Setting a Beautiful Backdrop: 3 Planning Tips for Your Destination Wedding Invitations

Are you imagining your wedding in a far-off paradise? If you caught the travel bug and your heart is set on saying, "I do" in an exotic locale, then your destination wedding invitations will need to excite your loved ones for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're planning a beachside celebration, a charming European affair, or an intimate gathering in the mountains, we’ve got your back with tips on planning and designing destination wedding invitations that will set the tone for your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

1) Setting the Course: Timeline for Sending Save the Dates and Invitations

Let's talk timelines! When it comes to destination weddings, early planning is your trusty co-pilot. Save the dates should take flight 8-10 months before the big day. This gives your guests ample time to mark their calendars, request time off from work, and book flights.

Now, onto the main event! Your destination wedding invitations should jet off no later than 8-10 weeks before the grand adventure. This might be a bit earlier than the usual timeline, but it's all for a good reason. Your guests need that extra window to finalize travel arrangements, shop for the appropriate attire for your locale, and get into the vacation spirit!

If you want to go all out with custom invitations, we recommend reaching out to us (or another wedding stationer) about a year in advance. This gives you time to chat through unique designs that capture the spirit of your wedding destination while still getting the save the dates and invitations out on time.

2) Navigation – Key Invitation Cards for Destination Wedding Invites

There are several key pieces of stationery that will make your destination wedding smooth sailing and enjoyable for guests. While destination wedding invitation wording is no different from the standard, you may need to pay special attention to your insert cards.

The insert card shares all the extra details, so think of it as your guests’ planning buddy. It should contain hotel information–including the booking deadlines and discount codes–and guide them to your wedding website. If you’re hosting a welcome party or booking accommodations at several hotels, you may need two insert cards to include all that info.

Now this one’s just for fun–how about adding a custom map of the area to your invitation suite? It's a great touch that can help your guests explore the area and get excited about their upcoming adventure.

But invitations aren’t the only stationery to consider. There will be a lot going on once the big weekend arrives, and your guests may not know all the play-by-play details. If you're planning welcome gifts, slip in a weekend itinerary to give your guests a heads-up on the amazing moments ahead. You may also include a thank you note to each of them–after all, they have traveled a long way to be with you on your special day!

Alternatively, if you’re not doing welcome gifts, you may consider having programs available at the beginning of the ceremony. The program is another great place to add an itinerary, and it keeps your guests entertained while they wait for the festivities to begin. 

3) Crafting the Map - Designing Your Destination Wedding Invitations

Now for the fun part–designing! Your destination wedding invitations are like passports to a wonderful vacation, and the design should reflect the beauty and allure of your chosen locale. So instead of doing a standard venue illustration, why not draw design inspiration from your destination itself?

 One of our favorite design concepts starts with a beloved photo of your destination. Bonus points if it’s one that you took on a vacation together! If you don't have your own photo, ask your photographer if they have a picture you can use or purchase one online. Just make sure copyrights allow you to use it legally!

The design below for one of our former clients began just like that. The couple provided a photo of one of their favorite spots in the Smokey Mountains, so after waving our Photoshop magic wand, we used it as a focus point for the invitation. We then supplemented some fun graphics of mountains and trees across the rest of the stationery.

Or, if your destination known for its vibrant culture, infuse that energy into your invites. Try incorporating traditional patterns or symbols, colors, or even a few phrases in the local language. For instance, the Irish wedding invitation below features two symbols for love and commitment–the Claddagh and the Celtic love knot. Of course, always respect your destination’s culture and aim to celebrate it in your design.

However you decide to design your invitation, it should inspire excitement for your wedding. Picture this: Your guests look at your invite on the fridge and say, “Oh, yes, I’m going on vacation soon!” And then they show up on your wedding weekend pumped for the best vacation ever with you. It will be the wedding of your dreams!

Ready to Get Started?

Planning a destination wedding is like orchestrating a symphony of love, adventure, and celebration. And what better way to kickstart that journey than with custom destination wedding invitations? Explore our several custom design options and reach out get started on your destination wedding adventure!