When to Send Destination Wedding Invitations and What to Include?
Send destination wedding invitations about 4–6 months before the wedding, and include travel details, accommodation info, a weekend schedule, and a link to your wedding website so guests can plan with ease.
Because guests are traveling, they need extra time to budget, request time off work, secure flights, and make hotel reservations. The earlier notice helps them plan and ensures you get accurate RSVPs.
Destination weddings are romantic, memorable, and truly one-of-a-kind—but they also require extra planning for both you and your guests. With travel logistics, passport requirements, hotel blocks, and welcome events in the mix, your invitations play a critical role in setting expectations and helping everyone prepare with ease.
This guide breaks down exactly when to send your destination wedding invitations and what to include so your guests feel informed and prepared.
Why Proper Timing Matters for Destination Weddings
Destination weddings involve more moving parts than local celebrations, which means your guests need extra time to prepare. Many will need to renew passports, coordinate childcare, compare flight prices, request vacation leave, and budget for multiple days away from home.
By giving plenty of notice through save-the-dates and formal invitations, you increase the likelihood that your closest family and friends can attend — and you make the entire planning process smoother for everyone involved.
When to Send Destination Wedding Invitations
1. Save-the-Dates: Send 8–12 Months Before the Wedding
This is your guests’ first heads-up. For international weddings, lean closer to the 10–12 month mark.
Your save-the-dates should include:
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Location (city + country or region)
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Wedding date
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Wedding website link (if ready)
2. Formal Invitations: Send 4–6 Months Before the Wedding
For destination weddings, formal invitations should be sent 4–6 months before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to arrange travel, book accommodation, and confirm their plans.
Your guests need time to:
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Book travel
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Secure accommodations
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Request time off work
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Renew passports
Sending invitations 4–6 months in advance ensures they can plan appropriately.
3. RSVP Deadline: Set 8–10 Weeks Before the Wedding
A good rule of thumb is to set your RSVP deadline 8–10 weeks before the wedding, but always check with your venue first. Many venues require final guest numbers by a specific date, and that deadline will determine when your RSVPs need to come in.
This gives you time to finalize:
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Room blocks
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Transportation logistics
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Welcome bags
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Seating arrangements & catering counts
What to Include in Destination Wedding Invitations
Your guests need more than just the basics—they need travel-ready information that sets them up for a smooth experience.
Before we dive into the details, remember that you don’t need to squeeze every piece of information onto a single card. Your printed invitation suite can highlight the essential details, while your wedding website can comfortably host travel tips, schedules, FAQs, and anything too lengthy for print. This keeps your invitations elegant, uncluttered, and easy for guests to follow.
✔ Essential Details to Include
Include these must-haves directly in the invitation suite or on your wedding website:
1. Travel Information
Help guests navigate the location by sharing:
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Nearest airport(s)
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Approximate travel time to the venue
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Transportation options (shuttles, taxis, rental cars)
If you're offering transportation from the airport or between venues, make that clear.
2. Accommodation Details
Since lodging plays a big role in destination weddings, include:
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Recommended hotels or resorts
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Room block codes
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Booking deadlines
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Any all-inclusive or resort-specific guidelines
3. Wedding Weekend Timeline
Most destination weddings span multiple days. Include:
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Welcome dinner details
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Rehearsal events
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Day-after brunch
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Optional excursions
Guests will appreciate knowing what’s planned so they can schedule their free time.
4. Passport & Travel Requirements
If your destination requires:
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Passport expiration minimums
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Visas
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Vaccinations
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Local customs to be aware of
This info can live on your website but should be referenced in the invitation suite.
5. Dress Codes Guidance
Because destinations vary—beach, mountain, vineyard, or desert—dress code clarity is key.
Examples:
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“Beach formal—light fabrics encouraged.”
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“Garden cocktail attire—comfortable shoes recommended.”
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“Desert evening—nights are cooler, bring a light layer.”
6. Weather & Packing Notes (Optional but Helpful)
Especially useful if the location is:
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Warm and humid
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Known for sudden rain
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At a high altitude
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Windy by the shore
A simple note such as “Evenings may be cool—pack a light jacket” is often appreciated.
7. Website Link
Your wedding website becomes essential for a destination wedding. Make sure your invitation or details card includes:
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A clear URL
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A reminder that all travel info, schedules, and FAQs are posted online
How Destination Wedding Invitations Differ From Local Invitations
Destination weddings shift the entire invitation workflow. Key differences include:
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Sending invitations months earlier
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Providing more detailed printed inserts or a robust wedding website
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Offering clear logistical guidance
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Coordinating multiple events across several days
Because of these additional layers, many couples choose custom wedding invitations that align with their destination aesthetic and have room for extra details.
Common Destination Wedding Invitation Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, couples sometimes overlook key details when planning a destination wedding. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Sending invitations too late
Flights and accommodation become more expensive as the date approaches. Early notice gives guests time to secure affordable options.
Forgetting hotel block details or booking deadlines
Guests rely on this information, especially in popular or remote destinations where lodging is limited.
Leaving out the wedding website link
Your website is essential for sharing additional travel notes, schedules, and updates. Make sure guests can find it easily.
Not mentioning dress code guidance
Climate varies widely across destinations. Let guests know what clothing is appropriate for the setting and weather.
Setting an RSVP date that doesn’t align with venue requirements
Your venue will give you a hard deadline for final numbers — and this should determine your RSVP date.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll help your guests feel confident, informed, and excited about their upcoming trip.
Choosing the Right Wedding Invitations
Your invitation sets the tone for your entire celebration—and for a destination wedding, it’s also a crucial planning tool.
Look for invitation designs that:
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Match your destination’s vibe (tropical, romantic, rustic, coastal, etc.)
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Have space for additional inserts
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Offer matching save-the-dates, menus, programs, and signage
If you're ready to explore options, browse our curated collection of wedding invitations designed to make a stunning first impression while keeping your guests informed.
A romantic red-blossom wedding invitation suite perfect for destination weddings, blending modern minimalism with vibrant floral detail.
Explore the full Cherry Blossom Wedding Invitation here.
A destination wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—and your invitations are the first chapter of that story. With the right timing and thoughtful details, your guests will feel excited, prepared, and ready to celebrate with you.
Shop our full collection of customizable wedding invitations to match your destination style—beach, travel-inspired, elegant, tropical, and more.
Browse the Wedding Invitation Collection
Additional guides to help with your invitation suite
What to Write on a Details Card for Invitations
What Size Should Your Wedding Invitation Be?
When Should Wedding Invitations Be Sent?
What Should I Include on a Wedding Invitation?
Should You Include Registry Information on the Invitation?
When to Send Save the Dates and How They Differ from Invitations
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