The Perfect Destination Wedding Invitation Wording

Planning a destination wedding is an exciting way to celebrate your love and create unforgettable memories. The invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your special day, so it's important to choose the right wording. Here are some tips to help you craft the perfect destination wedding invitation.

First, consider the style, formality, and overall vibe you want to convey. Strike a balance between formal and fun, informative, and inviting. Include essential details such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, as well as any accommodation and transportation information.

You can also incorporate the location and theme of your wedding into the wording. For example, if you're getting married on a tropical island, use words like tropical paradise and sun-kissed skies. If you're having a rustic mountain wedding, include words like adventure and nature.

Don't forget to add a personal touch by sharing references to experiences or moments that connect with the destination. You can also express your excitement and anticipation for the upcoming celebration.

Finally, remember to send your save-the-dates and invitations early to give your guests enough time to plan their attendance.

When to send invites: 3-4 months in advance for invites, 9-12 months for save-the-dates

Planning a destination wedding comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to sending out invites. While you want to give your guests enough time to plan, you also don't want to send out invites too early and risk them committing and then not showing up. So, what's the best approach?

Save-the-Dates

It's a good idea to send out save-the-date notices as early as possible, especially for a destination wedding. This will give your guests ample time to organise their travel plans and accommodations. The recommended timeline is nine to twelve months in advance. Along with the date and location, you might also want to include travel details at this point. Sending out save-the-dates ensures that your guests can mark their calendars and start making the necessary arrangements.

Invitations

As for the formal invitations, these should be sent out three to four months in advance. This gives your guests enough time to prepare for their travel and stay, without being too early. It's a delicate balance, as you want to ensure your guests have the opportunity to attend, but you also don't want to overwhelm them with too much lead time.

Additional Tips

To make the process smoother, consider setting up a wedding website. This can be included on your save-the-date notices and invitations, providing guests with a one-stop shop for all the wedding details. The website can include travel tips, local attractions, accommodation options, and an itinerary of wedding-related events. This way, you can provide guests with all the information they need without overcrowding your invitations.

Additionally, it's worth noting that some guests may appreciate a gentle reminder that there is no pressure to attend a destination wedding. A simple note on your wedding website acknowledging the costs and time commitment involved can ease any concerns.

What to include: date, time, location, RSVP, travel/accommodation tips, itinerary, attire

When it comes to destination wedding invitations, it's important to provide your guests with all the necessary information while also capturing the excitement and uniqueness of your celebration. Here are some key elements to include:

Date, Time, and Location

Provide clear and concise details about the date, time, and location of the wedding ceremony and reception. This information is crucial for your guests' planning and RSVP. For example:

"Saturday, the 5th of August, at 6:00 p.m., Fanari Villas, Santorini."

RSVP

Include a clear RSVP deadline and specify the method of response, such as your wedding website, email, or phone number. This will help you finalise numbers and plans. You can also include fun and creative wording on your RSVP card to reflect the spirit of your destination wedding:

"Kindly RSVP by the 1st of June, 2025. Yes! Save us some beach chairs!"

Travel and Accommodation Tips

Provide your guests with practical travel tips and accommodation suggestions. Share information about the nearest airport, transportation options, and recommended hotels. If you have group booking information or special rates, be sure to mention those as well. This will help your guests secure their accommodations early:

"The nearest airport is XYZ, and the venue is a 30-minute drive from there. We have secured a group rate at Hotel ABC, with limited rooms available. Alternatively, you can explore other options listed on our wedding website."

Itinerary

If you're planning a multi-day celebration with additional events such as a welcome dinner or a recovery lunch, include a brief itinerary or schedule. This will help your guests plan their attendance and ensure they don't miss out on any of the fun:

"Join us for a welcome cocktail reception on Friday evening, followed by the wedding ceremony and reception on Saturday. On Sunday, we'll be hosting a recovery brunch before we part ways."

Attire

Depending on your wedding location and theme, provide attire advice or a dress code for your guests. Whether it's a beach wedding, a black-tie event, or a specific theme, let your guests know so they can pack and dress appropriately:

"The ceremony will be held on the beach, followed by a semi-formal dinner reception. Don't forget your sun hats and sandals!"

Remember, the key is to provide essential information while keeping the invitation concise and exciting. You can always include additional details on your wedding website or insert cards. Happy planning!

Wording: creative, fun, and reflecting the destination/wedding style

Creative, Fun, and Reflective Wording for Destination Wedding Invitations

The wording of your destination wedding invitation should capture the essence of your chosen location and reflect your personality as a couple. It should be a balance between formal and fun, conveying important information while keeping the tone light and exciting. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft creative and fun wording that reflects your destination and wedding style:

• Incorporate Destination-Inspired Language: Use words and phrases that evoke the unique aspects of your location. For instance, if you're getting married on a tropical island, include terms like "tropical paradise," "sun-kissed skies," and "crystal-clear waters."
• Add a Personal Touch: Include a special message or anecdote that reflects your journey as a couple. For example, "We've travelled the world together, and now we can't wait to celebrate this new adventure with you!"
• Provide a Catchy Opening Line: Grab your guests' attention with a creative first line. It could be a play on words, a quote, or a phrase that captures the spirit of your destination, such as "Escape to paradise as we exchange vows on the sandy shores of Bali!"
• Use a Conversational Tone: A destination wedding invitation often has a more casual vibe. Use a conversational tone to make your guests feel personally invited, such as "We're getting hitched in Hawaii, and we'd love for you to be there!"
• Include Practical Details: While creativity is essential, don't forget the practical information. Include the date, time, location, accommodation suggestions, travel tips, and any other relevant details. You can include these on a separate insert or direct guests to your wedding website for more information.
• Embrace the Theme: If your wedding has a specific theme, incorporate it into the wording. For example, if it's a vintage-themed wedding, use phrases like "timeless elegance" and "classic romance."
• Focus on One Element: Destinations offer a wealth of inspiration, but you don't need to include everything in your invitation. Pick one element, such as the scenery or local flora and fauna, and make it the focal point of your wording.
• Add a Fun Message: Sometimes, a modern font and a bold script are all you need. A simple message like "Pack your suitcases and join us in Italy!" can convey all the excitement and anticipation of a destination wedding.
• Incorporate Illustrations: Use illustrations or images that capture the beauty of your chosen destination. Whether it's palm trees, mountain ranges, or a city skyline, these visuals will transport your guests to your wedding location before they even arrive.
• Consider the Dress Code: Depending on the location and style of your wedding, include a dress code or attire advice. This could range from "beach wedding" to "black-tie event," so your guests can plan and pack accordingly.

Tropical Destination Wedding:

"With the sand beneath our feet and the sea at our backs, we're saying 'I do' to a lifetime together. Join us for our dream wedding on the beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Semi-formal beach attire requested. Please see the attached itinerary for travel and accommodation tips."

Mountain Destination Wedding:

"We're shouting our love from the mountaintops, and we want you to witness it! You're invited to the wedding of Skyler Smith and James Parker on May 16th at Mountain Meadow Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dress to impress, and find travel and accommodation details below."

Woodland Destination Wedding:

"Join us for a wedding under the stars as Billy Warner and Viola Murray unite in matrimony. Saturday, April 10th, at Twin Pines National Park, New Gloucester, Maine. Consider joining us for a family dinner the night before at Sandy's Diner in town. Accommodation options are available at Dakota Lodge in the park and nearby hotels."

Big City Destination Wedding:

"Join us for a week in the greatest city in the world! Mark and Tyler are tying the knot in New York City, New York, on March 15th at 7 p.m. Come for the wedding and stay for the honeymoon! We're staying at the Plaza (wedding block information below). RSVP by February 1st, and join us for a week of fun!"

Garden Destination Wedding:

"Sweeter than a rose is my beloved to me. The Rogers and Patel families invite you to celebrate the union of their children, Marie Rogers and Amir Patel, on July 12th at 2 p.m. at the Royal Botanic Garden, followed by tea and a reception at the Tea House Theatre. Formal or semi-formal attire suggested."

Remember, the key is to keep the wording fun, creative, and reflective of your destination and wedding style. By incorporating these elements, you'll create invitations that excite and engage your guests, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration.

Invitation design: boarding pass, passport, map, airmail, sunset palette

Planning a destination wedding is exciting, and the invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of this adventure. The design of your invitations should capture the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding style. Here are some ideas for a sunset-themed destination wedding invitation suite with a boarding pass, passport, map, or airmail design:

Boarding Pass Design:

The boarding pass design is a fun and creative way to invite guests to your destination wedding. The invitation can be designed to resemble a boarding pass, with your wedding details printed on it. Use a sunset-themed colour palette, such as shades of orange, pink, purple, and yellow, to evoke the feeling of a sunset. Include graphics such as an airplane, a sunset, or a map of the destination. The invitation can be a single card or a multi-page booklet, with additional information about travel and accommodation.

Passport Design:

A passport-themed invitation is another creative option for a destination wedding. Design a miniature passport, with a sunset-themed cover, featuring the destination's name and a graphic. Inside, include a photo of the happy couple and all the wedding details, such as the date, time, and location. You could also include a map of the destination, with key locations marked, and a sunset-themed itinerary of the wedding events.

Map Design:

A map-themed invitation is a unique way to showcase your destination wedding location. The invitation can feature a map of the area, with a sunset-themed colour palette and graphics. Mark key locations, such as the wedding venue and accommodation options. Include a sunset-coloured ribbon or string to close the invitation, with a tag that has the wedding date printed on it. This design can also be adapted to include additional information, such as travel tips and local attractions.

Airmail Design:

An airmail-themed invitation suite can include a sunset-coloured envelope, with airmail graphics and stamps featuring the destination's landscape. The invitation itself can be designed to resemble a postcard, with a sunset background and all the wedding details. Include a sunset-themed RSVP card, with a cute message, such as "Save us a beach chair!". You could also add a map of the area, with key locations marked, and a separate card with travel and accommodation information.

Remember to include all the essential details, such as the names of the couple, the destination, date, time, and location. You may also want to include accommodation and travel information, itinerary, RSVP deadline, attire suggestions, and packing essentials. If there is too much information for the invitations, consider setting up a wedding website with more detailed information.

RSVP: make it clear guests need to indicate attendance, travel needs, dietary needs, etc

When it comes to destination weddings, it's important to give your guests plenty of time to plan their attendance. This means sending out your invitations early and providing a clear call to action for RSVPs. Here are some tips and examples to ensure your guests provide the information you need:

Make it Clear What Information You Need

It's crucial that your guests understand what information you need from them when they RSVP. Here are some key details you may want to request:

• Attendance: It's essential to know how many guests will be attending, so ask your guests to specify if they will be celebrating with you in person or from a distance.
• Travel needs: As your wedding is at a destination, guests may need to indicate if they require assistance with travel and accommodation arrangements. This includes information on flights, hotels, and transportation.
• Dietary needs: To ensure everyone is accommodated, ask your guests about any dietary preferences or restrictions they may have.
• Additional events: If you're planning pre-wedding events or post-wedding activities, ask your guests to specify which ones they plan to attend. This will help you coordinate the various festivities.
• Special requests: Your guests might have special requests or needs, such as mobility considerations or specific assistance. This information will help you ensure that all guests are comfortable and accounted for.

Provide a Clear Call to Action

Don't leave your guests hanging; tell them exactly what you need them to do. Here are some examples:

• "Kindly RSVP by [date]."
• "Please RSVP by visiting our website [insert link]."
• "Call our travel agent or RSVP via our destination wedding website."
• "The courtesy of a reply is requested by [date]."

Example RSVPs

• "Yes, I am packed and ready to celebrate in person!"
• "No, I will be there in spirit and will forever regret this decision."
• "Save us ___ beach chairs."
• "Sorry! We will be toasting from a distance."

Remember, the key is to be clear and concise in your wording while also reflecting the tone and style of your wedding.

Frequently asked questions