Everything you need to know about destination wedding save-the-dates

So, you’re planning your wedding, but you’d like to know a little more about how save-the-dates work. As a resident Destination Wedding Expert here at Easy Weddings, I’d be thrilled to share what I know with you. After all, your big day in an exotic paradise is close, and sending save-the-dates is the first step to inviting everybody you love to share it with you.

From when you should send them to the information you should include, this article will guide you through each step of the destination wedding save-the-date process — ensuring your guests make it to what will likely be one of the most fun-filled days of your life.

What’s included in this article:

1. When to send destination wedding save-the-dates

2. What to include

3. Is a wedding website really necessary?

4. Can you collect RSVPs with a destination wedding save-the-date?

5. Is there a difference between local and destination wedding save-the-dates info?

When should you send out destination wedding save-the-dates?

Now don’t get me wrong, sending your save-the-dates isn’t a super rigid process. You have some flexibility when sending them, with some people sending them as early as two years before the date. I’m here to tell you, though, the sweet spot is between 6 to 12 months before your big day.

Just make sure that you’ve got all the crucial details nailed down before sending them, like the wedding date, accommodation options, and, of course, the venue.

What information should you include in destination wedding save-the-dates?

Think of your save-the-dates as a brief but informative guide that gives your guests everything they need to plan their trip.

You’ll want to include essential info like the location of your wedding, the dates of any pre-wedding events, places they can stay, travel arrangements and, if you have one, the address of your wedding website.

Travel tips and information like whether children are welcome are nice to include, particularly within something like a wedding website. Think of the site as a companion for your save-the-date, allowing you to provide further in-depth information so your guests can plan as much as possible without having to reach out to you directly.

What if you don’t plan on making a wedding website?

Not to worry. If a wedding website isn’t your thing, just try to include as much detail in your save-the-dates as possible. You’re sure to repeat much of it in more detail when you send out your destination wedding invitations, usually between 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding, but you can imagine how much easier it would be for your guests to make their arrangements early on.

What if you’re sending an electronic save-the-date?

Planning to send your save-the-date by email or other electronic means? Then it makes a lot of sense to pair your digital save-the-date with a wedding website. This will allow you to add more detail and ensure your guests have everything they need in one always-accessible location.

Should you include RSVP info with destination wedding save-the-dates?

You can, but it’s not necessary or expected. Some couples opt to check in with guests individually to get a feel for whether people will attend; others might use an online RSVP tool. Then again, many couples wait until the invitations go out to really start tracking the list. We usually recommend the first two options, as you’ll get a quicker sense of whether or not to invite additional guests who might be on your B-list.

Is it normal to stagger the timing when sending save-the-dates for a destination wedding?
It sure is! Staggering the timing of save-the-dates means you can send out the A-list and B-list save-the-dates strategically. It’s quite common for couples to send save-the-dates to those they think are least likely to attend, and then to the other guests.

How much new info will you need for your destination wedding invitations?

Your save-the-dates should already include the bulk of your wedding information. So, when you write your wedding invitations, add in any specifics your guests will need to know about the location, guest itineraries, RSVP cards, and any additional festivities you plan on hosting. It’s also a great idea to include registry information here, too, if you plan to use a registry, wedding fund, or want to mention that guests’ presence is a present.

What’s different about destination wedding save-the-dates?

The main difference is you’ll likely include a lot more information in your destination wedding save-the-dates than you would for a local wedding. Travelling further afield for a wedding involves more logistical planning for guests, so making it as easy as possible for them is paramount.

You can do this by providing all the essential information mentioned above. Having it all in one place will make it much easier for guests to make arrangements.

Design hot tip? Match the design theme of your save-the-dates to something you love about your chosen destination. Getting married in Sorrento? Go with a citrus theme to play up the local limoncello obsession. Planning a Bali wedding? Incorporate the vibrant greens of the lush, tropical rainforests.

Hope your destination wedding save-the-dates are a breeze to plan

So now that you know a little more about save-the-dates, you can go away and plan for what is sure to be an amazing destination wedding. Sending out these little cards will not only let your guests know your wedding date, but they’ll set the stage for an unforgettable time in a stunning setting.

Whether it’s what to include or when to send them, your save-the-dates will guide your guests towards a fantastic time with you, the soon-to-be happy couple! So, here’s to planning an epic destination wedding surrounded by your friends and family.

Considering a destination wedding? Our destination wedding and travel team can help.

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