Get Inspired by This Real Bride's Destination Save-the-Date—and Shop Now for Yours

There’s something especially romantic about flying away to a beautiful location to exchange your vows. Whether you’re tying the knot in a tropical island paradise, a regal European venue, or a woodsy locale, destination weddings offer ample opportunities to get creative in the planning process—starting with the save-the-dates. 

The save-the-date is the first impression for your guests, and it’s a chance to give them a hint of what your wedding will be like. Consider using a photo of the location where you’ll say “I do” or mix in patterns like palm leaves and airplanes. No matter your style, the options for fun and inventive destination wedding stationery abound. 

One bride, Lizzie Stapleton, created a postcard-themed save-the-date for her summer wedding in Catalina Island, California. To help inspire your travel-ready save-the-dates, we asked her to share the concept behind her postcard idea. Plus, we researched and selected the best shoppable destination wedding save-the-dates of the season.

The Inspiration

Stapleton’s save-the-date is a beautiful postcard of Catalina Island, where she and her fiancé will celebrate their wedding. “My whole life, my family has gone to Catalina Island in the summer,” she says. “My sisters and I loved going to the souvenir shops and getting postcards to send to our grandma and grandpa. Naturally, the idea of a postcard save-the-date came to mind once we decided to get married on the island.”

To make her wedding announcement even more special, Stapleton got her loved ones involved in the process. “We bought a vintage Catalina Island postcard off of eBay and had graphic designer friend digitally enhance the image and add the save-the-date info on the back,” she says. “We decided it would be a fun personal touch if they were hand written, too.”

Destination Save-the-Dates

If you prefer not to go the DIY route, there are still tons of ways to get creative with your save-the-date cards. Retailers like Minted, Etsy, and Zazzle offer customization options that’ll make your stationery uniquely yours. To help you find the best option for you, we’ve researched and narrowed down a few of our favorite picks for various styles and locations.

A Faraway Destination Save the Dates

Featuring a full world map, a passport-like travel stamp, and an airplane graphic, this fully customizable option from Minted couldn’t be more on-brand for a destination wedding. We especially love the tiny heart that marks the spot of your wedding location for a sweet and sentimental touch. 

Buy it: $171 for 100, Minted.com

Your Wedding Project Tropical Save the Date Magnet

These adorable save-the-dates will get your guests excited for the adventures and celebrations to come. Not only does it feature a tropical-themed card that’s perfect for beach ceremonies, but it also comes with a personalized suitcase-shaped magnet—a special addition to your guests’ fridge collection.

Buy it: $149 for 100, Etsy.com

Unmeasured Event Florida Keys Save the Date Template

Keep it subtle, yet sweet with this downloadable save-the-date template from Etsy. We love how the little plane motif adds a fun element to announce your wedding location. Personalize it with your names and wedding date, then choose your favorite engagement photo to add to the back of the card.

Buy it: $6 for download, Etsy.com

Zazzle Destination Wedding Boarding Pass Save the Date

Nothing tells your guests to pack their bags quite like a personalized boarding pass! This perfectly on-theme save-the-date design keeps things light and playful, while still providing all the necessary information clearly. 

Buy it: $341 for 100, Zazzle.com

Why Trust Brides

Chloe Caldwell is a Commerce Writer for Brides who specializes in shopping and lifestyle topics. She has six years of journalism experience writing about all things fashion, beauty, travel, and wellness.