LUXE Destination Weddings has partnered with celebrity invitation design firm Ceci New York to offer our clients incredible options for their destination weddings. Save the Dates, Invitations, Menus, Escort Cards and Wedding programs are just a few of the important elements to add to your overall vision.

We’ve invited the founder of Ceci New York, Lisa “Ceci” Johnson, to guest blog on the art of destination wedding invitations. Her insight will really help you think about your next steps.

Read on for more expert ideas and also to view some incredible samples of the work available to future LUXE Destination Wedding brides and grooms…

Lisa “Ceci” Hoffman on the art of invitations:

When you decide to plan a destination wedding, your invitations take on a whole new meaning. Instead of just communicating the time, date and place, you are informing your guests of an entire “mini vacation” you are planning for them. You want to invite people to your destination wedding in style. Here are some important tips on how to do this:

1. Think about your timing
Book your invitation designer as soon as you book your venue and wedding date. A real expert will assist and manage every step of the way for your mailings, and make it a stress-free experience.

2. Find inspiration in your chosen destination
Look to the culture of the place, the patterns of the local artwork or the history of your venue for ways to bring your wedding to life via your invitations. Think about what drew you to that location, and make that the inspiration for your design theme.

3. Word your invitations clearly
Make sure you include all travel details, recommended hotels and a complete itinerary of your wedding festivities in your save the dates so guests will know when to book their travel. You don’t want your guests taking the first flight home and missing your farewell brunch because you forgot to include that information.

4. Choose unique details for your invitations
When I design invitations, they’re more than just words on paper. I love to create designs that incorporate multiple printing techniques or unexpected textured stocks, like handmade bamboo woven paper. For a resort-chic wedding in a tropical destination, I might include a belly band made of linen.

5. Create a continuity in your communications
Consider your guest experience of receiving a beautifully designed cohesive package all at one time. I recommend thinking about your whole weekend line up and sending out a exquisitely designed set that informs guests of all that they’re invited to do at your destination wedding.