Destination Wedding Save the Date

{Photo: Stephanie Fay Photography}

Sending a save the date (or STD if you come across this term in weddings) is a crucial part of planning a destination wedding.  Cost of travel goes up and calendars book up the closer to one’s date you get, so it’s important to let loved ones know way in advance of what’s to come for your big day plans.  Etiquette stipulates that save the dates should be sent six months to one year out from the wedding, but we suggest no matter how big or small your planning window is, to send them out as soon as you’ve secured your date, location, and travel options and accommodations for those attending.  Before you drop these cute little cards in the mail however, you’ll want to book any room blocks, secure any travel agent, packages, or other booking essentials that guests should know before they pay for their plans.  Oh, and we suggest you register too as gifts tend to roll in once the big announcement has been made!

Now the fun part – save the date cards can be as creative, playful, fun or formal as you’d like them to be!  They do not need to reflect the exact theme, color palette, or style of the wedding, rather they give you a chance to be free creatively.  But of course when planning a destination wedding, theming your cards to the location or to the destination nature of the event itself is a festive way to excite your guests for a weekend of fantastic travel and company.

Here are a few ideas we found to inspire the jet setter in all of your guests!

{Photos: Top Left: Pinterest, Top Right: Avie Designs, Second Row Letterpress: DMPJ by Glen Cooper Photo, Second Row Photo: Patricia Figueira Photo, Tan Center Airplane Themed: MagnetStreet Weddings, Purple Luggage Tags: Etsy, Map held by Woman: Martha Stewart Weddings, Bottom Left Umbrella: Invitations by Dawn, Bottom Right Folded: Martha Stewart Weddings}

For more illustrations and less pieces of the puzzle to mail, we love these looks for personalizing your place, your map, and of course, your save the date!

{Photos: Top Left: My Beautiful Adventures, Top Right: Wedding Invitations 100, Postcard: This Next, Bottom Map: Laura Hooper Calligraphy}