Save The Date: Destination Wedding Edition

Save-the-date cards are an important part of wedding planning, especially for destination weddings. They are a courtesy to your guests, giving them ample time to plan ahead and make travel arrangements. While the tone and style of your save-the-date cards are up to you, there are some essential pieces of information that you should include.

First and foremost, don't forget to include your names. It's also customary to include the date and location of your wedding. If you have a wedding website, be sure to include the URL so that guests can find more detailed travel information. A simple phrase like invitation to follow will let guests know that a formal invitation with additional details is on the way.

For destination weddings, it's a good idea to send out your save-the-date cards further in advance, giving your guests ample time to plan their travels. You may also want to include an information packet with your save-the-date, treating it as a pre-invitation that outlines a general timeline of events, from welcome parties to any group activities you've planned.

The date, time, and location

The Date

It is crucial to include the wedding date on your save-the-date cards. You can spell out the entire date or use numerals for a more modern look. If you need to save space, you can abbreviate the day of the week (e.g., Sat.). However, only send out save-the-dates once you have confirmed your wedding date to avoid confusion.

The Time

While it is important to include the date of the wedding, you do not need to include specific start times for the ceremony and reception in your save-the-date cards. This information can be included in the invitation or on your wedding website.

The Location

The wedding location is another critical piece of information for your guests, especially if your wedding is at a destination that requires travel. Include the city and state or country of your wedding. You can also add a hint about what guests can expect, such as "Join us for a weekend of sun and fun in paradise!" If you are hosting a multi-day celebration, you may want to include the dates for the entire festivities, so guests can plan their travel accordingly.

In addition to the location, you may want to provide travel information, such as airport and hotel options, on your save-the-date cards or your wedding website. This will help your guests make arrangements and avoid late booking costs.

Remember to include your names and a note that a formal invitation will follow. You may also want to direct guests to your wedding website, where they can find more detailed information about the date, time, and location of your wedding, as well as travel and accommodation options.

A note that a formal invitation will follow

Save-the-date cards are just the first step in the exciting journey towards your destination wedding. They serve as an early announcement to your guests, giving them a heads-up about the date and location of your special day. But it's crucial to remember that these cards are not the formal invitation. A formal invitation will follow, and it will include more detailed information about the venue, timing, and other important details. This two-step process is especially important for destination weddings, as it gives your guests ample time to plan their travel arrangements.

The save-the-date cards act as a sneak peek, a little teaser if you will, of the magical destination wedding to come. They are like the trailer for an upcoming movie, building anticipation and excitement. Your guests will be thrilled to receive this early notice, and they will appreciate having the opportunity to start planning their travels and making any necessary arrangements. However, the save-the-date is just the beginning; the formal invitation will follow with all the essential details they need for your big day.

Including a note that a formal invitation will follow is a courteous gesture towards your guests. It ensures that they understand the save-the-date is not the final invitation and that more information is on its way. This phrase also helps to set the right expectations, so your guests know what to look out for. It's a subtle way of letting them know that while they should mark their calendars, there will be another correspondence with additional details to come.

The save-the-date cards and the formal invitation work hand in hand to create a seamless experience for your guests. The save-the-date is like the opening act, building excitement and providing a glimpse of what's to come. It gives your guests a taste of the destination and might even include some travel tips or a link to your wedding website for more information. Then, the formal invitation takes centre stage, providing all the essential details they need to be a part of your special day. It's like giving them a map to the treasure, ensuring they can find their way to witness your "I dos."

The save-the-date cards are like the opening chapter of a captivating novel, leaving your guests eager to turn the page and discover what unfolds next. They set the tone and give a hint of what your destination wedding will entail. However, the full story is yet to be revealed. The formal invitation will follow, and it will be the heart of the narrative, providing all the essential information your guests need to be a part of your happily ever after. So, while the save-the-date cards are a crucial first step, they are just the beginning of the magical journey you are inviting your loved ones to join.

Travel information and accommodation suggestions

We are so excited to celebrate our wedding with you in [location].. We know that travelling can be a lot of work, so we've put together some information to help you plan your trip.

Our wedding website has all the details you need to know about travel and accommodation. You can find it here: [wedding website URL].

The closest airport to the wedding venue is [airport name], which is about [duration] from the venue. We suggest booking your flights early to get the best rates.

For accommodation, we have secured a room block at [hotel name] for our guests. This hotel offers a special rate for our wedding guests, so be sure to mention our names when booking. You can book your room by calling [hotel phone number] or visiting their website: [hotel website URL].

If you're looking for other options, there are also some great Airbnbs and alternative hotels in the area. Here are some suggestions:

[List some alternative accommodation options with brief descriptions and links]

Be sure to book your accommodation soon to ensure you have a place to stay during the wedding. We can't wait to see you there!

Additional Travel Tips

To make your travel experience as smooth as possible, here are some extra tips:

• [List any visa or documentation requirements]
• Consider renting a car if you plan to explore the area.
• The wedding venue is easily accessible by public transport. You can find more information on our website.
• If you have any questions or need help with travel plans, don't hesitate to reach out!

Details of any pre- and post-wedding events

Pre- and post-wedding events are a great way to extend the celebrations and bring your loved ones together. Here are some ideas for events you can include in your destination wedding itinerary:

Pre-Wedding Events:

• Engagement Party: Typically hosted by the couple, their parents, or close friends, this is a celebration of your engagement and a chance for your closest family and friends to come together. It can be held a few months after the proposal or even on the same night as a "surprise" engagement party.
• Bridal Shower or Couples' Shower: This event is hosted by close friends or family to celebrate the bride or couple with gifts, usually around two months to two weeks before the wedding. It's an opportunity to shower the couple with gifts for their new home and enjoy food and drink traditions with loved ones.
• Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties: These separate or joint celebrations are organised by the best man and maid of honor, usually no later than one week before the wedding. They can range from a night out to a whole weekend of activities and are a chance for the bride and groom to enjoy their last moments of singledom.
• Bridesmaid and Groomsmen Luncheon: Hosted by the bride and groom respectively, these luncheons are a formal way to thank the wedding party and say a special goodbye before the big day. They usually take place the day before or on the day of the wedding.
• Welcome Party: For destination weddings, a welcome party is a great way to kick off the festivities. Hosted by the couple or their parents, it's usually a cocktail party that all guests are invited to attend, one or two nights before the wedding.
• Rehearsal Dinner: Traditionally hosted by the groom's parents, but often co-hosted with the bride's parents or the couple, the rehearsal dinner is an opportunity for speeches and toasts. For destination weddings, all guests are usually invited to attend or are at least invited to a welcome party after a more intimate dinner.

Post-Wedding Events:

• After-Party: With many venues having early closing times, an after-party is a fun way to continue the celebrations. It's hosted by the bride and groom or the wedding party, and all wedding guests are invited, although it's more popular among the younger crowd.
• Day-After Brunch: Popular for destination weddings, a day-after brunch is a great way to nurse hangovers, say goodbye, and spend a little extra time with your guests before they depart. It's usually a casual, buffet-style event with invitations extended to all guests.

Your wedding website URL

Your wedding website is a great way to share all the information about your wedding and is a useful resource for your guests. It's important to update your wedding website before sharing the URL on your save-the-date. You can also generate a QR code for your website and put it on your save-the-date cards. This way, your guests can easily check out the wedding information on their mobile devices.

• Design your website: Before sending out your save-the-dates, ensure that your wedding website is up and running. Include all the pertinent travel and wedding information, as well as a way for guests to contact you and your partner if they have any questions.
• Provide crucial information: Your wedding website should include essential tabs such as travel information, wedding ceremony details, wedding celebration information, an FAQ section, and a registry link. You can also include an RSVP link, which is helpful if you're expecting a large number of guests.
• Make it easy to navigate: Ensure that all the crucial information on your website is easy to locate and understand. Consider including a clear and concise menu or tabs that guests can easily navigate to find the information they need.
• Share the URL: Once your website is ready, include the URL on your save-the-date cards. You can also consider creating a QR code for your website and adding it to the cards, making it even easier for guests to access the site.
• Keep it simple: If you prefer a clean and simple save-the-date design, you can include only the essential wedding details and direct guests to your website for more information. This way, you provide basic information while allowing your website to be the main source of details for your guests.
• Match your theme: Consider matching the design of your save-the-date cards to your wedding website theme. This can help create a cohesive look and feel for your wedding stationery and give guests a glimpse of your style as a couple.

Frequently asked questions