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Ultimate Wording for Destination Wedding Invitations
Dreaming of saying ‘I do’ on a sandy beach in Ibiza or in an Italian vineyard in Tuscany? There are few things that rival the romance and beauty of a destination wedding. And when it comes to writing the invites for your destination wedding there are a host of things to consider compared to a wedding in your hometown.
Your wedding invitation sets the tone for your bid day and provides crucial information to your wonderful guests. So, don’t stress, in this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know for crafting the perfect wording for destination wedding invitations.
Ultimate Wording for Destination Wedding Invitations
- Basics of destination wedding invitations
- Crafting the perfect wording
- Important Details to Include
- Additional Elements to Consider
- Design and Presentation
- Sample Destination Wedding Invites
Basics of Destination Wedding Invitations
Definition and Purpose
A destination wedding invite is not just an invite; it’s a sneak peak into the adventure and celebration that you’re planning. Your invite gives a taste of your theme, the vibe, what they should expect from your wedding day.
Also, it should be detailed yet concise. Because, let’s be honest most guests will skim read to find the key pieces of information, so it needs to be easy to find.
Key Differences from Traditional Invitations
Unlike traditional wedding invites, destination wedding invitations require more detailed information to assist your guests in travel planning. As, they won’t just be travelling to a venue they will be travelling to a different country, or sometimes a different continent.
So it’s vital to give them as much detail as possible, to make the travel process as easy as possible for them. There’s nothing worse than a destination wedding invite which gives no indication of where to stay, what to wear, how long they need to be there for etc.
Essentials to Include
So here is a list of what every destination wedding invitation must have: your names, the wedding date, time, location, travel information, accommodation details, planned activities and itineraries, and RSVP instructions.
Crafting the perfect wording
Tone and Style: Choose a tone that reflects the overall vibe of your wedding. Make sure the tone reflects you both as a couple. You want everything about this day to reflect you, what you love and how you love. For example, is it a formal black tie and cocktail dresses affair or a chilled barefoot beach wedding?
Examples of Wording:
Formal: “Emily Jackson and Jacob Smith request the pleasure of your company at their marriage on Sunday, the fourteenth of June two thousand and twenty four’
Casual: We’d love to invite you for a fun-filled weekend as we tie the knot on Sunday 14th June 2024”
Themed: “Pack your suitcase for a tropical getaway as we celebrate our love on the shores of the Bahamas”
Important Details to Include
Here are the most important details to include on your destination wedding invite. Remember the more information you can give your guests the better.
Wedding Date and Time
Clearly state the date and time of the ceremony. It’s also useful to include the time you would like guests to arrive before the ceremony e.g. Ceremony is at 2pm, please arrive by 1:30pm at the latest.
Location Details
Provide precise details of the destination, including the venue address. It’s also useful to include landmarks that are nearby, to give the guests an idea of where it is.
However, some couples like to keep the wedding venue a secret, in this case make sure you give the guests enough information in the travel and accommodation sections below.
Travel Information
Make sure to include travel advice, nearest airports, and transportation options. Also, let guests know if you will be arranging transport from certain areas or hotels for the wedding day. You could also provide links to helpful transport information.
Accommodation Information
Suggest hotels and lodging options, including group rates if available. Also, try and suggest a range of hotels in different price ranges to cater for different guest budgets.
If you would prefer all guests to stay in one hotel, put this on the invite, but be aware this may not be in the price range for all guests.
Dress Code
Specify any dress code suggestions relevant to the destination. If you’ve got a wedding website (which we highly recommend), then you could attach some inspiration photos to help your guests out.
Also if there are certain colours or styles you want your guests to wear or not to wear specify this here. Don’t assume that everyone will have the same idea of wedding guest dress code as you. So, be as detailed as possible here e.g. no shorts or only maxi dresses.
RSVP Details
Also provide instructions for RSVPing. Include deadlines and contact information. Also, I would make your RSVP date a few weeks before your venue actually needs the final numbers.
As you’d be surprised how many people forget to reply before the deadline.
Additional Events: Include information about other wedding-related events, like welcome parties or post-wedding brunches. This can be hard to fit all on one paper invite.
So, it’s always good to create a wedding website too, and provide the link to it on your invite. There are plenty of free, easy to use wedding website builders, but my favourite has to be With Joy.
Additional Elements to Consider
The elements below are not essential but these little touches can really add that extra sparkle to your wedding invite, and get guests really excited about your special day.
Welcome Message: Crafting a personalised welcome note can really make your guests feel appreciated. Something warm and loving always goes down a treat.
Cultural Notes: Also mention any cultural or regional customs guests should be aware of. E.g. If it’s a country where it’s traditional for people to cover their shoulders in public, make guests aware of this.
Or if there are any helpful phrases that will be useful when abroad, you could list them here.
Weather Considerations: Moreover, it’s great to provide advice on weather-appropriate outfits. Let people know what the average temperatures are (although this is not always as predictable as we’d like).
It’s also useful to include if the temperature is likely to drop in the evening e.g. “bring a light jacket or cardigan for the evenings”.
Local Attractions and Activities: Also provide recommendations for local sightseeing and activities. If you’ve asked your guests to all stay in one town or city, it’s great to provide some of the best local restaurants, bars, and cafes that they can go to.
If you’re not sure about this yourself, you can do some research.
Or if you’ve got a wedding planner they will be able to help you with this. It’s also great to provide some fun activity suggestions – particularly if there are kids invited.
Parent’s will be grateful for this! This is also something you could add onto your wedding website.
Design and Presentation of Destination Wedding Invites
The design and look of your destination wedding invites is probably the most exciting part for your guests when they receive it. Visuals are key!
So, here is some advice on the visual aspect of the invitations, including theme alignment and print quality.
1.Align with the Wedding Theme
Colour Scheme: Choose colours that remind you of the destination. For example, for a beach wedding, consider shades of blue, sandy beige, and white.
For a vineyard wedding, use earthy tones like greens and browns and oranges. You want your guests to get a taste of the destination they will be going to.
Imagery: Use images or drawings of the destination, such as palm trees for a tropical locale or fresh fruit and veg for a countryside vineyard wedding.
Typography: Select fonts that match the wedding’s style. Elegant script fonts work well for formal events, while casual, playful fonts are better for a relaxed beach wedding. Remember to always use a font that sums up your personality as a couple.
2. Opt for High-Quality Materials
- Paper Stock: Use thick, high-quality paper to give a high end feel. Consider options like linen or cotton paper for a more elegant touch.
- Print Quality: Ensure high-resolution printing. Engraving, letterpress, or foil stamping can add a sophisticated touch.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Choose recycled paper or plantable seed paper to show your commitment to sustainability.
3. Personalise the Design
Custom Illustrations: Hire an artist to create a custom illustration of your destination or venue.Or you can get ready made illustrations on Etsy, that you can just input into your invitation design if you’re good with Canva.
Monograms: Create a unique monogram mixing your initials and a symbol that reminds you of the destination. It’s a great idea to have a couple’s wedding logo.
This provides great branding for your wedding and can be used on lots of your stationery throughout the wedding. You can get some wedding logo inspiration here.
Photo Elements: You could also use a professional photo of you both e.g. if you had an engagement shoot. Or if you’ve got any photos of the destination you could include these.
Sample Destination Wedding Invitations
Here are some real invitations for various destination weddings from designers on Etsy that we love. If you’d like to personalise any templates you do see on Etsy, you could always message the shop owner to see if they do custom works.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some mistakes to avoid when creating your destination wedding invitations.
Clarity Issues: Ensure all information is clear and easy to understand. Also don’t use a font that’s too hard or too small to read.
Overloading with Information: It’s also important to balance essential details with the need to avoid overloading guests. We recommend putting the vital information on the invite, and then providing a link to your wedding website with further information for guests who are more interested.
You will find that some guests just want the basic information, and won’t even look at the wedding venue before the day. Whereas, some guests love to know every little detail and would love to have the wedding website.
Ignoring Guest Comfort: Also consider your guests needs and potential concerns when crafting your invitation. Guests may have questions about plus ones, or children or how to get to the venue.
It’s good to provide a link to your wedding website and create a FAQ page on there with the most frequently asked questions and responses. Or provide your email address for your guests to contact you with any wedding related questions.
Conclusion
To conclude, we’ve covered the essential elements of destination wedding invitations to make sure your invites wow your guests but also provide them with everything they need to know in order to attend your special day.
A really concise but informative wedding invite can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. So, remember to take your time to craft an invitation that truly reflects your special day. So good luck with your planning, and feel free to leave a comment with any questions you may have!
Additional Resources
Links to Related Blog Posts:
Wedding Planner vs Wedding Coordinator – Discover what you need
Your Ultimate Destination Wedding Packing list
Contact Information: To get in touch with us for personalised advice or services, please contact
Awin
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