Planning any wedding is exciting, but there’s something truly special about a destination celebration. As a custom wedding invitation designer, I absolutely love working with couples planning a wedding somewhere meaningful, whether it’s a mountaintop in Colorado, a villa in Tuscany, or a beachside resort in Mexico. Your destination wedding invitations aren’t just paper, they’re a personal, intentional introduction to the experience your guests will be part of. They do more than communicate logistics—they set the tone, spark excitement, and reflect the spirit of the place you’ve chosen to gather.
New here? Welcome! I’m Allison, the designer behind Kindly Delivered. I specialize in custom wedding invitations and day-of stationery for couples who want an experience that feels deeply personal and beautifully executed. I’d love to help you bring your destination vision to life. You can browse my portfolio, learn more about working together here, or reach out directly to start your own invitation journey.
So, how do you design invitations that reflect the beauty and uniqueness of your location? I’m sharing my favorite tips (and design ideas!) to help you bring your destination to life through your wedding stationery. Let’s get started!
Reflecting the Locale’s Vibe in Your Stationery
Find Your Inspiration
The beauty of a destination wedding lies in its location and the experience of “getting away”. Start by immersing yourself in the elements that make your wedding locale unique. Is it the tranquil beaches of the Maldives, the rustic charm of a Tuscan villa, or the vibrant culture of Mexico? Let these elements be your muse. Use colors, textures, and motifs that echo the essence of the location. For example, soft ocean blues and sandy neutrals work beautifully for beach weddings, while marble and metallic tones bring an elegant, city-chic feel to urban settings.
Use Local Art and Symbols
Incorporating local art or symbols into your invitation design not only pays homage to your wedding’s backdrop but also adds a layer of depth and intrigue. For instance, if you’re getting married in Mexico, consider elements like Talavera tiles or vibrant folk art. A Hawaiian wedding might feature hibiscus blooms or tropical greenery. These subtle design elements not only makes your destination wedding invitations stand out but also gives your guests a taste of the cultural experience they can expect.
Choose the Right Materials
Selecting luxurious paper stock is key to elevating your stationery. For a rustic vineyard wedding, textured cotton or linen paper enhances that earthy vibe. Conversely, a glossy finish complements a sleek city celebration. Since paper feels can vary so much, working with a trusted wedding invitation designer ensures you get the exact look and weight that matches your wedding’s style and first impressions.
Not sure how many pieces to include in your invitation suite? I’ve broken it all down in a blog that covers every component (including information about destination wedding invitations). Read it here!
Important Information to Include in Your Destination Wedding Invitations
While your destination wedding invitations should reflect the beauty and style of your event, they also serve a practical purpose—helping your guests arrive informed and prepared. A destination celebration often involves a few extra logistics, so your invitations (and accompanying details) should guide your guests with clarity and ease.
Here’s what I recommend including:
- The Essentials: Always include the basics: who’s getting married, the date and time, and the full location (including the city, country, and venue name). These details may seem obvious, but in the context of a destination wedding, clarity is key.
- Travel Information: Offer helpful guidance like nearby airports, suggested travel dates, accommodation options, or group booking links. Whether it’s a charming boutique hotel or a luxury resort block, your guests will appreciate having this information on hand.
- A Simple Itinerary: If your celebration spans more than one day (like a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or farewell brunch), include a brief overview. This gives guests the opportunity to plan and participate fully. Not every detail has to go into the invitation itself, some couples choose to include a separate details card or link to their wedding website.
- Local Highlights: I love including a thoughtful note or mini-guide that shares local favorites. Whether that’s the best gelato spot near your Tuscan venue or must-see beaches in Tulum. These touches add personality and make your custom wedding invitations feel even more welcoming and immersive.
Planning a full wedding weekend? I’ve written a guide on what to include in your invitations to keep guests informed and excited for every event. Read it here: A Guide to Your Wedding Weekend Invitations.
Rethinking RSVP Deadlines
With destination wedding invitations, traditional RSVP timelines often need to shift. Since your guests will be booking travel and accommodations, it’s thoughtful (and helpful) to give them more notice. Sending save-the-dates well in advance is a great start, but I also recommend setting your RSVP deadline earlier than you would for a local event—typically about three to four months before your wedding day.
This gives your guests time to make arrangements and helps you finalize your headcount for everything from transportation to welcome gifts. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your overall planning experience.
Not sure about the best timing for sending out your wedding invitations and other stationery? I go into more detail here!
Infusing Your Locale in Your Destination Wedding Invitations
Your destination wedding invitations are the first step in a journey you and your guests will take together, culminating in a celebration of love in a place that holds special meaning for you. By thoughtfully designing your destination wedding invitations to reflect the essence of your locale, you are capturing the spirit of your chosen location and the love you share, inviting your guests to be part of something truly extraordinary.
Need a guiding hand? I’m here to join you on your destination wedding planning adventure, right from Ohio! Whether you’re a wedding planner crafting a dream destination wedding for your clients or you’re personally navigating the path to your own magical day, I stand ready to help you turn those dreams into reality.
Click here to connect with me, or learn more about working together. Let’s create something beautiful, together.
