Destination Wedding Invitations: Timing And Tips For Sending Yours

Planning a destination wedding comes with its own unique set of logistics. One of the most common questions from couples is about when to send out their wedding invitations. While regular wedding invitations are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, destination wedding invites should be sent out earlier – anywhere from two to four months in advance. This gives guests enough time to make travel arrangements and request time off work. It's also advisable to send out save-the-dates nine to twelve months ahead of the wedding, especially for a destination wedding, to ensure your guests have ample time to prepare.

Send save-the-date cards 6-12 months in advance

Planning a destination wedding comes with its own unique set of logistics, especially when it comes to sending out save-the-date cards and invitations. While the general rule of thumb for weddings is to send save-the-dates 4-6 months in advance, for destination weddings, it is highly advisable to send them out earlier, anywhere from 6 to 12 months before the wedding date. This is because destination weddings often require guests to plan extensive travel and accommodations, so giving them ample time to make these arrangements is crucial. Here are some key points to consider:

Timing is Crucial

Sending your save-the-date cards 6-12 months in advance is essential for destination weddings to ensure your guests have enough time to schedule travel plans and take time off work. This also gives them the opportunity to compare flight options and plan any extended trips before or after the wedding. By doing so, you can also ensure that your guests have a better selection of flight options and accommodations, as waiting too long may result in limited choices and increased prices.

Provide Detailed Information

Destination weddings often involve multiple events and activities, so it's important to include a general timeline for the weekend's events in your save-the-date cards. This can include information about welcome parties, brunches, group activities, and any other satellite celebrations. It's also helpful to include travel and accommodation details, such as links to your wedding website, suggestions for places to stay, group hotel rates, maps, and airport information.

Consider Sending an Information Packet

Instead of a simple postcard, consider sending out an information packet with your save-the-date. This allows you to treat it as a pre-invitation and provide guests with more detailed information about the wedding. You can also include a response card or poll, asking guests about their preferences for activities, which will help you plan accordingly.

Update Your Wedding Website

Be sure to update your wedding website with all the relevant information, including travel specifics, schedules, and any other important details. If you're pressed for space on your save-the-date cards, you can include a simple URL to your website and direct guests there for more comprehensive information.

Follow Up with Formal Invitations

After sending your save-the-date cards, don't forget to follow up with formal invitations 2-3 months before the wedding. This serves as a reminder to your guests that the wedding is approaching, and it's time to book their trip if they haven't already. It also allows them to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements for their attendance.

Include travel and accommodation details

When it comes to destination weddings, it's important to give your guests plenty of advance notice so they can plan their travel and accommodation. This is especially important if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is in a far-off location.

Send Save-the-Dates Early

It's a good idea to send your Save-the-Dates 9-12 months in advance. This will give your guests ample time to schedule travel plans and time off work. You can include a link to your wedding website, which should have all the necessary travel and accommodation information. Alternatively, you can include some basic travel details in your Save-the-Dates, such as the best ways to get to your destination and suggestions for places to stay.

Send Formal Invitations 2-4 Months in Advance

Destination wedding invitations should be sent out 2-4 months before the wedding. This will give your guests enough time to book their travel and accommodation, if they haven't already. Include your wedding URL in the invitation, and update all travel information online, such as places to stay, group hotel rates, maps, and airport information. You can also include a separate information card with your invitation that provides travel and accommodation details, as well as tips for places to visit and eat in the area.

Create a Wedding Website

A wedding website is a great way to communicate all the necessary details to your guests. It's easily accessible and can be updated regularly. You can include travel and accommodation information, such as links to hotels or Airbnbs, group hotel rates, maps, and airport information. You can also suggest places to visit and eat, and provide information on the weather so your guests know what to pack.

Send Email Updates

If you have guests who are not tech-savvy, consider sending email updates with travel and accommodation details. This will ensure that everyone has access to the same information and can plan their trip accordingly.

Welcome Gifts and Itineraries

When your guests arrive, consider having a welcome gift waiting for them, such as a beach bag with sunscreen and water, or a local snack crate. Include a brief itinerary of wedding events, in case they forgot to bring it. This will make your guests feel appreciated and excited for the festivities to come.

Send invites 2-4 months before the wedding

Sending out your destination wedding invitations in a timely manner is crucial to ensure your guests have enough time to plan their travels and accommodations. Here are some tips and suggestions for sending out your invites 2-4 months before your wedding:

Save-the-Dates

It is recommended that save-the-dates are sent out earlier, typically 6 to 12 months before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to schedule travel plans and time off work, especially if they need to compare flight options and arrange extended trips. Sending save-the-dates early is crucial for destination weddings to ensure your guests can plan their journey and be a part of your special day.

Invitations

For destination weddings, it is generally advised to send out invitations 2 to 4 months in advance. This provides your guests with the necessary details and allows them to make travel arrangements. Sending the invitations in this timeframe serves as a reminder for your guests, especially if they have received a save-the-date much earlier. It conveys a sense of urgency and lets them know that the wedding is fast approaching.

RSVP Deadlines

When requesting RSVPs, aim for a deadline of at least 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding date. This allows you to have a final headcount for the caterer and finalize your seating arrangements. You may also want to consider giving yourself some extra time by requesting RSVPs 3 to 6 weeks in advance, in case some guests need a gentle reminder to respond.

Invitation Content

When creating your invitations, include essential information such as the wedding date, time, and location. You may also want to mention the dress code or theme to help your guests prepare appropriately. If your destination wedding involves multiple events, create a separate card with details about satellite celebrations, such as a welcome dinner or a post-wedding brunch. This way, your guests can plan their attendance accordingly.

Additionally, consider including practical information about travel and accommodations. You can include this directly on the invitation or create a separate information card with tips on transportation, places to stay, and things to do in the area. Providing a link to your wedding website is also a great way to keep your guests informed and up to date.

Remember, sending out your destination wedding invitations 2-4 months in advance will help ensure your guests have the necessary time to plan their travels and be a part of your special day.

Provide RSVP deadline of 1 month from the wedding date

When planning a destination wedding, it's important to give your guests ample time to plan their travels and accommodations. While the general recommendation is to send out invitations around two to three months before the wedding, you may want to consider sending them even earlier—up to 12 weeks in advance—if your guest list includes many international guests or if your wedding is in a far-off location. This will provide your guests with enough time to compare flight options, book accommodations, and arrange any necessary days off from work.

Now, let's talk about the RSVP deadline. It is recommended that you ask for RSVPs no later than one month before your wedding date. This timeline strikes a balance between giving your guests enough time to respond and allowing you and your vendors to make the necessary preparations for the big day. Here are some reasons why setting the RSVP deadline for one month before the wedding is beneficial:

• It provides a brief window for guests to receive the invitation, make travel plans if necessary, and consider their decision.
• It gives your vendors, such as caterers, enough advance notice to order and prepare supplies. The sooner you get an accurate guest count, the sooner you can finalise seating arrangements, menu choices, and other details.
• It allows for some wiggle room in case some guests don't respond by the deadline. You can follow up with a quick call or email to remind them to send in their RSVPs.
• It helps with logistics and planning, especially if you have guests travelling from different time zones. By setting an earlier RSVP deadline, you can have a better idea of the number of guests attending, which is crucial for booking transportation, reserving accommodation, and coordinating any pre-or post-wedding events.

When setting the RSVP deadline, be sure to consider any external factors that may impact your planning. For example, if you have guests travelling from different countries, they may need more time to arrange visas or other travel documents. Additionally, if your wedding falls during a busy travel season, such as summer or holidays, it's advisable to set an earlier RSVP deadline to ensure your guests can secure their travel plans.

In summary, when planning a destination wedding, it's essential to provide your guests with enough advance notice by sending out invitations early and setting an RSVP deadline of one month before the wedding. This will ensure a smooth planning process and a memorable celebration for you and your guests.

Include a separate card for satellite celebrations

Satellite celebrations, also known as at-home receptions, are separate events hosted by the newlyweds for guests who were not invited to the destination wedding. These celebrations are usually more intimate and can take place within 2-3 months of the wedding, or even later.

When sending out invitations for a destination wedding, it is important to distinguish between the destination wedding and the satellite celebration to avoid confusion. Here are some tips for including a separate card for satellite celebrations:

• Send save-the-dates for both the destination wedding and the satellite celebration at the same time: This ensures that guests who are not invited to the destination wedding know that they are still included in the celebrations. It is common to send save-the-dates 9-12 months before the wedding.
• Provide clear wording on the invitations: Clearly indicate which event the guest is being invited to. For example, you can specify the location of the satellite celebration and mention that it is an at-home reception following the destination wedding.
• Include a separate information card: Along with the invitation, include a separate card with details about the satellite celebration, such as the date, time, and location. This ensures that guests have all the necessary information in one place.
• Mention any additional events: If there are other events associated with the satellite celebration, such as a lunch or dinner, be sure to include those details on the invitation or the separate information card.
• Send invitations for the satellite celebration on time: While there is no fixed timeline, sending the invitations 6-8 weeks before the event is generally considered appropriate. This gives guests enough time to plan their attendance.

Frequently asked questions