Question re: destination wedding etiquette!

So, me and the fiance have finally decided to have a destination wedding in the Bahamas! :) *yay*

I am confused a little about how to go about inviting people though!

We planned Oct 2011 so it is a while off, however we want to give our friends and family A LOT of notice since a lot of them will probably need quite a while to save if they plan to attend and we don't want to burden them last minute.

SO, do you send out save the dates in, say, Oct 2009 and then wait and send out the invites like 8 months prior to the wedding date? But then that means I wont have a final head count until a few months before and what if I cant find a place to book all those rooms for my friends & fam???

ANY help would be appreciated ladies :):)

well congrats!!!!!!!!!!

i am not so sure when proper etiquette is in this situation...however, i think sending out stds as soon as possible is the best option!!!!

i am not so sure about the invite thing though....i am sure your planner at the hotel would know best, im sure they plan these things all the time...i know girls block their hotels over a year in advnaced and they dont have a final guest count yet....

also something to keep in mind...
-october is still hurrican season, i would make sure you buy insurance!
-i know some girls plan an at home reception for those who couldnt make it!

i hope this helps!
keep us updated!!!

xo

FH's cousin had a destination wedding in Jamaica 2 years ago and they sent their save the dates 1 year before the wedding and the invitations 3 months before.

But the save the date had the resort info and their travel agent info on it so people could book when they wanted

I'm also a fellow 2011 DW bride (haven't made it offical yet). I'm looking at Hilton Head, SC for October 2011.

I've pretty much already told family & friends that is the destination I'm looking at. I will send out official save the dates once FI & I confirm our location and date. I've been in touch with various resorts on the Island so as soon as I can make up my mind as to where to have it I'll know better when to send out the STD.

The places that I have been in touch with at this point are telling met that I am holding just the room at this point. Of course if I pick a place that has a 100 person minimum for the day that I want I probably won't go with that venue. I want to make sure I give myself enough flexibility just for that reason. Also-I believe I can reserve a group rate and have them block the rooms for me once I confirm the venue so that my guests can begin booking their hotels.

I'm still very early in the planning process myself but just thought I'd share my experiences.

Good luck and Happy Planning!