Are couples even still sending out save the dates? If so, are they also sending destination wedding invitations too? Are they both necessary?

When you’re planning a destination wedding, elements like picking the venue, dress and bridal party are often top priorities on the to-do list. But unless you’ve nailed the destination wedding invites, how will anyone know when and where to show up for the big day?

It might seem like a simple planning process, but anyone who’s hosted a destination wedding can tell you that it takes more than your iPhone’s Contacts list and a dream to get invitations out to your guests. From settling on a final headcount to heading to the post office, a lot of tiny details go into making the perfect destination wedding invite. And while you’re at it, it’s good to know that printing other stationery – like itineraries and programs – can lay out much-needed details, like addresses and timing – minimizing the amount of time you and your significant other have to answer hundreds of questions from your guests.

Luckily, we’ve got an expert on hand who can answer all your invite and stationery-related questions. The TravelBash team sat down with Amy Savinon of PaperTales Custom for her take on destination wedding trends and day-of prep.

First of all: would you please introduce yourself and tell us a little about what PaperTales Custom does?

My name is Amy Savinon from PaperTales Custom, a wedding stationery and design studio dedicated to creating high-quality designs that are as unique to the client as the event they are celebrating. 

What new trends are you seeing with couples planning a destination wedding – specifically around sending “save the dates” or other stationery pieces?

I’m seeing a lot of mixed media: mixing paper with wood or acrylic and creating a more cohesive feel throughout the entire theme of the wedding. I think couples are experimenting a bit more with their theme to create unique and personalized pieces, straying away from the classic/traditional trends. 

Are couples even still sending out save the dates? If so, are they also sending destination invitations too? Are both necessary?

I’d say yes, absolutely: my couples are sending out both save the dates as well as formal invitations, especially “maximalist” brides who really want to create an experience for their guests and are personalizing every detail of their destination wedding. 

Of course, there are always the minimalist couples who can easily direct their guests to their destination wedding website for information. That is a perfect budget-friendly option in which couples are still providing all of the right information.

What should couples make sure to include in their destination wedding save the dates?

Couples should always include their destination wedding website! Guests will start having questions the second they receive the save the date. Directing guests to the website can help eliminate repetitive questions and also provide clear direction for a point of contact (like a travel agent, someone on the resort website, etc.).

So we love the cute passports and boarding passes, but what other unique options can couples send guests?

For destination weddings, the passport-style invites are definitely the most popular option. For couples who don’t necessarily want to go with a travel theme such as boarding passes, luggage tags, passports, etc, I offer full-service printing for really any budget. Whether they desire die cut, letterpress, foil printing, cotton paper, or vellum – I can do it all. I also have a variety of embellishment options, such as wax seals and hand-dyed silk ties.

Any etiquette concerning this piece of stationery? Any tips you could share?

Everything is completely customizable, so we can go as formal or non-traditional as the couple desires.   

Sustainability is becoming one of the items couples are thinking about when planning their destination wedding. How does PaperTales Custom take this into consideration when creating new products and giving recommendations to clients?

For couples who are considering incorporating sustainability, the easiest option is to opt for a digital invite. Now, I will say, it is not as popular to do digital because you lose that emotional tie of receiving that piece of mail. However, it’s always a good alternative!

What are some of the most popular save-the-date options you produce, what has been one of your favorite pieces and why?

For destination weddings, my most popular are the “Boarding Pass Save the Dates.” My personal favorite option is when I work with the bride from the start of her destination wedding down to the final pieces, with some “day-of stationery.” Often, brides will come to me for custom invitations where they have already sent out their save-the-dates. But being able to create a cohesive theme and vision right from the start is my passion. Seeing the theme shine through right from the save-the-date is what gets me excited!

What other pieces of stationery would you recommend for couples planning a destination wedding? What should they think about including?

Some of the most popular pieces are table signs, wedding week schedules, ceremony program fans (perfect for a destination wedding), and welcome letters to include in their welcome tote bags. 

How does adding different stationery pieces enhance their guests' overall experience? What are some of the simplest pieces couples can add?

Allowing the couple's personalities to shine through their stationery is key. No two couples are the same. Personalizing table signs with their story and interests is an easy way to enhance their guests' experience. Knowing that it isn’t just another cookie-cutter piece, but incorporating some personality makes every piece much more memorable. 

Anything else you want to add or think everyone should know?

If you don’t see anything you absolutely fall in love with in the shop or through my Instagram, contact me directly so we can set up a consultation to go over the details of your vision.

Ready to learn more about planning your perfect destination wedding? For more expertise and top tips, hit the “inquire” button below to get in touch with Team TravelBash!

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.