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.
