Planning a destination wedding is a dreamy way to say "I do," but it also adds a few layers of logistics, especially when it comes to giving guests enough time to plan. That’s where save-the-dates become essential.
These little pre-invitations serve as both a heads-up and an early taste of the celebration to come. But what exactly should you include on a destination wedding save-the-date?
For a traditional wedding, a save-the-date typically covers just the basics, such as the date, venue, and website link. But when you're inviting guests to travel internationally or spend a few days away from home, there's more they’ll need to know upfront. Think passports, flights, and hotel bookings... And, that is precisely why your save-the-date becomes their first planning tool.
To help you plan your dream destination wedding in Portugal, we've put together a complete guide to ensure your guests are informed, prepared, and just as excited as you are from the very beginning.
Send your destination wedding invitations and save-the-dates soon enough
When it comes to a destination wedding, early communication is everything. Unlike local weddings, where save-the-dates typically go out 4 to 6 months ahead and invitations about 8 weeks before, you’ll want to give your guests more notice.
Therefore, aim to send destination wedding save-the-dates 6 to 8 months in advance, and invitations at least 12 weeks before the big day. This extra time allows guests to research flights, book accommodations, request time off, and even plan a vacation around your celebration.
Start with the basics
First things first: your full names, making sure it's clear who’s getting married. Then, the wedding date(s) is arguably one of the most important pieces of information.
You should include the exact date of your wedding, and if you’re planning a multi-day affair, let guests know the span of dates they’ll want to reserve.
Last but not least, ensure that you are also sharing the Portuguese city where you are planning your destination wedding. You don't need to disclose the specific wedding venue just yet, but this helps your guests begin budgeting, requesting time off, and researching travel requirements like passports or visas.
Travel planning tip or heads-up
Since destination weddings involve extra planning, it’s helpful to include a brief note that gently nudges guests to start getting ready. A simple line like:
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"More details and a formal invitation to follow"
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"Passport required: time to start planning!"
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"Hotel info and travel itinerary coming soon"
These small tips strike the perfect balance, giving guests a heads-up without overloading them with too much information too early.
Ask your guests what they would like to do
Not sure which extra activities to include in your wedding weekend? Let your guests weigh in!
Whether through a quick poll on your wedding website or a simple question included with your save-the-date, offering a few options, like a welcome dinner, group excursion, or farewell brunch. This can definitely help you gauge interest and plan experiences everyone will enjoy.
Get inspired with Unforgettable activities, forever memories for your Destination Wedding in Portugal!
Wedding website (If Available)
A wedding website is invaluable for destination weddings. If you have one ready, include the URL on your save-the-date. This gives guests a place to find accommodations, travel advice, schedules, and RSVP options.
Additionally, if you are short on space with your save-the-date, then keep it simple and direct your guests to your wedding website.
A well-crafted save-the-date is the opening chapter of your destination wedding story. Make it count, make it clear, and most importantly, make it you.
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