How to Write the Best Wording for Destination Wedding Invitations

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Destination wedding invitation wording is quite a chore for couples during the wedding planning process.

While not all that different from your typical wedding invitation, destination wedding invitations have very little room for error and require clear communication of wedding details.

As someone who’s helped brides plan destination weddings, I’ve learned what information needs to be on that invitation – and how to still get all the extra information left off the invitation to your guests.

In this post, we’ll break down the most critical wedding invitation details and teach you how to write clear, concise destination wedding invitation wording.

TEXT READS "how to write the best wording for destination wedding invitations (everything brides said they wish they knew when writing their invitations)

Destination Wedding Invitation Wording Components

Wedding invitations all generally have the same information.

Destination wedding invitation wording isn’t any different than a typical wedding invitation. Still, there are a few guidelines to ensure your invitation is courteous of guest’s time and easily allows people to decline.

All wedding invitations should include:

Names
Locations and Times (include all events guests will attend, not just the ceremony and reception)
RSVP Instructions and Deadline (CLEAR call to action)
Wedding Website
Transportation Details (if hosted by the couple, like shuttles)
Critical Policies (no kids, no gifts, etc.)

Logistical Details

There are a lot of details guests will need to know for attending your wedding. This is especially true for destination weddings.

However, the best place to put this information is not the wedding invitation. Yes, you need to include the critical information that we listed above. Besides this information, the other details you’ll share with guests likely aren’t critical.

Keep your invitations short and simple. They hold must-know information and look pretty on the fridge, but all other details can be put on the wedding website. If there are details you think are absolutely necessary to have printed, include a “details” or “insert” card.

Common insert cards include itineraries, venue maps, accommodation instructions, or transportation details. These cards are smaller than your invitations but mailed with them in the same envelope.

Start a list of extra information your guests may appreciate, and work them into your wedding website. These details could include wedding logistics, fun things to do in the area, accommodation suggestions, gift registries, or fun facts about the couple.

Include Your Gift Preferences

Destination weddings have unusual gift preferences to accommodate travel. Typically, couples request gifts be sent to their house in advance. Or, they’ll bypass gifts as a whole.

Since giving gifts is assumed at all weddings, your gift policy can be considered critical information you put on the invitation. At the very least, make a note about your registry being on your wedding website or state any other logistical gift requests.

Wording examples to communicate your gift preferences:

“Please visit our wedding website for a gift registry and additional details.”
“Your presence is truly enough. No gifts, please.”
“Many of you will travel great distances to be with us at our ceremony. Your presence at our wedding is enough. No gifts, please.”
“In lieu of a gift, we would appreciate a contribution to our [honeymoon/house/etc] fund.”
“In lieu of a gift, please make a charitable contribution to [charity of the couple’s choosing].”

Destination Wedding Invitation Timeline

Respecting your guest’s time is an important factor for a destination wedding.

First, send out your save the dates as soon as possible – we’re talking nine to twelve months in advance. Your guests need to make work, childcare, and travel accommodations, which take much more time than a typical wedding they’re attending.

Then, follow up your save the dates with your formal invitations about three to four months from your wedding date. Though seemingly excessive, your guests will appreciate the timeliness, and you won’t have to worry about chasing down tons of RSVP answers.

Destination Wedding Invitation Wording Tips and Tricks

Wedding forums are packed full of fellow couples who are hosting destination weddings. With this comes a plethora of tips and tricks. Here are the most noteworthy –

Determine if you need guests to stay in a specific location, such as the resort hosting your ceremony and reception. Suggested accommodations are taken as that – a suggestion. If you need guests to stay in the location where the wedding will be, make that very clear. This communication should include detailed reservation instructions and a person to contact with questions.

Wording to communicate lodging requirements:

“For your convenience, we’ve reserved [rooms/condos/suites] at [VENUE], where our ceremony and reception will be held. We are requesting that all guests stay at this location. Please visit our wedding website for booking details.”

Kid-free weddings are becoming more and more popular. An adults-only destination wedding is well-received by guests. If you’re heading in this direction, make your request very clear. Additionally, ask your family and wedding party members to help spread the word.

Phrases to communicate a no-kid policy:

“Please note that our ceremony and reception are held at [VENUE], an adults-only resort.”
“Due to capacity limitations, we are hosting an adults-only ceremony and reception.”
“Adults-only reception to follow”
“We love your kids – but everyone enjoys a night out! We look forward to celebrating with you at an adults-only reception.”

Be generous with your plus-one policy. Asking people to travel alone is a big ask – and best avoided. You should offer a plus-one if the invitation isn’t addressed to two people.

Finally, a lot of cheesy phrases are suggested for destination wedding invitation wording. In all honestly, it’s best to skip these. The punny sayings seem to get more eye rolls than smiles. Casual phrasing falls victim to this the most – you can easily keep up a destination wedding theme that uses casual phrasing without it being overly cheesy.

Invitation Wording for a Hometown Reception

Many couples understand that expecting all their loved ones to travel to a destination wedding is excessive.

To make sure they can celebrate with everyone, they have a hometown reception.

Couples approach these invitations in two different ways. Some couples invite everyone to both the destination wedding and the hometown reception. Then, guests clarify what they are attending on their RSVP. This method works particularly well for small guest lists where everyone attending the destination wedding would be welcome.

For couples with larger guest lists, the list is divided into 1) who they are inviting to their destination wedding and the hometown reception and 2) who is invited to just the hometown reception. While this option requires more logistical work, it is the common route couples take.

Wording for hometown receptions

“[NAMES] were joined in marriage on [DATE] in [CITY, COUNTRY]. Please join us to celebrate on…..”
“Come celebrate with us at either or both festivities! [LIST DETAILS FOR DESTINATION WEDDING AND HOMETOWN RECEPTION]”

Clear and Concise Destination Wedding Invitation Wording

While not very different from typical wedding invitations, destination wedding invitation wording has some critical characteristics.

First, solidify basic invitation details – venues, locations, times, RSVP instructions and deadline, the wedding website, and big policies.

Then, think through destination-specific information that you need guests to know. Determine what would be better on the website and what needs to be put on the printed invitation.

Once you have all the details in place, print and mail your invitations. Remember, the timeline is critical for destination wedding invitations – save the dates are sent nine to twelve months in advance, followed by formal invitations three to four months before the wedding date.

FAQ

Announce your destination wedding with a Save the Date 9-12 months in advance for attendees or a marriage announcement for anyone not on the guest list.

Send your destination wedding save the dates nine to twelve months in advance to allow guests plenty of time to secure accommodations. Then, follow up with a formal invitation three to four months before the wedding date.

Send out save the dates for destination weddings nine to twelve months in advance. Send invitations to those who received save the dates three to four months before the wedding date.

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How to Write the Best Wording for Destination Wedding Invitations