When Should You Send Out Invitations for a Destination Wedding?

If you're planning a destination wedding, you'll already know that there are plenty of aspects you need to handle differently from a traditional at-home wedding. One crucial detail you'll need to take care of is sending out your invitations promptly.

While the general rule of thumb for traditional weddings is to send out the official invitations six to eight weeks in advance, you'll need to give both yourself and your guests much more time to plan and prepare for a destination wedding.

So when should you send out your destination wedding invitations?

How Far in Advance Should I Send My Destination Wedding Invitations?

Generally speaking, you should send destination wedding invitations at least six months before your planned wedding date. Many couples getting married abroad choose to send their official invitations even earlier – as far as eight or nine months in advance.

There are a few reasons for this. First, as mentioned above, your guests need more time than usual to plan their trip and coordinate their travel arrangements.

Second, you'll need to get the RSVPs in earlier than usual and communicate event numbers to your key event suppliers, like your caterer, event production supplier, photographer, and florist. They will often need confirmation of numbers by a specific date to ensure they can provide what you need on the big day.

And finally, the family members and close friends attending your wedding may need to request time off work far in advance, requiring you, as the couple, to give them as much notice as possible.

Note that these timescales are for your wedding invitations, not your save-the-dates or other pre-wedding communications.

When to Send Save-the-Dates for a Destination Wedding?

You can and should send out your save-the-dates as soon as you have booked your wedding so that your guests are aware of the need to book time off work, make travel arrangements, and save money for the trip. Save-the-dates are typically sent out twelve months before the wedding, but for a destination wedding, you should aim to send them out as soon as possible.

This is especially important if you're getting married during a peak travel season or over a holiday weekend when accommodation and flights are likely to be in high demand and book up quickly.

If you're not sure when to send out your invitations or save-the-dates, then the best thing to do is to speak to a stationery specialist or wedding planner who will be able to advise you on the ideal timeline for your specific destination wedding.

What Should You Include in a Destination Wedding Invitation?

Due to their nature, destination wedding invitations often need to include more information than regular wedding invitations. In addition to the standard date, time, and location details, you'll also need to include:

• Travel information – many guests will need to book flights and accommodation, so include links to your wedding website or any recommended travel agents, as well as any visa requirements.
• Wedding website details – your wedding website is the perfect place to include all the essential information about your destination wedding, so make sure you include the URL on your invitations.
• Dress code – if you're getting married in a hot location such as the South of France, your guests need to know what to pack. Include a note on the dress code so that everyone is prepared.
• Gifts – if you would prefer your guests to give you experiences or donate to a nominated charity rather than buy physical gifts, let them know on the invitation.
• Wish list – if you have set up a wedding wish list, include the details on your invitation so that guests can buy gifts in advance if they wish.

When Should You Send Out Your Thank-You Cards After a Destination Wedding?

Ideally, you should aim to send out your thank-you cards within three months of returning from your honeymoon. This will give you plenty of time to write them whilst the memories of your special day are still fresh in your mind.

If you had an extensive guest list, it's understandable that it may take you longer to write and send out all of the cards. In this case, aim to send them out as soon as possible after returning from your honeymoon.

It's worth adding a small personal note on each card to let them know how much you appreciated their attendance and generosity, considering the sacrifices they will have had to make to be there.

Saying thank you is just as important after a destination wedding as it is for any other type of wedding, so don't forget to do it!

Final Thoughts on Destination Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are a vital part of any wedding, but they are even more crucial for destination weddings. Not only do your guests need plenty of time to plan their travel and accommodation, but you also need to know how many people will be attending so that you can make the necessary arrangements months in advance.

With that in mind, it's a good rule of thumb to get your wedding stationery out to guests as soon as possible, starting with the save-the-dates. It will save you a great deal of stress and ensure that everyone has plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements to attend your special day.