7 Mistakes Couples Make with Destination Wedding Invites

Let me tell you about Taylor.

She was planning the destination wedding of her dreams. Think: elegant fonts, dreamy visuals, and an invite that basically whispered, “Pack your bags, we’re getting married in paradise.”

A few weeks after sending her invitations, the guest messages started rolling in.

“Where do we RSVP?”

“Which hotel are we booking again?”

“Is the welcome dinner Friday or Saturday? Or is that the pool party with the flamingo floats?”

Taylor felt overwhelmed. And a little embarrassed. She wanted her guests to be excited, not confused.

So, she reached out.

We built her a custom wedding website that tied in beautifully with her invites. It was simple to update, full of travel tips, RSVP links, itinerary details—even a gallery of her engagement photos. And just like that, everything clicked for her guests.

No reprints. No all-caps group texts. Just clarity and calm.

If you’re somewhere between “Should we send Save the Dates?” and “Did I forget to mention the welcome cocktail hour?”—deep breath. This guide is for you.

Let’s walk through some common destination wedding invitation mistakes (no shame), and how to totally avoid them.

Mistake #1: Sending Invitations Too Late

Destination weddings = logistics. Flights, hotels, passports, PTO… your people need time to plan.

The mistake: Sending your invites at the standard 3–4 month mark.

The fix:

For destination weddings, send your digital or printed invites 6–10 months in advance.

If you're using Save the Dates (which we highly recommend), aim for 10–12 months out.

Oh, and quick plug: if you want something unique and adorable that also sets the travel tone? Our passport and boarding pass-style invitations are a fan favorite. And yes—they’re customizable, printable, and very cute on the fridge.

Looking for more help on what to include when you send? Check out What to Include in a Destination Wedding Invitation for a checklist that keeps you on track.

Mistake #2: Trying to Fit Everything on the Invite

Your wedding might be a three-day beachfront extravaganza, but your invitation doesn’t need to read like a Lonely Planet guidebook.

The mistake: Overloading the invite with every detail from sunscreen reminders to breakfast buffets.

The fix:

Keep your main invite clean and intentional. Include the essentials (names, date, location, RSVP method), and guide guests to your wedding website for the rest.

Let your website handle:

• Travel info
• Hotel recs
• Itinerary
• Dress codes
• Packing tips (trust us—someone will forget flip flops)

Need ideas to help inspire the perfect design? Browse our 15+ Destination Wedding Invitation Ideas & Examples That Wow featuring our top-selling templates—including animated invites, digital designs, and stunning printable options.

Mistake #3: Being Vague About the Destination

“Join us in paradise!” is poetic... but not helpful. Where, exactly, is paradise? Are we talking Bora Bora or Miami Beach?

The mistake: Skipping the specific location.

The fix:

Spell it out: the city, the country, and the exact venue name if you have it.

Example:

“Join us for a wedding weekend in Tulum, Mexico. Ceremony at Dreams Resort & Spa.”

Clear = kind. And bonus—your guests won’t accidentally book flights to the wrong continent.

Mistake #4: Using Wording That’s Too Formal (or Too Confusing)

If “cordially invited” makes you cringe, you’re not alone.

The mistake: Using wording that sounds like it was lifted from a 1920s etiquette book.

The fix:

Go for warmth, clarity, and a little personality. Your guests will appreciate being talked to like real humans.

Instead of:

“You are cordially invited to the marriage of…”

Try:

“We’re getting married in Santorini, and we’d love to celebrate with you!”

Need help striking the right tone? Our full guide on Destination Wedding Invitation Wording walks you through wording for every part of your invite—fun, formal, and everything in between.

Mistake #5: Skipping Pre/Post-Wedding Event Details

With destination weddings, it’s rarely a one-and-done event. We’re talking welcome dinners, beach bonfires, farewell brunches... the works.

The mistake: Forgetting to tell guests what else is happening—or when.

The fix:

Don’t crowd the main invite with every single event, but do give your guests a heads-up. A simple “For full itinerary, visit our wedding website” works wonders.

On your website, include:

• Dates and times of each event
• RSVP info if needed
• Dress codes (because no one wants to wear heels to a beach bonfire)
• Directions or shuttles if events are spread out

And if you're building (or updating) a wedding website, don’t miss our must-read blog: Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Destination Wedding Website. Trust us—it’ll save you hours of troubleshooting later.

Mistake #6: Not Explaining How to RSVP

We’ve seen it too many times: a well-meaning invite says “RSVP by June 1st”… and that’s it. No link, no form, no instructions.

The mistake: Not telling guests how to RSVP.

The fix:

Make it easy. Include a link to your RSVP form, a scannable QR code, or a clear button in your digital invite.

Destination weddings need a longer lead time, so aim to collect RSVPs at least 3 months in advance.

💡Need help? Our wedding webpage comes with customizable RSVP forms that are user-friendly for both you and your great-aunt Karen.

Mistake #7: Choosing a Design That Doesn’t Match the Destination

Your invitation is the first taste of the magic you're planning—why settle for a generic look?

The mistake: Picking a design that doesn’t reflect your location or vibe.

The fix:

Choose a design that tells your destination story. Here’s what that might look like:

• Beachy & Relaxed → Palm motifs, soft sand tones, breezy fonts
• European Elegance → Watercolor florals, script type, muted palettes
• Urban Chic → Sleek lines, modern layout, bold accents
• Adventure Elopement → Nature-inspired textures, earthy colors, minimalist design

Need some visual inspiration? We’ve rounded up our most-loved styles in 15+ Destination Wedding Invitation Ideas & Examples That Wow—from digital animations to print-at-home templates.

And yes, our passport and boarding pass designs are always in high demand for couples who want something a little extra-special (and totally on theme).

Quick-Fix Mistakes to Avoid

A few last things that are easy to miss, but easy to fix:

• Not adjusting for time zones when listing your ceremony time
• Using U.S.-only terms (like “ZIP code”) for international guests
• Forgetting to test your RSVP form or QR code
• Skipping a mobile preview (your cousin is definitely opening this on her phone during spin class)

Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep This Fun, Yeah?

Destination weddings come with a lot of moving parts—but your invitations don’t have to be one of them.

With editable templates, dreamy designs, and a wedding website that handles the heavy lifting, you can create something that’s not only stunning but genuinely helpful.

Whether you’re flying off to a vineyard in Italy, a beach in Thailand, or a cozy mountain lodge, your invitations should feel like you.

And we’ll help you get there—with style, clarity, and a few laughs along the way.

💌 Ready to find your perfect match?

 Explore our collection of animated invites, editable digital templates, and printable designs (including passports & boarding passes!) made just for destination weddings.

FAQs About Destination Wedding Invitations

When should I send my invitations?

6–10 months out. Save the Dates? Even earlier—10–12 months is ideal.

Do I need to put all the travel info on the invite?

Nope! Keep the invite clean. Put the details on your wedding website.

Can I mix fun and formal?

Absolutely. Your invitation can be whatever you want it to be.

What if I need to change a detail later?

That’s why editable invites and websites are game-changers. Update anytime, stress-free.