Create Your Destination Wedding Guest List

Who are you planning on inviting to your destination wedding?  Take a moment to draft your wedding guest list.

Create a draft guest list

A destination wedding requires a few additional considerations as you create a guest list – unless you're eloping.  Because of the commitment (time and money related to travel) from guests, the guest list is likely to be much smaller than the guest list for a traditional hometown wedding.

As you add each name to your list, here are a few things to consider:

  • Is this someone you'll enjoy vacationing with?
  • Can this person afford the travel expenses associated with your destination wedding?
  • Is this person well enough to travel?
  • Is there a fear of flying?
  • Are there any special medical or dietary needs?
  • Children?  Will your guests need to bring them?

Speaking of children…

  • Do you want children at your destination wedding?
  • If so, what about childcare?
  • Are children even allowed at your selected resort or hotel?

send save-the-dates, asap!

When you've secured the date and location for your destination wedding, send a save-the-date to people on your guest list.  Include:

  • Your (the engaged couple) names
  • Dates of your wedding weekend (week dates)
  • The destination location – make it crystal-clear that this is a wedding away!

If your wedding invitations are ready, send them in place of save-the-dates

Share details in a destination wedding packet

In addition to the basics of a tradition wedding invitation, your destination wedding invitation must include essential travel information.  Either include these details in the envelope with the wedding invitation or send a packet of info separately.

This packet of information should include:

  • Information about the destination – country or city/state)
  • Hotel or accommodation information – including room block details
  • Flight information (if applicable)
  • A daily itinerary of events surrounding your wedding
  • Airport/ground transportation (referred to as ‘transfers)
  • A suggested packing list (optional)
  • Passport reminder (if applicable)

Create a wedding website

A wedding website is the online version of your printed destination wedding packet.  This is a great way to share and update all the details that you want your wedding guests to know.

A quick online search for “wedding website” generates endless options, from free to completely customized.  If you're certain that all of your guests have access to view your website, a printed package of info may not even be necessary.