Destination Wedding Invitations

Planning Out Your Destination Wedding Invitations with the Experts at Bliss & Bone

You’re engaged and flying high on all the good feelings. But what if you were to literally fly high as you headed to your wedding celebration? Couples love the idea of a romantic destination wedding, where they can come together with their closest family and friends for the most epic wedding possible. From overseas adventures in Europe to a tropical paradise in the Caribbean, there are so many opportunities for you to give your guests (and yourself!) an unforgettable experience they will remember for years to come. 

If you are interested in hosting your own destination wedding, there are some logistical challenges and priorities to keep in mind along the way. In this guide, we will explore how and when to create your destination wedding invitations, the necessary wording to include, etiquette guidelines, inspiration and more. Read on for our expert advice on designing destination wedding invitations and everything else that goes with your faraway festivities.             

What Are Destination Wedding Invitations?

Destination wedding invitations are pieces of stationery sent out to guests who will need to travel for your big life event. “Destination weddings” could be on the other side of the country from most of your guests, but in most cases, they refer to weddings hosted overseas. The Caribbean, Europe and beyond are all popular spots to uniquely say “I do.” 

Your destination wedding invitations should detail the location and any other necessary information. These are sent out after your Save the Dates and offer more context to your family and friends about the upcoming events that should be on their radar. A key part of your stationery suite, destination wedding invitations really set the tone for your event and get guests excited and well-prepared to attend.

Ideas for Destination Wedding Invitation Wording

Your destination wedding invitation wording does not have to be too different from classic invitations. The major step couples need to take is to provide as much information as possible. Because your guests are likely planning a big trip for your celebration, you want to give them all of the details they will need for your wedding and any events hosted before or after the big day.

Before we go over the exact wording for destination wedding invitations, let’s cover the content that should be provided for your guests. These are the must-haves you need to include in your destination wedding invitation wording:

1. The host (or hosts) of the wedding. Who is inviting the guests to this destination wedding? Traditionally, the parents of the bride host the main event, so their names should kick off the destination wedding invitation wording.

2. The couple’s names. The guests of honor are among the most important details to include in the destination wedding invitation wording. You can informally use their first initials or first names, or you can go the etiquette-approved route (more on that later!) and feature their full names and titles.

3. The destination. Of course, we can’t talk about wording for wedding invitations without mentioning the destination itself. Make it clear where the event will be hosted, and include the name of the venue, the city and state or country where you are getting married. If there is a reception to follow, make sure to mention that as well. And if the reception will be hosted at another location, do not forget to specify that in your destination wedding invitations, too.

4. Timing. Provide the start time of the wedding ceremony in your destination wedding invitations. This will help your guests map out their routes, decide on travel times and more. Use the exact time and make sure you have double-checked with your venue and planner as well.

5. RSVP details. Whether you want guests to reply via a card sent through the mail or online using your RSVP wedding website, you need to clarify that in your destination wedding invitation wording.

These are the basics for destination wedding invitation wording, but there are also some fun, slightly more informal ideas for couples. Here are a few examples of wording for destination wedding invitations. 

Destination Wedding Invitation Wording Example #1:

“Adventure awaits”

You can get as creative as possible, and why not use an alliterative phrase that says it all? You will, of course, want to be more specific when you describe the location, but this is a sweet opener to introduce the idea to your guests.

Destination Wedding Invitation Wording Example #2:

“Run away with us”

Ideal for a microwedding with only your closest friends, this wording for destination wedding invitations makes everything clear. You and your partner are not exactly eloping, but you do want just a handful of loved ones to run off into the sunset with you. 

Destination Wedding Invitation Wording Example #3:

“Catch a flight for our big night”

Your guests need to start keeping an eye on flights, and this destination wedding invitation wording will immediately signal that. You also simply can’t go wrong with a romantic rhyme. 

Destination Wedding Invitation Wording Example #4: 

“Meet us in paradise”

If you are hosting your wedding in a tropical spot like Hawaii or the Caribbean, your destination wedding invitations can communicate that through text and imagery. We highly recommend pairing this phrase with a greenery-filled wedding invitation. 

Your wedding is a major moment, but hosting a destination-style celebration may be met with mixed emotions. Some guests might not feel financially prepared to travel, while others could have other concerns related to making such a big trip. As part of your destination wedding invitation wording, you should also include a note explaining your understanding if there are any questions or concerns. You want your loved ones to be there, but you also want them to be happy, healthy and at ease. 

If you plan to design printed destination wedding invitations, you should opt to include an insert card. In it, you should feature destination wedding invitation wording that details any events hosted before or after your ceremony and reception. Popular wedding events include a welcome party, rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch. And if you are more interested in digital destination wedding invitations, you should highlight these events on your wedding website. 

The Ins and Outs of Destination Wedding Etiquette

Most of your decisions about destination wedding invitation wording could be informed with your understanding of etiquette. While this is no doubt a massive expense for the hosts, a destination wedding also means a serious time and financial commitment from your guests. With this in mind, you should follow some destination wedding invitation etiquette rules. These are mainly a courtesy to your guests, and include:

1. Make sure the location is accessible. You do not want your guests taking planes, trains and automobiles to navigate to your wedding. If possible, choose a spot that has a direct flight from most major hubs. Complicating the travel process could affect the number of guests who ultimately attend your wedding.

2. Keep the guest list small. Since you are asking a lot from your guests, you should limit the number of loved ones you invite. This will also help the hosts with financial costs, and it will allow you and your partner to spend as much time as possible with your favorite people. With this, you should also give your guests the opportunity to bring a plus-one, if necessary. Many people will make a trip out of it, and giving them the freedom to bring a friend or partner is another excellent courtesy move.

3. Communicate as early as possible. Before you can even follow destination wedding invitation etiquette, you need to send out your Save the Dates. These should get to your guests about six months prior to your celebration, if not earlier. You should also ensure your date works with the people you really need to be there for your big day. 

4. Hire a local planner. More often than not, couples are not as familiar with the area where they are hosting their destination wedding. If that is the case for you, we highly recommend enlisting a local pro to keep everything organized. Not only will a local planner have experience in that specific spot, but they will also serve as a boots-on-the-ground helper before you get to your wedding destination. 

5. Suggest a few different hotels. You do not want to assume how much your guests can spend on accommodations. With that being said, you should recommend a few hotels in the area or even book room blocks at a variety of lodging locations. 

6. Provide a guide and/or transportation for your guests. Your guests are traveling a long way, and they are also likely unfamiliar with the area. You can follow destination wedding invitation etiquette by detailing that transportation or even a local guide will be there for your guests on an insert card or on your wedding website.

7. Host more than the main event. If you are having guests travel, you should arrange social events before or after the wedding. This can allow them to mix and mingle, and get more comfortable with each other in the leadup to the special day. Your wedding can also be overwhelming and it is often difficult to speak with every one of your guests. But with a welcome party, for example, you can have more freedom to greet your loved ones once they have arrived at your destination wedding. 

These are a few of the dos and don’ts for destination wedding invitation etiquette, but the wording of everything is important, too. As with locally hosted celebrations, destination wedding invitation etiquette is all about how things are worded in your stationery. 

Here are a few examples that follow destination wedding invitation etiquette:

Destination Wedding Invitation Etiquette Example #1:

Doctor and Mrs. Joseph Donald Evans

request the honor of your presence 

at the marriage of their daughter

Jessica Ann

to

Mr. Mark Alan Michaels

Saturday, the twentieth of May

[two thousand twenty-three]

at half after three o’clock 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

New York, New York

and afterward at the reception

Rainbow Room

30 Rockefeller Plaza

RSVP

This is the most formal destination wedding invitation etiquette. The “honor of your presence” is suggested if your wedding is at a venue that is a house of worship; otherwise, you can use the phrase, “pleasure of your company” for any other venue. If the bride’s parents are hosting the event and she shares their last name, you only need to include her first and middle name. You should also spell out the date, and make sure that the day of the week and month are capitalized. 

Destination Wedding Invitation Etiquette Example #2:

Adrian &

Bridgette

are madly 

in love

Mr. & Mrs. Karl Wayne

Request the honor of your

presence 

at the marriage of their daughter 

Adrian Lee

to

Bridgette Nicole

Saturday, November Twentieth

Two Thousand Twenty Three

At Four in the Afternoon

Sunday House

Delray Beach, FL

You do not have to follow formal destination wedding invitation etiquette to have a totally acceptable stationery set. Swap out “the honor of your presence” or “pleasure of your company” with a more on-brand, authentic phrase like this one. And even though this is considered more “informal,” you still need to make sure all of the necessary and important information is featured in your destination wedding invitations. This one combines formal must-haves with a unique and romantic phrase at the top for these best-of-both-worlds destination wedding invitations. 

Your Destination Wedding Invitations Timeline and When to Send Them Out

Destination wedding invitations—and destination weddings, in general—require a lot of planning and organization. There is a lot of prep that goes into all of it, which is why it is crucial to follow a clear destination wedding invitations timeline. In this section, we will walk you through all of the steps and decisions you need to make along the way and when to send out destination wedding invitations. 

1. Decide on your budgeting goals. Whether you have a limitless budget or are trying to find unique ways to save for your wedding, you and your partner need to have an honest conversation about how much you plan to spend on your upcoming celebration. This is the first big step in your destination wedding invitations timeline, because it can also inform the type of stationery you go for. If you want a traditional option, printed destination wedding invitations are a must. And if you want a more modern, cost-effective approach, online Save the Dates and destination wedding invitations are a great option.

2. Think about hiring a professional (and local) wedding planner. At the very beginning of your destination wedding invitations timeline, you should enlist a local expert who can plan everything with you. Hiring a trusted wedding planner will assist you in near-countless ways, and these pros can take a lot of the guesswork out of the process. If your budget allows, a wedding planner can also help you stay on track with your destination wedding invitations timeline and other to-dos.

3. Determine your guest list. For destination wedding invitations, you need to know exactly how many you will send—and with that, how many people will actually attend your big day. The rule of thumb is to expect that 70 to 85 percent of your invited guests will make it. However, hosting a destination wedding could change that number. According to a 2019 Bankrate study, only 43 percent of respondents said it was “acceptable” to host a destination wedding. Depending on how much time they are given to plan their travel, financial constraints and other scheduling conflicts, you may need to do some outreach before finalizing your invited guest list.

4. Tour destination wedding venues, if possible. After you and your partner have decided on the specific destination wedding location, you should tour the venues in person. While this might be more difficult and costly, it is worth it to see these spots in real life. Pictures could be deceiving, and getting a true feel of a space is incredibly important. This could also allow you and your partner to plan a fun trip, spend time with your local wedding planner and tackle anything else needed for your big day. If your favorite spot has your date, matches your budget and can accommodate your guest size, put down a deposit as soon as possible. Wedding venues are in high demand, so it is important to get your venue before making other decisions.

5. Choose your wedding theme. Your wedding style and vibe can be informed by your venue selection. If you are getting married at a luxury hotel in Hawaii, for instance, finding beach destination wedding invitations is the best option for your stationery. 

6. Design your custom wedding website. This is a super important step, especially for your destination wedding invitations timeline. It is recommended to use your custom website as an extension of your destination wedding invitations, with plenty of information about the area, what to do and other events coming up. Think of your wedding website as the ultimate information hub, and one that guests can visit whenever they have a question. You can use it to share photos, hotel block information, requested attire and RSVP details, among other offerings. 

7. Customize your Save the Dates. About six to eight months before the big day (or even earlier, if you want!), you should give your guests the basics about your celebration. Share the dates you want your guests to be there, as well as the city and state or country. Because this will be a multi-day trip for your guests, you will need to share exactly when they need to arrive and depart. This also gives you the opportunity to use a cute saying like, “Save the Dates!” or “Save the Week!” It is likely that you have communicated plans with your loved ones, but this is an official invitation that is mandatory for destination weddings, in particular. You can also link to your wedding website, which will allow guests to learn even more about your event. 

At this point in your destination wedding invitations timeline, you are ready for the main event: your destination wedding invitations. Explore popular destination wedding invitation ideas, find templates that match your website and Save the Dates, and then start the customization process. As for when to send out destination wedding invitations, those should go out about six to eight weeks prior to your walk down the aisle. You could send them out even earlier, especially if you have other events that week, but it is most important to provide details about RSVPing. While considering when to send out destination wedding invitations, remember that you will need to give them about a month to respond. This, in turn, gives you about two to three weeks to finalize your guest list and make seating arrangements. 

The Most Popular Destination Wedding Locations

Before your big day, you might be dreaming of your epic celebration. Do you picture yourself galavanting around the French Riviera like Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge? Is there a special spot in Mexico that is nostalgic for you and your partner? Or perhaps you love the idea of a snowed-in celebration on a mountaintop in Switzerland. However you imagine your one-of-a-kind day, there are no wrong answers here. And as we mentioned, it is courteous to your guests to pick a spot that is relatively easy to travel to (i.e. There is likely a non-stop flight from guests’ departure locations). 

These are a few of the most popular destination wedding locations for couples to consider:

Italy: If it was good enough for George and Amal Clooney, and quite a few other A-listers, it is no surprise that this is an amazing country for your nuptials. From Lake Como to Tuscany, Italy boasts quite a few celebrity hot spots for weddings. From waterside weddings to romantic “I dos” in vineyards across Italy’s wine country, this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime destinations. 

The Caribbean: For a dreamy tropical island escape, tell your guests to meet you here. Crystal clear waters and gorgeous beaches are among the main draws for couples. Plus, there are spots like the Bahamas that may be more cost-effective (relatively speaking) for those planning a destination wedding. Bonus: You can extend your stay for a swoon-worthy honeymoon in paradise. 

Hawaii: Looking for a destination wedding that is still located in the United States? The Hawaiian islands are gorgeous and do not require a passport for entry—a win-win! You can host your wedding on the beach, on a lawn at a local hotel or overlooking a volcano. 

Mexico: Just south of the continental United States, couples love the idea of planning a destination wedding in Mexico. With shorter flights and relatively more affordable prices than other destination locales, this is a beautiful country to tie the knot in. There is also a mix of coastal beachside escapes and historic city streets where couples love saying, “I do.”

As you consider your many options for destination wedding invitations, keep your desired location in mind. For example, Monstera leaf-covered destination wedding invitations would work well with a tropical spot like the Caribbean or Hawaii. Meanwhile, more classic or modern destination wedding invitations could be perfect for a European getaway. 

And while you are deciding on where to get married, think about your guests and how they operate. Will most of your guests have time to order or renew their passports, if they do not already have one? How likely are they to travel a far distance like Italy or the Caribbean for your celebration? These are just a few of the many questions you and your partner should ask yourselves as you weigh your options. 

Destination Wedding Invitation Ideas

Your mind is probably swirling with all of the different possibilities when it comes to your destination wedding invitations. From more vintage-inspired to beach destination wedding invitations, there are a plethora of options you and your partner should look through together.

We have narrowed down a few of the most popular options below, and many coordinate with a specific destination wedding invitation template couples love.

Destination wedding invitation ideas for European adventures: Planning a romantic vacation-turned-party in Europe? We always think of classic, vintage and oh-so-elegant weddings when anywhere in this continent is involved. Depending on where you are saying, “I do,” exactly, you can choose anything from a garden-forward destination wedding invitation template to one that reminds you of the country or venue you are in. For instance, the Austen template has soft blues and floral accents that remind us of the French countryside, while the figs on the Audrey destination wedding invitations give us a feel of the Mediterranean. 

Destination wedding invitation ideas for tropical locales: You can immediately transport your guests to island time with a few simple touches of greenery. Couples love the modern-minimalism aesthetic of the Brando destination wedding invitation template, which features Monstera leaves looming to the right of the card. Another option is the Raine destination wedding invitations, which combine a bold yellow text with a greenery-covered background.

Destination wedding invitation ideas for modern celebrations: There is a possibility that couples want to create destination wedding invitations, but do not necessarily know how to convey their specific locale in their stationery. Let’s say that you and your partner are tying the knot in New York City. You can pull a big-city feel from a modern-minimalist wedding invite template like the Harlow design. It is chic, sophisticated and will work well with your wedding destination. 

Destination wedding invitation ideas for beach fêtes: Beach destination wedding invitations can draw inspiration from the greenery, flowers or even the colors you would associate with sand and waves. The Farrah beach destination wedding invitations showcase warmer tones of cream and also have a cozy blanket you would typically see on the sand. It does not necessarily scream, “Beach day!” but is a beautiful, cohesive pair with a beach wedding.

From greenery-filled to Hawaiian-style beach destination wedding invitations, you are sure to find “the one” among the many templates available online. At Bliss & Bone, you can also customize them to suit your specific tastes and try out different features. There are three-dimensional objects, shadow overlays, borders and so much more that you can add, move or delete from a template. The end result? Destination wedding invitations you and your partner (and your invited guests!) will absolutely love. 

How Much Do Destination Wedding Invitations Cost?

As you decide on financial decisions, destination wedding invitations and their cost can play a major role. Stationery accounts for approximately 3 percent of your total wedding budget. That might not sound like a lot, but everything adds up during the wedding planning process. If you have space in your destination wedding invitations timeline and the budget for it, printed invites could serve as a wonderful keepsake for you, your partner and your loved ones. They are often more expensive, and those on the lower pricing end are still $700 to $1,200 for 100 cards (on average). That also does not include insert cards and stamps, which are all a must for destination wedding invitations. 

For an alternative that saves money, try exploring online destination wedding invitations. These are digital-only and sent through to your loved ones’ email addresses, and they typically cost about $1 each. It is a more modern but widely accepted medium, and it is a method that is good for the environment as well. If you and your partner are looking to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, online destination wedding invitations are your best option. 

To give you some insights on Bliss & Bone’s offerings, printed destination wedding invitations start at $257.50 for 25 A7 (5 x 7-inch) one-ply cards. Prices go up for premiums like letterpress and metallic foil, and you can see your rate increase or decrease through our online builder that shows price changes in real time. For digital destination wedding invitations, those will cost $1.20 each for one to nine recipients, or $0.90 each for 10 or more. 

Talk everything through with your partner, and anyone else who has offered to pay for your wedding. Your destination wedding invitations are a big part of the experience, and there are pros for either type of invite. It all depends on your budget and general preferences. And remember: Not every guest will receive an invitation. If a family is in one household for example, you only need to send one for all of them. Remembering this rule can also help you cut costs and better prepare for your event financially. 

How to Build Your Destination Wedding Invitations Online

When you have found the perfect destination wedding invitations, you can customize them to check every box you and your partner might have for your stationery. At Bliss & Bone, the online builder you use is comprehensive and easy to follow, but we are breaking down every step of the process. 

1. Review the options for destination wedding invitations. You can check out all of your choices and then make your selection when you have found “the one.” When you have made your selection among the many destination wedding invitations out there, click on it.

2. Customize your destination wedding invitations. By clicking on the “Customize” button, you will be directed to the online builder. There, you can make all of your edits to your super special destination wedding invitations.

3. Make adjustments to the text, objects, colors and more. In the builder, you can test out different fonts, font sizes and colors. Plus, you can even move, add or remove three-dimensional objects and shadows that are on the template. As you go, look to your right to see a preview of your destination wedding invitations. 

4. Put all of your details into the email and Event Page. Your guests will receive your online destination wedding invitations via email, so you also need to edit the page that will display on guests’ screens when they open up their inboxes. And in the Event Page section, you can add unique features like an interactive map, comment wall and more.

5. Input your guests’ information. In the Recipients section, you will need to write down all of your guests’ names and email addresses. Similar to formal destination wedding invitations, you can send one invite per household via email. Just make sure you have the best email to reach every person you want to invite to your wedding.

6. Submit your payment information and send them off. Once you have paid for your destination wedding invitations, they will go into your guests’ inboxes shortly. And now, all you and your partner need to do is sit back and wait for the RSVPs to start coming in. You will see them appear on your Bliss & Bone account.

These are the main steps involved in building your destination wedding invitations at Bliss & Bone. You will always receive a warning message if you missed a step, so do not worry about missing anything. And after you send out your destination wedding invitations, continuously look back at your RSVP count. Guests should send back their responses two to three weeks before the big day.

Matching Your Destination Wedding Invitations with the Rest of Your Stationery Suite

Your destination wedding invitations are just one piece of your stationery suite. There are so many pieces to this puzzle, and it is important that you prepare all of them to keep your guests informed and prepared for all that is coming up. Plus, you can shop by collection at Bliss & Bone and explore the curated sets of stationery suites made just for wedding couples.

In addition to your destination wedding invitations, you should also complete the following:

• A wedding website: This is your online extension of anything you might miss in the Save the Dates and invitations. Here, guests can view your registry, learn about recommendations for activities in the area, RSVP and more.

• Save the Dates: Printed or digital, these are the items that go out in the months before your destination wedding invitations. 

• Rehearsal dinner invitations: While you do not need your rehearsal dinner invitations to match the rest of your stationery suite, it would provide a beautiful cohesion among every aspect of your wedding invitation set.

• Wedding menus: Your wedding menus will go on the table at your reception, and they can offer a seamless connection to your website, Save the Dates, destination wedding invitations and much more. If you are making digital Save the Dates and invitations, these might be the only printed products you order.

• Wedding logos or monograms: If you are interested in yet another way to create a cohesive set, you can order your own custom logo or monogram. When you purchase one, a dedicated designer will get to work on the project and send over a proof within two business days. You can then use it on other Bliss & Bone projects, including your destination wedding invitations, as well as outside of B&B. In the past, couples have used their custom logo to create light-up reception signs, cocktail napkins and more.

Combined, these all comprise your stationery set. From paper products to digital designs, there curated collections that were made for destination weddings. Some wedding websites show scenes at the beach, while others display a more modern, bold vibe. As you make decisions for your destination wedding invitations, think about the big picture and your stationery as a whole.

Getting Started on Your Destination Wedding Invitations

Your adventure to your wedding—and life together, in general—has already begun. And with your destination wedding invitations, you will be even closer to one of the most memorable and romantic days of your life. Now that you are well-versed in all things related to destination wedding invitations, you can get started on your own. If you run into any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us online or send us an email at hello@blissandbone.com. We are eager to help you design your very own destination wedding invitations.