Destination Wedding: Inviting Guests To Your Big Day

Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful, especially if you're getting married abroad. One of the first things to consider is your guest list and how to invite your guests. While there are no hard and fast rules about who to invite, it's a good idea to give your guests plenty of notice and as much information as possible about your wedding and wedding destination. Here are some tips to help you get started on inviting your guests to your wedding abroad...

Send invites early to give guests time to plan

When planning a wedding abroad, it is important to give your guests ample time to make travel plans. It is recommended that you send your invitations at least 8 to 12 weeks prior to your wedding date. This is especially important if your guests will need to travel internationally to attend your wedding. The earlier you can send out your invitations, the better.

Sending out your wedding invitations early will give your guests more time to get their finances in order and plan any necessary travel arrangements, such as booking flights and accommodation. It may also allow them to take advantage of any early bird discounts and ensure they get the best deals. Additionally, sending invitations early will give you a better idea of the number of guests attending your wedding, which will help with budgeting, choosing a venue, and finalizing details with suppliers.

To make the process easier for your guests, consider including an information card along with the invitation. This card can outline all the events you have planned, providing guests with a clear itinerary. Be sure to include dates, times, and locations for each event. It is also helpful to provide lodging details, such as reserved hotel blocks or group accommodation options, as well as information on how to get discounts.

Furthermore, consider creating a wedding website where guests can find all the necessary information in one place. This can include not only the wedding itinerary and accommodation details but also transportation options and local activities. A personal wedding website is an effective way to ensure your guests have access to all the information they need about your wedding and its destination.

Provide detailed info about the wedding and destination

As your guests will be travelling abroad for your wedding, it is important to provide them with as much information as possible about the wedding and the wedding destination. This will ensure that their experience is special and hassle-free. The more useful and relevant information you give your guests, the easier it will be for them to attend your wedding abroad.

• Wedding day timetable: The date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception.
• Transportation arrangements: Information on how your guests will get to the ceremony and reception, including pick-up and drop-off times and locations.
• Extra celebrations and activities: Information on any additional celebrations or activities you have planned, including dates, times, locations, and transportation.
• Regional information: Details about the area where you are getting married, such as recommended places to stay, things to do, expected weather conditions, and the best way to travel to the destination.
• RSVP details: Specify your RSVP date and how you would like your guests to reply (e.g. via website, email, phone, etc.).
• Contact information: Provide your contact details, including any alternative contact information you may have while abroad.

You can provide this information to your guests in a written pack included with your wedding invitation or set up a personal wedding website. A wedding website is a great way to put everything in one place and keep everything organised. It is also a good idea to give your guests plenty of advance notice by sending a "save the date" card.

Include a clear call to action

It is important to tell your guests what to do next. For example, you could ask them to call your travel agent or RSVP via your destination wedding website. You could also include a phone number, email address, or a link to your wedding website on the invites so that people have several ways of RSVPing.

You could also get creative with your destination wedding invitation RSVP wording. Here are some examples:

> “We are looking forward to celebrating with you. The courtesy of a reply is requested by [date].”

>

> “Yes, I am packed and ready to celebrate in person!”

>

> “No, I will be there in spirit and will forever regret this decision.”

>

> “Kindly RSVP by the [date].”

>

> “Yes! Save us ___ beach chairs.“

>

> “Sorry! We will be toasting from a distance.“

If you are planning pre- or post-destination wedding events, you can include those details in your invitation wording or direct guests to your wedding website URL for more information.

Consider a wedding website for logistics

A wedding website is a great way to provide your guests with all the information they need about your wedding in one place. This is especially useful for a destination wedding, where guests will have lots of extra logistics to consider.

Your wedding website can include all the usual information, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding and any other events you've planned, as well as details on transport and local activities. You can also include lodging details, such as any group bookings you've made or local hotels where you've reserved room blocks.

A website is also a good place to outline your gift registry and answer common questions your guests might have, such as whether children are welcome, whether there is parking, and whether there are any dress code details.

You can also use your website to request RSVPs, which is particularly useful for international guests, as it saves them the hassle of figuring out international postage for response cards. You can also use your website to provide guests with regular updates and last-minute details, such as any changes to the schedule or venue.

There are lots of great wedding website builders to choose from, such as Squarespace, Wix, and Webflow. These platforms offer beautiful templates and are easy to use, so you can design a stylish and informative website with minimal effort.

Be mindful of postage costs and RSVP methods for international invites

When sending wedding invitations to international guests, it's important to consider the postage costs and RSVP methods to ensure a smooth process. Here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate these aspects:

Postage Costs:

• Weigh and Measure Your Invitations: The postage cost for wedding invitations is determined by their weight, size, and thickness. Take a fully assembled invitation suite to your local post office and have it weighed to determine the exact postage required. This is especially important if your invitations include multiple inserts, decorative elements, or non-standard envelopes.
• Understand International Postage Rates: If you're sending invitations outside your country, be sure to use the correct international postage stamps. Rates vary by country, so it's advisable to weigh your invitations at the post office and confirm the appropriate postage for each destination.
• Consider the Shape and Elements of Your Invitations: Oddly shaped envelopes, such as squares or custom sizes, often incur a non-machinable surcharge. Additionally, decorative elements like wax seals, ribbons, or twine can increase the cost of postage and may require hand-processing or hand-canceling to avoid damage.
• Use the Right Stamps: You can opt for current-issue USPS Forever Stamps, which are the most common and cost-effective option. Alternatively, vintage stamps add a unique touch but can be more expensive, so consider mixing them with current-issue stamps to create the desired look within your budget.

RSVP Methods:

• Provide Multiple RSVP Options: While mailed responses are traditional, they may not be the most practical or cost-effective option for international guests. Include your phone number, email address, and/or wedding website on the invitations to offer alternative RSVP methods.
• Pre-stamp RSVP Envelopes: As a courtesy to your guests, ensure that RSVP envelopes or postcards are pre-stamped before mailing. This prevents any delays in responses and is considered good etiquette, as it saves your guests from bearing the postage cost.
• Consider Digital Alternatives: If you're concerned about the reliability of mail services in certain countries, digital RSVPs may be a better option. You can direct guests to your wedding website or ask them to respond via email or text message.
• Allow Extra Time for Responses: International mail can take longer to arrive, so be prepared for potential delays when waiting for RSVPs. Sending out invitations earlier than usual can help ensure you receive responses in a timely manner.

By being mindful of postage costs and providing flexible RSVP methods, you can ensure that your international guests feel included and valued, contributing to a memorable celebration.

Frequently asked questions