Franklin Dean
Writing a wedding announcement for a newspaper is a traditional way to share your love story with the world. It is a formal and courteous way to spread the good news with extended friends and family who were not at the wedding.
Most newspapers will provide a form for you to fill out, but it is useful to check their websites for details and deadlines. The standard procedure is to give a lot of information about the families and accomplishments of the couple. This includes the full names, ages, occupations, and hometowns of both partners, as well as details of the wedding date and location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | Submit 3-6 weeks before the wedding. Announcements are usually printed during the first printing after the wedding. |
| Submission | Contact the newspaper directly to determine their requirements. Some require mail, some email, and others an online form. |
| Format | Follow the newspaper's word count and format requirements. Some papers will use the details to write the announcement themselves, others require a complete announcement. |
| Payment | Some newspapers charge a fee for wedding announcements. |
| Content | Include both partners' full names, ages, occupations, hometowns, parents' names, grandparents' names, schools, colleges, degrees, location, date, and time of the ceremony and reception, officiant's name, attendants' names, a description of the wedding dress and bouquet, honeymoon destination, and post-nuptial residence. |
What You'll Learn
Where to announce your wedding
Wedding announcements are a great way to spread the news of your marriage to friends and family who were not in attendance at your wedding. There are several options for where to announce your wedding, from local to national newspapers, as well as on social media. Here are some detailed instructions on where to announce your special day:
Local Newspapers
Announcing your wedding in your local newspaper is a traditional and effective way to share your news with the community. Most local newspapers will have guidelines on their websites regarding submission requirements, deadlines, word count, format, and any fees. It is essential to submit your announcement early, as some local newspapers have limited space and a lot of competition. You can also include a photograph with your announcement, which makes it more personal and helps people identify you. However, this may come with an additional cost.
National Newspapers
If you're looking for a wider reach, you can submit your wedding announcement to national newspapers, such as the Vows section of The New York Times. Keep in mind that these publications are selective and may have longer lead times. Additionally, there may be a fee associated with placing your announcement in a national newspaper.
Social Media
For a more modern approach, you can announce your wedding on social media platforms such as Facebook. This method allows you to share your news with your extended networks and can be done at any time, especially if you plan to include photographs from your big day. However, it is recommended to wait at least a week or two before posting on social media to ensure that your closest friends and family receive the news first through more formal channels.
Mailed Announcements
Another option is to send mailed wedding announcements to friends and family who were not invited to the wedding or were unable to attend. These can be formal or informal, depending on your preference, and should include basic information such as the couple's names, the marriage announcement, the wedding date, and the celebration location.
Remember to consider your audience when choosing where to announce your wedding and always follow the guidelines and submission requirements of the publication or platform you select. Congratulations on your special day!
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What to include in your announcement
Wedding announcements are a great way to spread the news of your recent nuptials. Here's what to include in your newspaper announcement:
The Basics
Start with the basics: the full names of both partners, ages, occupations, hometowns, and the date and location of the wedding. This is the minimum amount of information you should include in your announcement.
Parents' and Grandparents' Names
It is customary to include the names of both partners' parents and grandparents, along with their towns of residence and occupations. This is especially important if the parents are hosting the wedding or have a role in the ceremony.
Educational Background
Include information on both partners' schools, colleges, and degrees. This is a great way to showcase your academic achievements.
Wedding Details
Provide details about the wedding ceremony and reception, such as the location, date, and time. Include the name of the officiant and the attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen) and their relationship to the couple. If you want to give a more detailed description, you can also mention the wedding dress, bouquet, and any unique aspects of the ceremony.
Honeymoon and Future Plans
Share your honeymoon destination and where you plan to live after the wedding. This adds a personal touch and gives your guests a glimpse into your future together.
A Brief Story
If you want to make your announcement more creative and engaging, consider including a brief story of how you met, your engagement, or your relationship journey. This will add a unique and personal touch to your announcement.
Remember to check the guidelines and submission requirements of the newspaper you plan to submit your announcement to, as they may have specific word counts, formats, or other specifications.
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How to submit your announcement
Now that you've crafted your wedding announcement, it's time to submit it for publication. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Check the newspaper's guidelines: Most newspapers will have their guidelines listed on their website, which will outline important details such as submission deadlines, word count, format requirements, and any fees associated with publishing your announcement. Be sure to review these guidelines carefully before submitting.
- Submit your announcement early: It's better to be early than late! Aim to submit your announcement at least three to six weeks before your wedding date. This will increase the chances of your announcement being published during the first printing after your wedding.
- Contact the newspaper directly: Reach out to the newspaper to confirm their submission process and requirements. Some newspapers may require submissions by mail, email, or through an online form. Ask about any specifications for the included image, as well as word count and format requirements.
- Provide all the requested information: The newspaper will likely ask for specific details to be included in your announcement. This may include both partners' full names, ages, occupations, hometowns, parents' names, grandparents' names, schools attended, degrees earned, wedding date and location, officiant's name, attendants' names, a description of the wedding dress and bouquet (if desired), honeymoon plans, and post-wedding living arrangements.
- Share your engagement news with close friends and family first: Before submitting your announcement to the newspaper, be sure to share your engagement news with your close circle. You don't want them to find out about your special news through the newspaper!
- Proofread and revise: Before submitting, have a few trusted people review your announcement for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. A fresh pair of eyes can help catch any mistakes you might have missed.
- Follow the newspaper's guidelines closely: Editors will typically prioritize submissions that adhere to their guidelines. Ensure you're providing all the requested information and following the specified format to increase the chances of your announcement being published.
- Submit your announcement: Once you've gathered all the necessary information and made any necessary revisions, submit your announcement according to the newspaper's preferred method. This could be through online submission, email, or snail mail.
Remember, each newspaper will have its own unique set of guidelines and expectations, so be sure to do your research and tailor your submission accordingly. Good luck with your wedding announcement!
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When to submit your announcement
The timing of your wedding announcement submission will depend on the newspaper you choose. Each newspaper will have its own guidelines, format, and submission requirements, so be sure to check their website for details. Some newspapers, like The New York Times, require you to submit your announcement at least six weeks ahead of the wedding. In contrast, others, like The Oklahoman, only need announcements eight days before publication. If you're submitting to a popular newspaper, consider submitting early to avoid missing the publication date.
Most papers require submissions three to six weeks before your wedding date, intending to run the announcement during the first printing after your wedding. For example, if the local paper runs wedding announcements on Sundays, your announcement should appear the day after a Saturday wedding. If you get married mid-week, the announcement may be printed a few days after the wedding.
If you're planning to include photos from your wedding day in the announcement, you'll need to work within a modified timeline of two to four weeks after the wedding. It's a good idea to connect with your photographer before the wedding and let them know you want to use a wedding photo for the announcement. Ask if it's possible to receive a few sneak peek images shortly after the big day.
If you're submitting an engagement announcement, be sure to share the news with close friends and family before sending it to the newspaper. You don't want them to find out about your engagement by reading the paper!
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Announcement wording examples
Newspapers will often provide a form for you to fill out, but here are some examples of wording for your wedding announcement.
Traditional wedding announcement wording:
> It is with great pride that [Parent of the groom names] of [Current town of residence] and [Parent of the bride names] of [Current town of residence] announce the upcoming wedding of their children, [Groom's full name] and [Bride's full name]. [Groom's first name] was born and raised in [Hometown, State]. He attended [College name] earning a degree in [Field of study]. [Groom's first name] currently works at [Name of workplace] where he's been a [Job title] for [Number] years. [Bride's first name] was born and raised in [Hometown, State]. She attended [College name] earning a degree in [Field of study]. [Bride's first name] currently works at [Name of workplace] where she's been a [Job title] for [Number] years. [Groom's first name] and [Bride's first name] will become Mr. and Mrs. [Married last name] on [wedding date] before friends and family at [Wedding venue name] in [Wedding venue town].
Creative newspaper post-wedding announcement:
> It's happily ever after for Mr. [Groom's full name] and Mrs. [Bride's full married name]! Once upon a time, on [Wedding date], they said "I do." in front of the people who love them most. [Bride's name] looked like a fairytale princess wearing a [Dress type] gown. [Groom's name] showed off his inner Prince Charming wearing a [Tux type] tuxedo/suit. [Wedding venue name] served as their castle where they sealed their love and their fate with a magical kiss.
Formal wedding announcement:
> Mr. & Mrs. James Baker
> Dr. & Mrs. Jonathan Kravitz
> have the honor of announcing
> the marriage of their children
> on the eleventh of March
> Two thousand twenty-three
> At the Siasconset Union Chapel
> in Nantucket, Massachusetts
Casual wedding announcement:
> Together with their families
> are pleased to announce
> on Saturday, April 8, 2023
> in Gardiner, New York
Wedding announcement for uninvited guests:
> [Couple's names]
> in an intimate celebration
> in Charleston, South Carolina
> Your support and well-wishes
> are so appreciated during this special time.
Wedding announcement from parents:
> Paul and Lynn Nelson
> Invite you to share in their joy
> As they announce the marriage of their daughter
> On the twenty-fourth of April
> Two thousand twenty-three
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Frequently asked questions
The standard procedure is to give a lot of information about the families and accomplishments of the couple. This includes the full names, ages, occupations, and hometowns of both partners, as well as their parents' and grandparents' names, towns of residence, and occupations. You should also include the schools, colleges, and degrees of both partners, as well as the location, date, and time of the ceremony and reception.
It depends on the newspaper. Some local newspapers might offer free announcements, while others may charge upwards of $400 for a large announcement with a photo. The New York Times, for example, is free but competitive.
Most papers require submission three to six weeks before your wedding date, with the intention of running the announcement during the first printing after you are married. If you get married mid-week, your announcement may be printed a few days after the wedding.
Contact the paper directly to determine their submission requirements, including whether it must be done by mail, email, or online form. Ask about word count and format requirements, as well as any specifications for images.
Adding a photograph to your wedding announcement is a personal choice. It can make the announcement more personal and help people identify you. However, it may come down to pricing, as including a photo usually costs more.
