Destination Wedding Invitation Wording: Etiquette And Examples

Planning a destination wedding is exciting, but it can be challenging to decide who to invite. While it's a special day regardless, there's something thrilling about sending invites to far-flung locations. However, there's a lot to consider when sending destination wedding invites, from different information to communicate to timelines and etiquette. Here are some tips to help you craft the perfect destination wedding invitations.

Who to invite and how many invitations to send

Deciding on your guest list for a destination wedding can be challenging. It's important to remember that it's your day, so focus on the people you want to celebrate with. Most guests will have to pay for travel and accommodation, so you may want to consider who can afford it and who you'd like to spend a week's holiday with.

Give your guests as much notice as possible—at least 9-12 months. This will allow them to check their budgets and request time off work. It's also a good idea to have a separate celebration at home for those who can't make it to your destination wedding. This can be a fun and casual party or a more traditional sit-down meal.

When it comes to sending out invitations, be clear about who is invited. If you're inviting families with children, make that explicit. Similarly, if it's an adults-only event, be clear about that as well. You don't want any misunderstandings that could sour your relationships.

The number of invitations you send will depend on your budget and the ease of travel to your chosen destination. If it's a very remote location, you may naturally have a smaller guest list. It's essential to expect that everyone you invite will attend, so create your guest list with your budget in mind. If you're unsure, consider sending invitations in rounds, gauging the intention to travel before sending out a second batch.

For the invitation itself, keep the main card simple and special, including:

• The couple's names
• The host line ("Happily Invite You To Celebrate...")
• The date, time, and location of the wedding ceremony
• Reception information (if applicable)

You can include additional details, such as venue maps, hotel options, and welcome reception information, on insert cards or your wedding website.

Here's an example of what the main invitation card could look like:

"Pack your bags! Together with their families,

Melissa Jones and Max Richardson

Request the honor of your presence

January 2, 2024, at Five O'clock in the evening

Palm Cove in Maui, Hawaii"

What to include on the main card

The main card for a destination wedding invitation should include all the typical and necessary information, similar to a traditional wedding invitation.

Firstly, it's important to include the couple's names. This can be done in a variety of ways, from the traditional "Mr & Mrs Jones request the honour of your presence as their daughter Judy Jones joins Thomas Smith in marriage", to something more fun and creative, such as "Pack your bags! Together with their families, Melissa Jones and Max Richardson request the honour of your presence...".

Next, you'll want to include the host line, such as "Happily Invite You To Celebrate...". This can also be customised to fit the tone of your wedding, for example, "Join us in paradise!" or "Our greatest adventure awaits!".

The date, time, and location of the wedding ceremony are essential details to include. Be sure to write out the full date, including the day of the week and the month, rather than using an all-numeral style. This will help avoid any confusion for your guests. Include the specific hour, followed by a.m. or p.m., or use the 24-hour clock to ensure everyone is clear on the timing.

It's also a good idea to include reception information on the main card. This can be as simple as stating, "California wedding celebration to follow", or you may choose to include more details on an insert card or your wedding website.

While it's important to include essential information, try to keep the main card simple and special. You don't want to overwhelm your guests with too much text. If there are additional details you'd like to share, such as venue maps, hotel options, or welcome reception information, it's best to include these on separate insert cards or your wedding website.

Finally, don't forget to set a clear call to action. Tell your guests what to do next, such as "RSVP via our destination wedding website" or "Call our travel agent to book".

How to word the invitation

The wording of your destination wedding invitation should reflect the tone of your event. If you're planning a formal, black-tie affair, opt for sophisticated and traditional language. On the other hand, if you're going for a fun and festive celebration, use light-hearted and playful wording. Here are some tips to help you word your invitations:

• Keep it simple: While it's important to include all the necessary information, don't overwhelm your guests with too much text. Focus on the key details and use clear, concise language.
• Excite your guests: Mention the destination and highlight the unique aspects of the location, such as the ocean, sun, or local culture. This will get your guests excited about the trip and encourage them to attend.
• Provide a clear call to action: Tell your guests what you want them to do, such as "RSVP via our website" or "contact our travel agent for bookings."
• Be specific about who's invited: Clearly state whether partners and children are invited or not. This is important for your guests' travel planning and to avoid any miscommunication.
• Include all logistical details: Provide the date, time, location, directions, transport options, and any other relevant information. Consider including dietary requirements, dress code, and local cultural norms or etiquette.
• Address travel arrangements: Include travel tips, such as recommended companies for flights, group booking discounts, and local accommodation options. You can also suggest places to visit and provide cultural or weather information to help guests plan their trip.
• Mention pre and post-wedding events: If you're planning any additional gatherings, include these details in the invitation. This could be a welcome cocktail reception, a rehearsal dinner, or a post-wedding brunch.
• Waive gift expectations: Since your guests are already incurring travel expenses, it's considerate to mention that their presence is enough of a gift. You can include a line like, "No need for gifts, your presence with us is all we wish for."
• Proofread and review: Before sending out the invitations, have someone else proofread the text for typos and clarity. Double-check all location details, especially if they are in a foreign language.

"Pack your bags, book your flights,

And join us in Hawaii for a few romantic nights!

[Name] and [Name] are getting married at

Diamond Beach Resort, Honolulu

At 5 pm on [date].

For more details and to RSVP,

Please visit our website:

[insert website link]"

"Our greatest adventure awaits!

Please join us for the wedding of

[Name] and [Name]

At San Giorgio Vineyard, Siena, Tuscany

On [date] at [time].

For accommodation details and to RSVP,

Please visit our website:

[insert website link]"

"Together with their parents,

[Name] and [Name]

Invite you to bury your feet in the sand,

Soak up the sun, and raise a glass

In celebration of their marriage

On [date] at [time]

Moon Palace Resort, Cancun, Mexico

Contact our travel agent to book: 800-000-0000

RSVP at wedsite.com/DaniandDannytietheknot"

When to send the invitations

As a destination wedding involves travel for your guests, it's important to give them as much notice as possible. Send your 'Save the Date' cards around 9-12 months in advance, and your formal invitations 4-6 months before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to save, plan and book time off work. It's also a good idea to include an RSVP date of around 3-4 weeks before the wedding, allowing anyone who is unsure about finances to catch a last-minute deal on flights.

If you're planning on sending 'Save the Date' cards, it's worth noting that these are usually optional. However, in the case of a destination wedding, they are very useful for giving your guests a heads-up so they can start preparing for the trip. 'Save the Date' cards can be sent via email, but physical cards are more likely to be remembered as guests can put them on their fridge or in their office as a reminder.

The more notice you can give your guests, the better. If you can, send out your invitations even earlier than 4-6 months in advance. This will give your guests more time to budget and plan their trip, and it will also give you more time to lock in the details that will go on the formal invite.

If you're worried about the environmental impact of sending out lots of physical cards, consider setting up a wedding website. This can be an easy, paperless way to share all the necessary information and updates with your guests. You could also create a Facebook group for the same purpose.

What to include in an information pack

Information Pack for Destination Wedding Invitations

Destination wedding invitations should be simple and exciting, but they also need to communicate a lot of extra information for your guests. It's a good idea to include an information pack or booklet with your invitations to break up the details. Here's what to include:

Basic Information:

• The couple's names.
• The host line, e.g., "Happily Invite You To Celebrate..."
• The date, time, and location of the wedding ceremony and reception. Be specific and include the country, city, and full address of the venue.
• The RSVP deadline and method.
• Any pre or post-wedding events, such as a welcome party or beach BBQ.

Travel and Accommodation:

• Transport and travel details, including directions to the venue and any transport between locations.
• Details of negotiated group discounts with local accommodations or flight companies.
• A map of the area and venue, if possible.
• Tips for places to visit, restaurant recommendations, and activities for guests to do in their free time.

Additional Details:

• Dietary requirements, especially if the local cuisine is unfamiliar to guests.
• Dress code, taking into account the climate/temperature and any cultural norms or etiquette that guests may be unfamiliar with.
• Visa considerations and travel vaccinations that may be required.
• Suitable travel insurance and available medical facilities, especially important if you know some guests have medical conditions.

Gifts and Costs:

Due to the costs involved in attending a destination wedding, it is considered poor etiquette to include gift registry details. Instead, let your guests know that their presence is enough of a gift. You can include a line such as, "No need to give us a gift; your presence at our celebration is gift enough!"

Website and Contact:

Finally, include your wedding website URL, where guests can find additional information, and your contact details. This could be a simple email address or phone number, or you could set up a Facebook group for guests to join.

Frequently asked questions