as the names of the couple, the destination, date, time, and location. It's also helpful to provide accommodation and travel information, such as nearby airports and accommodation options, as well as the duration of the celebration. If you have a wedding website, be sure to include the link so guests can find more detailed information.

Setting the Tone with Wording and Design

The wording and design of your invitations should capture the essence of your chosen destination and wedding style. Use language that conveys excitement and anticipation, and consider including practical details such as travel tips and local attractions. The design can incorporate illustrations or images that reflect the beauty of your destination, and the font can be chosen to match the formality of the event.

Who to invite: family, friends, and +1s

When it comes to a destination wedding, it's important to consider who you want to be there celebrating with you. Ask yourself: who would I want to spend a week's holiday with?

It's also important to remember that a destination wedding is an investment for your guests, both financially and time-wise. So, it's a good idea to give your guests as much notice as possible—usually around 9-12 months. That way, they can thoroughly check their travel budgets and confirm if they can get time off work.

Now, let's talk about who to invite: family, friends, and +1s.

Family

It's crucial to ensure that your significant family members can make it to your destination wedding. Before confirming the dates, be sure to check with your parents, grandparents, siblings, and any other family members you consider essential. If you have a small family or are only close to a few members, you may want to invite extended family as well.

Friends

When it comes to friends, consider inviting your closest friends, your bridal party, and any friends you regularly socialise with outside of work. If you have a large social circle, you may need to narrow it down to those you couldn't imagine getting married without. Remember, a destination wedding is a big ask for your guests, so only invite those you truly want by your side on your special day.

+1s

The topic of plus-ones can be tricky. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:

• It is generally considered good etiquette to invite both parties in a married couple, even if you are closer to only one person.
• Offer plus-ones to guests in your wedding party. They have likely spent a lot of time and money supporting you, so it's a nice gesture to allow them to bring a date.
• Give plus-ones to guests who are in committed relationships, such as engaged or living together.
• If you have single friends who won't know anyone else at the wedding, consider offering them a plus-one so they have a travel companion.
• If your budget allows, you can also offer plus-ones to single guests who will know other people at the wedding.
• For guests who are casually dating or in a new relationship, a plus-one is not necessary but can be a thoughtful gesture if you have the budget.

Remember, the most important thing is to invite the people you want to celebrate with. Don't feel obligated to invite everyone, but be prepared for the possibility that not everyone will be able to attend due to the financial and time commitments involved.

When to send invites: 4-6 months before, or 8 weeks for small weddings

When to send out your wedding invitations is a crucial aspect of planning a destination wedding. The general consensus is that invites should be sent out 2-4 months before the wedding day. This gives guests enough time to prepare for their travel and accommodation. However, there are different views on when to send out invites, depending on the size of the wedding and the preferences of the couple.

Some sources suggest sending out invites 4-6 months before the wedding. This longer timeframe can be especially useful for destination weddings, as it gives guests more time to organise their plans, such as booking travel and accommodation. It is also beneficial if you are having multiple events surrounding the wedding, such as a dinner the evening before or lunch the day after, as it allows guests to plan their attendance for these additional events. Sending invites in this earlier timeframe can be particularly helpful for guests with children, as it allows them to arrange childcare.

On the other hand, some couples prefer to send out invites 8 weeks before the wedding, which is the standard timeframe for local weddings. This shorter timeframe may be preferred for small weddings or if the couple is concerned about giving guests too much notice and wants to maintain a sense of flexibility.

To accommodate the need for advanced planning for a destination wedding while also allowing for some flexibility, a two-step process can be implemented. This involves sending out "Save the Dates" 9-12 months before the wedding, followed by the formal invitations 2-4 months in advance. This way, guests are given ample notice to book travel and accommodation, and the couple can finalise details before sending out the formal invites.

What to include: names, location, date, time, accommodation, travel info, itinerary, RSVP deadline, attire, packing list

When inviting guests to a destination wedding, it is important to give them plenty of time to plan their attendance. Here is some information you should include in your invitations:

Names

The names of the couple getting married should be included.

Location

Make it clear that your wedding is abroad and specify the destination country and venue.

Date, Time

Provide the date and time of the wedding ceremony.

Accommodation, Travel Information

Provide options for where your guests can stay and how to get there. Let guests know how long the celebration will be so they can book accommodation for the right number of nights. Also, include information on the nearest airport and how far it is.

Itinerary, Activities

For a multi-day celebration, outline the events and activities your guests can expect.

RSVP Deadline

Set a deadline for guests to respond by so you can finalise numbers and table plans.

Attire

Depending on your wedding location, theme and style, provide a dress code or attire advice for guests.

Packing List

Let your guests know about any specific items they should pack, for example, swimwear for a pool party, sunscreen for a beach or trekking holiday, or formal wear for a black-tie event.

If there is too much information to include on your invitations, you can set up a wedding website with more detailed information, links to hotels, and a full itinerary.

Wording and tone: creative, practical, and reflective of the wedding's theme and location

The wording of your destination wedding invitations should capture the essence of your chosen location and create a sense of anticipation for your guests. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft creative, practical, and reflective wording that will make your invitations stand out:

Incorporate the Location and Theme:

• Use words and phrases inspired by your wedding destination. For example, if you're getting married on a tropical island, mention "sunny shores," "crystal-clear waters," or "palm trees."
• Reflect the overall vibe and theme of your wedding. For instance, use words like "adventure" and "nature" for a rustic mountain wedding, or "city lights" and "elegant" for a glamorous city wedding.
• Include destination-specific elements, such as famous landmarks, cultural motifs, or regional flora and fauna, in your invitation design.

Provide Practical Information:

• Include essential details such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception.
• Mention accommodation options and transportation details, including nearby airports, recommended hotels, and any special arrangements for guests.
• Outline the schedule of events, including pre- and post-wedding activities, to help guests plan their trip.
• Provide RSVP options and deadlines, such as a website, email, or phone number, for guests to respond.
• Guide guests on appropriate attire, especially if your wedding has a specific dress code or theme.

Set the Right Tone:

• Choose a tone that reflects the formality and atmosphere you want to create. Use formal language and traditional wording for a sophisticated event, or opt for a more casual and playful tone with relaxed wording for a laid-back celebration.
• Use a conversational tone to make your guests feel personally invited and excited about the wedding.
• Be enthusiastic and creative in your wording to build anticipation and reflect your personalities as a couple.

Examples of Creative Wording:

• "Pack your bags and join us on an adventure of a lifetime as we exchange vows on the sandy shores of Bali."
• "Escape to the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps as we start our journey as husband and wife. Join us on a mountaintop adventure filled with warm drinks, delicious food, and majestic views."
• "Join us in paradise as we celebrate love on the tropical shores of the Caribbean. Say 'I do' under swaying palm trees and dance to the rhythm of live steel drums."
• "Prepare to be whisked away to a fairytale castle in Europe for an enchanting evening filled with elegance, romance, and timeless beauty."

Remember, the wording of your destination wedding invitations should not only provide practical information but also capture the spirit of your chosen destination and excite your guests about the celebration to come.

Additional info: create a wedding website with more details

A wedding website is a great way to provide guests with all the information they need to prepare for your destination wedding. Here are some ideas and tips for creating a comprehensive and engaging wedding website:

Keep it Simple and Informative

Make sure your website is easy to navigate, with a clear structure and layout. Include all the essential details such as the wedding date, time, and location, and RSVP information. Think about the common questions your guests may have, such as parking availability, venue accessibility, and dress code. It's also a good idea to provide travel and accommodation tips, local maps, and suggestions for things to do in the area.

Celebrate Your Love Story

Your wedding website is all about celebrating your love, so make sure you include photos of you as a couple. Feature your engagement photos or a timeline of your relationship, adding a personal touch that your guests will appreciate. You can also share your proposal story, how you met, or why you chose the wedding venue.

Practical Considerations

Help your guests with practical details such as venue directions and accommodation suggestions. If you have a large group, you may want to suggest group bookings for flights or accommodations. Include information on the local climate, what to pack, visa requirements, travel insurance, and any necessary travel vaccinations.

Set the Tone

Use your website to give guests a glimpse of what to expect on the day. Share your wedding itinerary, introduce your bridal party, and even create a playlist of your favourite songs to get everyone in the mood for the celebration.

Make it Interactive

In addition to providing information, make your website interactive. Include an FAQ page and a dedicated \"Questions\" page where guests can reach out with any queries. Make the RSVP process easy and visible, with online forms to collect relevant guest details and dietary preferences.

Be Mindful of Your Guests

Remember that a destination wedding requires a greater investment of time and money from your guests. Consider including a note on your website to ease any pressure they may feel, letting them know that you understand if they are unable to attend. You can also mention that you will be live-streaming the ceremony for those who can't be there in person.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create a wedding website that is informative, engaging, and reflects your unique style as a couple.

Frequently asked questions