In 2022, it’s rare for a couple to be hosting a wedding that’s not a destination wedding in some way, shape or form. Because society as a whole is so much more mobile these days, very few people live near most of their family and friends, so it’s likely that half the list (or more!) will travel regardless of where the wedding is hosted. That’s where destination save the dates come in!
That said, true destination weddings, where virtually no one lives in the wedding location, are a bit of a different thing. Especially when the location is an international destination!
International Destination Wedding Save the Date Card
For international destinations, a couple is often working with a resort and/or a travel agent to book group accommodations and the like. While the circumstances can vary widely, the couple sometimes receives incentives related to the rooms booked and needs to meet certain requirements to host the wedding in that locale. Be sure to review those deadline dates and considerations when it comes to sending your save the dates.
Remember, though, that earlier is not always better. Anything more than 18 months out (even for international destinations) is a bit much. Just think about it: on a normal day, do you have any idea what your life will look in 18 months? It’s far too long to expect actual commitments that far out, but asking someone to keep the date in mind is reasonable from 18 months on.
Generally speaking, we recommend save the dates go out between 6 months and a year before your wedding date.
What to Include in your Destination Wedding Save the Date Card
- DO include the wedding location (city / country), including the resort if you expect guests to stay there. If it’s a more traditional venue, you can save the venue for a surprise for later.
- DO include the wedding date and be sure to double-triple check! Make sure that you write it in a format that isn’t confusing. For example, if one half of your guest list is European, probably better not to write it in the MM-DD-YY format that we use in the States as that could lead to some big mixups. Also, for a true international type destination, considering writing the travel dates – will you be going all week? Do you want guests to be come for that long?
- DO include the full names of the couple. Guests on the groom’s side may not know the bride’s full name.
- DO include your wedding website. Especially for a true destination wedding, the website is very important.
- DO include accommodations. If the event is at a resort and staying on the resort property is important, make sure that information is communicated in the save the date. It can be reiterated in the invitation as well, but people do get excited about planning trips and should have an idea whether accommodations are flexible or not. For example, in some cases, resorts won’t allow guests to attend the wedding who aren’t staying on the property without purchasing a resort day pass.
- MAYBE consider including travel requirements for your destination such as passports, airport access, etc. Depending on how familiar your guest list is with travel, you may not need that information. Base it on the group!
- DON’T mention gifts or registry of any kind. This goes for the invitations too!
- DON’T include hosts.
- DON’T include time. Trust us when we say that that is one item that can shift a bit all the way up to when the invitations get printed!
- DON’T mention attire. Save that for the invitation!
- DON’T ask for an RSVP. Save the dates are an announcement, not an invitation. Some guests may opt to let you know they are not available, but you shouldn’t request a response yet.
Photo Credit: Catherine Hurst Photo
Design Ideas
The possibilities really are endless when it comes to design, but a few fun ideas we like to explore include…
- Maps of the wedding location
- Maps that celebrate the travel inspired nature of a destination wedding – perhaps that show where the couple lives, where they met, etc.
- Engagement photos, especially if you were lucky enough to do it in the wedding location
- Vintage travel themes with stamps, air mail logos, etc.
- Featuring the venue or landmarks of the wedding location in some way, perhaps with watercolor illustrations or more
- Passport style invitations
- Traditional & classic, with simple wording, luxe paper, and timeless typography
- & so so much more!
Wording Ideas for Destination Wedding Save the Dates
Simple / Traditional Option
Save the Date
for the wedding of
(Couple’s Names)
Date
City, State
For more details, please visit www.yourwebsite.com
formal invitation to follow
Variations:
Kindly Save the Date
Please Save the Date
Save Our Date
Save the Weekend
Save the Date for our Wedding Weekend
Save the Date for (Couple’s Names) Wedding Weekend
Save the Date for (Couple’s Names) (City) Wedding Weekend
Other Options
(Couple’s Names) are tying the knot!
Save the Date
Date
City, State
For more details, please visit www.yourwebsite.com
formal invitation to follow
~~~
Come for the vows, stay for the party!
(Couple’s Names) are getting married
Date
City, State
For more details, please visit www.yourwebsite.com
formal invitation to follow
~~~
He proposed, she said yes! (can also replace pronouns with names)
Save the Date
Date
City, State
For more details, please visit www.yourwebsite.com
formal invitation to follow
Have questions about save the dates? We’re stationery experts and happy to help!
Leave a Reply