Destination Wedding Save the Date Ideas: Fun & Creative Ways to Announce Your Big Day

Planning a destination wedding? Your guests will need plenty of time to plan, book flights, and get excited for your big day!

That’s why sending a save the date that stands out is essential.

Whether you want something simple, digital, or completely unique, here are some of the best destination wedding save the date ideas to set the tone for your celebration.

1. Boarding Pass Save the Date

Nothing screams ‘destination wedding’ like a boarding pass-style save the date! You can design these to look like an airline ticket, complete with flight details (aka your wedding date and location).

Bonus points if you use a fun tagline like “Love is taking flight!” You can play around with design elements like adding a barcode, seat assignments (fun placeholders like Bride 01, Groom 01), or even a faux airline name that reflects your love story.

For a high-end look, print these on textured or metallic cardstock to mimic real airline tickets. You can design them yourself using Canva or purchase printable templates from Etsy, Minted, or Zazzle.

2, Passport-Themed Save the Date

Give your guests a sneak peek of the adventure ahead with a passport-inspired save the date. You can include a mini itinerary, travel tips, or even a cute couple photo in the ‘passport photo’ section.

This is a great option for couples who love to travel, and it works especially well if your wedding is in a country known for its rich culture or stunning landscapes. Some couples even add ‘stamps’ to represent important milestones in their relationship, making it extra personal.

You can DIY this using our free template or order custom-designed passport save the dates from Etsy, Minted, or independent stationers.

3. Postcard from Your Destination

If you’ve already chosen your dream wedding spot, why not send your guests a postcard from the location? Whether it’s a photo of the beach, mountains, or city skyline, this simple yet charming idea gives a personal touch.

If you or your partner are artistic, you could even illustrate your own version of the location!

Vintage-style postcards with bold typography work beautifully for weddings with a retro or boho theme. Many print shops allow you to create custom postcards, or you can order them from places like Zazzle, VistaPrint, or Minted.

4. Luggage Tag Save the Date

Practical and stylish! A luggage tag save the date can double as a travel keepsake for your guests.

You can customize them with your wedding details and a fun quote like “Pack your bags—we’re getting married!”

These can be printed on high-quality leather, faux leather, or acrylic for a polished look. Or for a more budget friendly there are some stunning paper tag shaped save the dates.

Some couples even include a clear plastic sleeve with a printed insert, making it a functional tag guests can reuse for their actual travels.

We have free templates and a step-by-step guide to help you create your own DIY luggage tag save the dates, or you can order pre-made ones from Zazzle, Etsy, or Minted.

5. Hand-Drawn Map Save the Date

For a unique and artistic touch, create a hand-drawn map of your wedding destination. This could include landmarks, venue locations, or local attractions to give your guests a visual preview of their upcoming adventure.

Watercolor and vintage map styles look stunning for a romantic touch. If you’re getting married in a scenic or historic area, marking out little sightseeing spots is a fun way to build excitement.

You can commission an artist to create a custom map from platforms like Etsy or Fiverr, or use design software like Procreate or Photoshop to create your own.

6. Video or Animated Digital Save the Date

Going paperless? A video save the date is a fantastic way to add a personal touch. Film a short message or create an animated invite featuring your wedding details.

If your wedding is at a dreamy beachside location, imagine a slow-motion video of waves crashing with your details overlayed in elegant script. For a playful approach, you could create a stop-motion animation of a suitcase packing itself with wedding details appearing inside.

There are easy-to-use tools like Canva, Animoto, or InShot that allow you to create custom video invitations.

7. Scratch-Off Save the Date

Turn your announcement into an interactive surprise! Guests can scratch off a section to reveal the wedding destination, date, or a fun message.

This adds an element of excitement—especially if you haven’t announced the exact location yet. A fun twist could be to have a fake location as one of the scratch-off options, making it feel like a little game.

You can make these yourself using our free template and scratch-off sticker sheets (available on Amazon and craft stores), or order them custom-made from Etsy or Minted.

8. Aeroplane Magnet Save the Date

For a practical keepsake, opt for a custom magnet in the shape of an aeroplane. This fun and functional idea makes it easy for guests to keep your wedding details front and center on their fridge.

You can personalize these with your wedding colors or even print a small itinerary on them. If your wedding has a vintage travel theme, a magnet shaped like an old-school propeller plane could be a great choice!

Many online shops specialize in custom wedding magnets, including Zazzle and Etsy, or you can DIY them using printable magnet sheets from craft stores.

9. Travel Itinerary Save the Date

Create a mini travel itinerary to help guests start planning! Include details like suggested arrival dates, must-visit attractions, and accommodation options to make their trip as smooth as possible.

This idea is particularly useful for destination weddings where guests may be unfamiliar with the area. You can format it like a mini brochure, including recommendations for local food spots, sightseeing tours, or even a small dictionary section if the wedding is in a country with a different language.

These can be printed professionally via Minted, Zazzle, or VistaPrint, or designed digitally and sent via email.

Save the date ideas for destination weddings

A destination wedding save the date is the first glimpse of your big day, so make it fun, creative, and reflective of your wedding vibe. Whether you go for a playful passport design, a sleek digital invite, or a keepsake-worthy luggage tag, your guests will appreciate the early heads-up and the excitement it brings!

Check out our free templates and tutorials for passport, luggage tag, and scratch-off save the dates.

Which save the date idea is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!