Destination Wedding Invites: Timing And Tips For Sending Out

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 invitations. The general consensus is that save-the-date cards should be sent out as early as possible, with some sources recommending 9-12 months in advance. This gives guests ample time to schedule travel plans and time off work. Invitations should then be sent out 2-4 months before the wedding, with RSVPs due one month before. This gives guests enough time to plan and book their travel arrangements without being too early, which may cause procrastination or forgetfulness.

Save-the-date cards: send 9-12 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are an essential part of the wedding planning process, especially for destination weddings. Here are some tips and advice for sending out your save-the-date cards 9-12 months before your big day:

It is considered standard etiquette to send out save-the-date cards for destination weddings earlier than you would for a local wedding. This is because you are asking your guests to plan and book their travel and accommodation, which often requires more time and financial planning. Giving your guests a longer lead time is considerate and helps ensure they can join you on your special day.

Information to Include

A save-the-date card for a destination wedding should include more information than simply the wedding date and venue. It is helpful to treat it as a pre-invitation, providing guests with additional details to facilitate their travel plans. This can include information on transport options, recommended accommodation, and any group activities you have planned. You may also want to include a link to your wedding website, where guests can find more detailed and up-to-date information.

Creating a Wedding Website

Speaking of websites, it is a good idea to set one up as soon as you have confirmed your wedding date and venue. Your website can be a one-stop shop for all the essential information your guests need, such as travel and accommodation recommendations, the wedding schedule, and any other relevant details. This is especially useful for destination weddings, as it provides a central hub for your guests to refer to when planning their trip.

Save-the-Date Cards vs. Invitations

It is important to distinguish between save-the-date cards and formal invitations. Save-the-date cards are typically sent out earlier and provide guests with initial information to help them plan. On the other hand, formal invitations are a more formal reminder that the wedding is approaching and should include an RSVP request. Sending out invitations 2-4 months before the wedding is common for destination weddings, giving guests enough time to finalise their travel plans and arrangements.

Managing Expectations

When sending out save-the-date cards, it is essential to recognise that plans may change. While it is good to provide initial information, be prepared for adjustments along the way. A wedding website can be a useful tool for keeping guests updated and ensuring they have the most accurate information. It is also a good idea to wait as long as possible before sending out formal invitations to reduce the risk of changes after they have been printed.

Wedding invitations: send 2-4 months before the wedding

For destination weddings, it is recommended to send out invitations earlier than you would for a local wedding. This is because guests will need to book travel and accommodation and may need to take time off work.

The general consensus is that destination wedding invitations should be sent out 2-4 months in advance. Sending them out any earlier may cause guests to procrastinate and forget to book their trip, while sending them out later may not give your guests enough time to prepare.

It is also a good idea to send out save-the-dates 9-12 months in advance, so that your guests can start making plans. You can include travel details for your guests at this point, or wait until the invitations to share this information.

If you have a wedding website, you can include the URL on your save-the-dates or invitations. This is a great way to communicate all the details of your wedding, including travel and accommodation information, and any pre- or post-wedding events.

• If you are having an at-home reception after your destination wedding, it is a good idea to send separate save-the-dates for each event, but send them at the same time. This will avoid any confusion or hurt feelings.
• If a large percentage of your guest list lives abroad, it is best to add a few weeks to the timeline and send out invitations 12 weeks in advance.
• Ask for RSVPs no later than 1 month before your wedding date, to give yourself and your vendors enough time to prepare.

RSVPs: ask for them no later than 1 month before the wedding

When planning a destination wedding, it is important to give your guests ample time to make travel arrangements. Sending out your save-the-dates nine to twelve months in advance is a good idea, especially if you are also including travel details for your guests at this point. This will give your guests plenty of time to compare flight options and book their travel and accommodation.

As your wedding date approaches, it is time to send out your formal invitations. For a destination wedding, it is recommended to send these out three to four months before the wedding. This will give your guests the information they need to prepare for their travel and accommodation.

Now, onto the important part of this query – when to ask for RSVPs. It is recommended that you ask for RSVPs no later than one month before the wedding date. This will give you and your vendors enough time to finalise the necessary preparations for your big day. It is also a good idea to give yourself some extra time to chase up any stragglers who haven't replied yet.

• Send save-the-dates nine to twelve months before the wedding, including travel details if possible.
• Send formal invitations three to four months before the wedding, giving your guests the information they need to book their travel and accommodation.
• Ask for RSVPs no later than one month before the wedding, to give yourself and your vendors enough time to prepare.

By following this timeline, you will give your guests plenty of notice and ensure that you have all the information you need to plan your dream destination wedding.

Information to include: travel, accommodation, activities, and weather details

Destination wedding invitations should be sent out early, but not too early, to give your guests enough time to plan their attendance. It is also important to include all the necessary information about travel and accommodation, as well as any additional activities or events you have planned.

Travel and Accommodation

Provide clear information on how to reach the destination, including the nearest airport and the distance from the airport. Let your guests know about the best ways to get there and any tips on finding flights. You can also suggest places to stay, and if you are celebrating over multiple days, be sure to mention this so that your guests can book their accommodation accordingly.

Itinerary and Activities

If you are planning a multi-day celebration, outline all the events and activities your guests can look forward to. This could include a pool party, boat trip, or a themed welcome party. Any additional events, such as a dinner the evening before or lunch the day after, should be listed on your RSVP card so that guests can indicate their attendance.

Packing Essentials and Weather Details

Inform your guests about the dress code or attire advice, depending on the location, theme, and style of your wedding. For example, if you are planning a pool party or a beach wedding, let your guests know to pack their swimwear. You can also include information about the weather to help your guests plan what to wear. This can be included on a separate information card sent with the invitation.

Top Tip:

If there is too much information to include on your invitations, consider setting up a wedding website. This can include more detailed information, such as links to hotels, the full itinerary, and other details about your wedding, welcome party, and after-party.

Website: set up a personal website to communicate all the details

Setting up a personal website is a great way to communicate all the details of your destination wedding to your guests. It's a good idea to set up your website as soon as you know the date and location of your wedding. This way, you can include the URL on your save-the-date cards, which you should send out nine to twelve months in advance. Your website can double as your save-the-date, or you can send out physical cards.

• Choose a domain name and hosting service: Select a domain name that is easy to remember and spell. You can use your first and last name or a clever play on your name. For hosting, consider a service like HostGator, which offers a free domain name for new customers.
• Install a content management system (CMS): WordPress is a popular and user-friendly option. It has a wide range of themes and plugins that allow you to customize the look and functionality of your website without needing to know how to code.
• Design your website: Choose a theme or template that resonates with your personal style and brand identity. Consider the color scheme, font choice, layout, and logo. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly, as most internet traffic now comes from mobile devices.
• Add your content: Clearly communicate who you are and what you do with a strong mission statement and eye-catching design. Include a bio, your best work or portfolio, images or videos, a blog, testimonials, and contact information.
• Optimize for search engines: Use keywords throughout your content and choose a domain name that reflects your site's purpose. This will help improve your ranking on search engines like Google.
• Get feedback: Ask a trusted friend or colleague to review your site for any necessary improvements before you publish it.
• Promote your site: Share your website on social media, include it in your email signature, and consider writing guest posts on other blogs in your industry to increase exposure.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a comprehensive and engaging personal website to communicate all the details of your destination wedding to your guests.

Frequently asked questions