Destination Wedding Bliss: Reception Invites For The Newlyweds

Planning a destination wedding is a tricky task, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. It's important to make sure that guests know whether they are invited to the ceremony, the reception, or both. If you're only inviting a small number of people to the ceremony, such as close friends and family, and hosting a larger reception afterwards, you'll need to send out two separate invitations. Sending out a Save the Date for both the destination wedding and the hometown reception is a good idea, to avoid any confusion and hurt feelings. The wording is crucial, and it's important to be clear about what guests are being invited to. The invitations for the reception will also serve as an announcement that the couple is already married. These invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the reception, and it's a good idea to include RSVP cards so that you can get an accurate headcount.

Send save-the-dates for the at-home reception to avoid confusion and upset

Sending save-the-dates for your at-home reception is a crucial step in ensuring your guests are informed and happy. It's a way to formally invite your guests and get them excited about the celebration. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you navigate this process smoothly:

Timing is Key

It is recommended to send save-the-dates for your at-home reception around nine to twelve months in advance. This gives your guests, especially those who need to travel, ample time to plan their schedules and make necessary arrangements. It's a considerate gesture that shows you value their presence and want to ensure their comfort.

Wording and Clarity

When it comes to the wording of your save-the-dates, clarity and specificity are essential. Let your guests know that you are hosting an at-home reception after your destination wedding. You can use wording such as, "Save the date for the stateside wedding reception of [BRIDE] and [GROOM]. The couple will marry in a small, intimate ceremony in [DESTINATION] and invite you to join them for a celebration upon their return home on [DATE]." This approach ensures that your guests understand the nature of the event and can plan accordingly.

Separate Guest Lists

Create two separate guest lists to avoid any confusion. One list should include those invited to both the destination wedding and the at-home reception, while the other list is specifically for those invited only to the at-home reception. This organization will help you tailor your save-the-dates and invitations accordingly, avoiding any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.

Send Invitations in a Timely Manner

For the at-home reception, send invitations six to eight weeks in advance, similar to traditional wedding timelines. This gives your guests enough time to respond and make any necessary travel plans. It's essential to maintain clear and timely communication to ensure a smooth process for both you and your guests.

Be Mindful of Etiquette

When sending save-the-dates and invitations, be mindful of wedding etiquette. It is considered proper etiquette that all guests attending the ceremony are also invited to the reception. However, the opposite is not required; you can have a more intimate ceremony followed by a larger reception. Be prepared to graciously address any questions or concerns from guests regarding their invitations.

Consider a Wedding Website

A wedding website can be a valuable resource for sharing information and keeping your guests informed. It allows you to provide details about the at-home reception, travel recommendations, and any other pertinent updates. This centralized source of information can help alleviate confusion and ensure that your guests have access to the latest details.

Remember, sending save-the-dates for your at-home reception is an important step in keeping your guests informed and excited about your celebration. Clear communication, timely sending, and thoughtful wording will ensure that your guests feel valued and happy to be a part of your special day.

Send invitations 6-8 weeks before the reception

Sending your invitations 6-8 weeks in advance of your destination wedding reception is a good rule of thumb. This timing strikes a balance between giving your guests enough notice and not asking them to commit too far in advance. It also allows you to finalise your guest list and other details before sending out the invites.

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's a good idea to send out save-the-date cards 10-12 months in advance, especially if your guests will need to travel internationally or during a busy travel season. This gives your guests a heads-up to start planning and budgeting for the trip. However, you don't want to send the official invitations too early—people may forget about the event or lose the invitation, and you may struggle to get RSVPs back.

When it comes to the invitations themselves, you'll want to include all the necessary details such as the date, time, and location of the reception, as well as an RSVP deadline. It's also a good idea to include dress code information so that your guests know what to wear. If your wedding and reception are on different days or in different locations, be sure to make that clear on the invitation.

If you're only inviting certain guests to the reception and not the ceremony, it's crucial that your invitations clearly communicate this. You don't want guests to accidentally assume they're invited to both!

Finally, consider whether you want to send physical or digital invitations. Physical invitations are more traditional and can add a personal touch, but they're also more expensive and take longer to produce and mail out. Digital invitations, on the other hand, are convenient, cost-effective, and easy to follow up on with reminders.

Include RSVP cards to get an accurate headcount

When sending out reception invitations after a destination wedding, it is important to include RSVP cards to get an accurate headcount for the event. This will help you organise the right amount of food and drinks, and ensure that there is enough space for all your guests.

RSVP cards are a must for any wedding invitation, and they are especially important when planning a reception after a destination wedding. By including an RSVP card, you can get a clear idea of how many people will be attending your reception, which is crucial for planning purposes. This is even more important if your destination wedding ceremony was an intimate affair, as you may have a larger guest list for the reception.

The RSVP card should be included in the invitation envelope, and it is proper etiquette to provide an envelope for your guests to send their reply back. This can be a traditional envelope or a postcard-style response card, which saves on paper and postage. If you want to make it even easier for your guests to respond, you can include a stamp on the envelope or postcard.

When formatting your RSVP card, consider what information you need from your guests. You may want to know their meal preferences or if they have any food allergies. You can also include a line that says, "We have reserved ___ seats in your name" to indicate how many people are invited and avoid any confusion.

It is customary to ask your guests to respond 3-4 weeks before the wedding date, but be sure to factor in the time needed to provide your caterer with the final headcount. This will ensure that you have enough time to plan and prepare for the reception, and it gives your guests enough time to respond.

By including RSVP cards in your reception invitations, you can effectively plan and organise the event, ensuring that you have enough resources for all your guests to enjoy the celebration.

Announce your marriage, don't invite guests to witness it

If you're planning a destination wedding with a reception back home, you'll likely need two sets of invitations. One for the wedding ceremony and one for the reception. Here are some tips and examples to help you with the wording for your reception invitations:

The key to phrasing this type of invitation is to announce your marriage, rather than inviting guests to witness it. Here are some examples to help you get started:

Private Ceremony, Same-Day Reception

If your ceremony and reception are on the same day, the main invitation should include reception details only. Here's an example of formal wording with the bride's parents as hosts:

> Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage reception of their daughter Anne Elizabeth and James Lucas Williams on Saturday, the twenty-sixth of September, two thousand twenty at half past six o'clock, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Mobile, Alabama.

For a more informal tone, you could try:

> With great joy, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith kindly invite you to a reception celebrating the marriage of their daughter Anne Elizabeth and James Lucas Williams, Saturday, the twenty-sixth of September, 2020, at half past six o'clock, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Mobile, Alabama.

Ceremony and Reception on Different Days

If your ceremony and reception are on different days, you'll need two separate invitations. For a formal, very traditional event, you should send wedding announcements separately before the reception invitation. Here's an example:

> Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company at a reception in honour of Mr. and Mrs. James Lucas Williams, Saturday, the tenth of October, two thousand twenty, at half past six o'clock, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Mobile, Alabama.

For an informal event hosted by the couple, you could say:

> Please join Anne and James Williams for cocktails, dinner and dancing to celebrate our marriage on Saturday, the tenth of October, 2020, at half past six o'clock, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Mobile, Alabama.

Other Tips for Your Reception Invitations

• If you're having a small ceremony, make sure your guests know that they are only invited to the reception.
• If some guests are invited to both the ceremony and reception, include a small insert card with ceremony details in their envelope.
• Include RSVP cards in all envelopes so you can get an accurate headcount for both events.
• If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, simply state "reception to follow" on your invitations. If the reception is elsewhere, include the full address.

Provide travel tips, weather info, and a schedule of events

When it comes to hosting a reception after a destination wedding, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your guests have all the information they need. Here are some tips for providing travel tips, weather info, and a schedule of events:

Travel Tips:

• Consider providing a dedicated section on travel arrangements for your guests, especially if they are coming from out of town.
• Include information on transportation options, such as flights or rental cars, and recommend reliable local providers.
• If guests will be travelling from multiple locations, you may want to provide customised travel tips for each group to ensure relevance and ease of planning.
• Offer suggestions for accommodation near the reception venue, including a range of options to cater to different budgets.

Weather Info:

• Give an overview of the expected weather conditions during the reception, including average temperatures and any potential weather fluctuations.
• Recommend appropriate attire based on the weather, especially if the reception is outdoors.
• If there are any specific weather-related considerations, such as the need for insect repellent or sun protection, be sure to mention them.

Schedule of Events:

• Provide a clear timeline of the reception, including arrival, cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, first dance, cake cutting, and any other special activities.
• If there are multiple events, such as an after-party or a brunch the following day, include those in the schedule as well.
• Specify the dress code for each part of the reception, so guests know what to wear for the entire celebration.
• Consider including a brief description of each event, such as "dancing under the stars" or "casual brunch by the pool," to set the tone and help guests visualise the festivities.

Schedule of Events:

6:00 pm - Arrival and Cocktail Hour

Join us for drinks and canapes as the sun sets over the city. Don't miss the stunning rooftop view!

7:30 pm - Dinner

We will be seated for a three-course dinner, including a selection of local specialties and a variety of dietary options.

9:00 pm - First Dance

Get ready to hit the dance floor as the newlyweds share their first dance, followed by an evening of music and celebration.

10:30 pm - Cake Cutting

Join us for a sweet treat as we cut our wedding cake, crafted by the city's top pastry chef.

Midnight - After-Party

For those who want to keep the party going, we'll be heading to a nearby lounge for drinks and dancing into the early hours.

By providing detailed travel tips, weather info, and a schedule of events, your guests will be well-informed and excited to join you for the celebration following your destination wedding.

Frequently asked questions