A Guide to Destination Wedding Invitations

Destination weddings have become increasingly popular over the past few decades, and it’s no big secret as to why! With luxe resorts, exciting locations, and PLENTY of tropical romance, destination weddings are an attractive option for many modern couples. Still, given their non-traditional nature, destination weddings can sometimes be more complicated to plan than a local or hometown wedding.

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After all, an unconventional wedding can mean nixing (or adjusting) long-standing wedding traditions – and it’s not always clear which ones you should uphold, which you should alter, and which you should forgo entirely! For instance, what do you do about wedding gifts? Do you give out wedding favors? And what on earth do you do about invitations?

What Are the Rules?

When it comes to wedding planning, few traditions are as timeless as the wedding invitation. As a rule, couples should send wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the big day. Plus they should generally send a Save the Date notice sometime before that. Invitations can be simple or elaborate, budget-friendly or expensive – but in the end, most wedding guests will expect an official invitation.

In many ways, destination weddings play by their own set of rules, and whether or not to send formal invitations is always a matter of personal choice. If you’re confused about how (or if!) to send invitations to your destination wedding, keep reading! We’ve got all the info below!

Should You Send Destination Wedding Invitations?

If you’re planning a destination wedding, you know that inviting your loved ones is a key part of the process. In fact, most couples start feeling out their friends and family before they even commit to a destination wedding.

After all, finding out who would go – and who would not – is essential in making an informed decision. As such, most couples have already unofficially invited their nearest and dearest LONG before booking their venue.

With this in mind, it’s easy to believe that traditional invitations would be redundant and unnecessary. Why spend the time and money when your guests are already “invited,” right?

Here is Our Opinion

The truth is, even if the bulk of your wedding guests are aware of the wedding date and are already planning to attend, it’s ALWAYS a classy move to send an official invitation. Your guests are planning to take time away from work and will undoubtedly be spending money to attend your big day. An official invitation is an easy way to show them that they are valued and that their presence is appreciated.

Does this mean that invitations must be extravagant or blow the budget? Absolutely not!

Just like a traditional local wedding, your choices should always honor your wedding budget. It doesn’t matter if you’re sending a lavish, personalized invitation or a simple printed postcard – the point is that you’ve taken the time and effort to invite your cherished guests in a formal and official way.

Furthermore, official wedding invitations allow you to communicate important information to your guests, AND to get an accurate headcount through RSVPs.

How Long Before a Destination Wedding Should You Send Invitations?

For guests, attending a destination wedding involves a fair amount of planning. Your guests may need to take time off from work or save up the money to pay for travel costs. As such, you’ll want to give your guests as much notice as you possibly can.

Ideally, you’ll send your Save the Date notices at least 9 to 12 months in advance. If you book your venue even further out, send the Save the Dates as soon as you’re locked into your date and location. The earlier your guests know of your plans, the better the chances they’ll be able to make it!

As for your destination wedding invitations, aim to send them between 4 and 6 months in advance of your wedding date.

How Do You Write a Destination Wedding Invitation?

Writing and wording a destination wedding invitation is pretty similar to writing any wedding invitation. You’ll want to include key information, like your wedding date and time, your location details, and the dress code if you have one. But with a destination wedding, your priority is to tell your guests how much their presence would mean to you and WHY they should join the party!

In addition, you’ll also need to inform your guests WHEN and HOW they can book their trip, should they decide to attend. This could include contact information for your booking agent, travel advisor, or wedding planner. Be sure to attach flyers or pamphlets that showcase the beauty of your wedding location – and get your guests EXCITED!

When it comes to wording a destination wedding invitation, it’s really about matching the tone and vibe of your event. Unlike traditional weddings, which typically employ more formal language, your destination wedding invite can be as formal – or as informal – as you’d like! For example, you could choose RSVP wording that’s creative and fun with responses like “Away we go!” or “Save me a beach chair!”

Finally, if your destination wedding is an adults-only event, make sure to clearly state that on your invitation. Many all-inclusive destination weddings venues are completely kid-free, so write something like “As much as we love your kiddos, our wedding location is an adults-only establishment, and can only accommodate adults.”

Destination Wedding Invitation Ideas:

Destination wedding invitations can be as extravagant or as simple as you’d like. Whether you choose to splurge or save, you can always get creative with unexpected colors, fun themes, or clever wording!

Naturally, many destination wedding couples are attracted to the idea of invitations that feature travel elements like maps, planes or passports.

No matter what you choose, be sure to highlight the things that make your destination exciting and special. The key is to hook your guests on your destination and resort, so they’ll be excited to join you for your big day!

Ready to Book Your Destination Wedding?

If you’re ready to book your destination wedding, but you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help!

Our talented agents will help you secure your fantasy venue and plan the wedding of your dreams – all at no extra cost to you. Contact us HERE to get started!