Save The Date handwritten on sand, beach

Save the Date Ideas for Destination Weddings

by Kimberly Jacoby

Save the Dates are an essential part of planning a destination wedding. They act as a pre-invitation, giving your guests a heads-up about your big day and allowing them plenty of time to prepare. Whether you're planning a tropical getaway, a European adventure, or a domestic destination wedding, Save the Dates help set the tone and ensure your loved ones can join you for the celebration.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Save the Dates for destination weddings, from timelines and etiquette to creative ideas and tips.

What is a Save the Date?

A Save the Date is a simple announcement that informs your guests about your upcoming wedding. Think of it as a friendly reminder that says, “Mark your calendar, we’re getting married!” For destination weddings, Save the Dates are especially important because they give your guests the time they need to plan, budget, and make travel arrangements.

Why are Save the Dates Important?

They provide early notice, especially for destination weddings that require travel and accommodations.
They help guests plan their schedules and finances.
They set the tone for your wedding, giving a sneak peek of your style and theme.

When Should I send my Save the Date

The timing of your Save the Dates depends on the type of wedding you’re planning. Here’s a breakdown:

1. International Destination Weddings

For weddings abroad, where guests may need to book flights, accommodations, and even passports, it’s best to send Save the Dates 12-16 months in advance. This gives your guests plenty of time to:

Save money for travel expenses.
Arrange time off work or school.
Book flights and accommodations early to secure the best rates.

Pro Tip: If your wedding website is ready, send your Save the Dates as soon as it’s live. This way, guests can access all the details they need to start planning.

2. Domestic Destination Weddings

For weddings within your home country but in a different city or state, send Save the Dates 6 to 8 months in advance. While the planning may not be as complex as an international wedding, guests will still need time to arrange travel and accommodations.

3. Traditional Weddings

For weddings in your local area, Save the Dates can be sent 4 to 6 months in advance. While they’re not always necessary for local weddings, they’re a nice touch if you have out-of-town guests or a busy wedding season.

Do You Really Need a Save the Date?

While Save the Dates are not mandatory, they’re highly recommended for destination weddings. Here’s why:

They give your guests ample time to prepare.
They help ensure a higher attendance rate.
They reduce last-minute questions and confusion.

Alternatives to Save the Dates:

Electronic Save the Dates: A budget-friendly option that’s easy to send via email. You can customize them with photos, designs, and links to your wedding website.
Early Formal Invitations: If you’re looking to save time and money, you can skip the Save the Date and send your formal invitations early instead.

If I send out a Save the date a year out, when do I send out my formal invitation?

For paper invitations sent after you send your Save the Dates, 6 months prior is a great time to send them.

Make Sure to Tie your Save the Date to a Wedding Website

This is important! The best Save the Dates are super simple, with a link to your wedding website at the bottom for guest to go for more information. Your wedding website will be the entire kitchen sink full of details that you want to share with your guests. No need to complicate your Save the Date invitation. Let it be simple and reflect your style!

Types of Save the Dates:

The internet is awash these days by a ton of the Save the Date Ideas. Here are just a few categories:

Magnetic - Perfect for hanging on the fridge so guests know where it is at all times.
Postcard or Card- Paper is of course the most popular
Trinket – Anything from a keychain, engraved acrylic, to an ornament
Electronic – Great to send by email when you want to save money. You can even customize this with fun pictures and more.

Want some unusual and unique save the date ideas?

Visit https://www.onefabday.com/wedding-save-the-date-ideas/

Basic Information to Place on Your Save the Dates

Your Names
Wedding Date
Wedding Place and Location
Wedding Website for Further Details

Places to purchase Destination Wedding Save the Dates:

Some popular places that we love where you can create your own invitation or save the date or use one of their many templates

Electronic Save the Dates:

Need some help with electronic save the dates? I've got you covered. We can create a simple one with your wedding information that you can send out to your guests. You only need to let us know.

Save the Date Etiquette and Tips – Do it Right

Plan on sending your save the dates a year out if possible
If you send someone a save the date, you should send them an invite, even if they already state they can't attend.
Don’t make the mistake of ordering 100 Save the Dates if you have 100 guests. This only works if your 100 invited are all single. Unless you want multiples going to the same address; take the time to figure out how many to order.
Only send Save the Dates to those you actually want to attend
Don’t complicate them. Keep it simple.
Whatever you do, do not include registry information on your Save the Dates or Wedding Invitations. Registry information is perfect to include on your wedding website though.
Have fun with them! They should reflect your style.