Crafting A Wedding Newspaper: A Guide To Creative Keepsakes

Wedding newspapers are a fun, unique, and versatile alternative to traditional wedding stationery. They can be used as invitations, programs, or thank-you mailouts, and can include details such as the itinerary for the weekend, engagement photos, a welcome note, and a timeline of the couple's relationship. Couples can get creative and include personal touches such as crossword puzzles, maps, and comic strips. Wedding newspapers are a great way to share details about the day and set the tone for the celebration. They can also be kept as a memento by guests and the couple themselves.

Choosing your newspaper format

When it comes to choosing your newspaper format, you have a few options to consider. Firstly, decide on the size of your wedding newspaper. The three standard options are mini, tabloid, and broadsheet, with tabloid being the most popular choice for wedding newspapers. Ordering a sample pack can help you decide by giving you a physical impression of each size.

Secondly, consider the type of paper you want to use. Opting for archival-quality paper will ensure your newspaper doesn't yellow over time and will be of higher quality than traditional newsprint. You can also choose sustainable and recyclable paper options, which are sourced from responsibly grown forests.

Additionally, you can select a digital format for your wedding newspaper, especially if you plan to distribute it electronically. This can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to printing.

Finally, you can choose to create your own design from scratch or use pre-made templates to customize your newspaper's format and layout. Templates are available on various websites and can be edited using design software or online tools. Some websites even offer free online layout tools that require no prior design experience or software knowledge.

Remember to consider the amount of content you want to include and select a format that can comfortably accommodate all your desired elements, such as text, images, puzzles, and other creative features.

Designing your newspaper

Designing your wedding newspaper is a fun and creative process. It's a chance to add personal touches and build excitement for your big day. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose your format and template:

Decide on the size of your newspaper, such as mini, tabloid, or broadsheet. You can also choose from different paper types, such as archival grey paper or newsprint. Consider ordering a sample pack to see the different options in person. You can find blank templates online or create your own design from scratch.

Front-page article:

The front-page article sets the tone for your newspaper and your wedding. It can be humorous, serious, or a combination of both. Consider a clever headline that will draw your guests in, such as "From Friend Zone to the End Zone" or "Love at First Swipe." Include a story about how you met, your engagement, or your plans for the future. You can also add a direct quote from the couple or family members.

Order of ceremony/events:

Include the order of ceremony details such as prelude, processional, readings, and exchange of vows. If you have activities planned after the ceremony, provide an overview of the agenda, including dinner, dancing, photo booth hours, shuttle details, and more.

Crossword puzzle:

Create a custom crossword puzzle to give your guests a fun activity and help them learn more about you. Include clues related to the bride and groom, such as birthplaces, proposal details, and pet names.

Wedding party meet-and-greet:

Introduce the members of your wedding party and give a bit of background for each person. You can share how you met, express your gratitude for their presence, and elaborate with personal stories or details. For large wedding parties, consider limiting each write-up or including just names and photos.

Illustrated maps:

Include illustrated maps or schematics of the venue and surrounding areas. This can be especially helpful for guests to find their way around, locate shuttle stops, or discover fun things to do near the venue.

Q&A with the wedding party:

Feature a Q&A with the best man and maid of honour. Ask them about their wishes for the couple, their favourite memories, or what they are most looking forward to at the wedding.

Timeline of your relationship:

Create a cute timeline with milestones from your relationship, such as when you first met, your first date, the proposal, and any significant trips or pet adoptions.

Write about your pets:

If you have pets, include them in your newspaper! Write a fun or factual article about what they are up to during the wedding and be sure to include a photo.

Photo collage:

Use engagement photos or other memorable pictures throughout your relationship to create a visually appealing photo collage. You can also add captions to explain the significance of each shot.

Thank you note:

Include a heartfelt thank-you note to express your gratitude to your guests for being a part of your special day. You can give specific shout-outs to individuals or vendors who went above and beyond.

Adding personal touches

Front-Page Article

Begin with a captivating headline that sets the tone for your event. It could be playful, like "From Friend Zone to the End Zone" or "Love at First Swipe," or a classic such as "John and Jane are Getting Married Today!". The front-page article can be lighthearted or heartfelt, sharing your love story, proposal, and plans for the future. Include direct quotes from the couple or family members for an extra personal touch.

Order of Ceremony/Events

Provide an overview of the ceremony details, including the prelude, processional, readings, and exchange of vows. If you have activities planned for after the ceremony or throughout the wedding weekend, include a timeline to keep your guests informed. This section ensures your guests know what to expect and don't miss any special moments.

Crossword Puzzle

Create a custom crossword puzzle with clues related to the wedding couple, such as the city the bride was born in, the groom's middle name, or the destination of their first international trip together. It's an engaging way to involve your guests and encourage them to learn more about you.

Wedding Party Introductions

Use the newspaper format to introduce the members of your wedding party and share a bit of background about each person. Explain how you met, express your gratitude for their presence, and thank them for their contribution to your special day. This section is especially meaningful for smaller wedding parties, allowing you to elaborate with personal anecdotes and stories.

Venue Map and Schematic

Include a map or schematic of your venue, especially if you have a large reception or wedding at a unique location. This helps guests easily navigate their way around, locating essential areas like the bar, bathrooms, and shuttle stops. You can even add cute icons and illustrations to make it more visually appealing.

Q&A with the Best Man & Maid of Honor

Feature a fun Q&A article with the best man and maid of honour, giving them a platform to share their wishes for the couple, memories of your courtship, and their most anticipated moments of the wedding. It adds a personal touch and showcases the perspectives of those closest to the happy couple.

Relationship Timeline

Create a visual or graphic timeline of your relationship, highlighting important milestones such as when you first met, your first date, the proposal, and other significant events or trips. It provides guests with a glimpse into your journey together and adds a touch of sentimentality to your newspaper.

Pet Feature

If your furry friend couldn't be physically present at the wedding, include them in your newspaper! Write a fun or factual article about what they might be doing during the wedding and how they fit into your love story. Add a photo and a playful write-up to showcase their role in your lives.

Photo Collage

Utilise engagement photos or other memorable images from your relationship to create a captivating photo collage. Include captions to provide context and showcase the highlights of your time together. This adds a visual element that draws readers in and makes your newspaper more dynamic.

Thank You Note

Express your gratitude to your guests, family, and vendors who contributed to your special day. It can be a general note of appreciation or specific shout-outs to individuals who went above and beyond. This adds a heartfelt touch to your wedding newspaper.

Printing and pricing

Printing Options:

Firstly, you have the option to engage a professional service to handle the printing for you. Companies like Newspaper Club, Happiedays, and MakeMyNewspaper offer printing services for wedding newspapers, with some providing design tools and templates as well. These platforms can be convenient, as they streamline the process of designing and printing your newspaper.

Alternatively, you can opt for a DIY approach and print your wedding newspaper yourself. This gives you more flexibility and control over the final product but may require more effort and time.

Pricing Factors:

The cost of printing your wedding newspaper will depend on several factors:

• Quantity: The number of copies you need will significantly impact the price. Printing a larger quantity will generally result in a lower cost per copy. Some platforms offer flexible quantities, allowing you to order as few as one copy or in the thousands.
• Size and Format: The size and format of your newspaper will affect the price. Common sizes include mini, tabloid, and broadsheet. The tabloid format is the most popular for wedding newspapers.
• Paper Type and Quality: The type and quality of paper you choose will also influence the price. For example, archival-quality grey paper ensures your newspaper doesn't yellow over time and is considered higher quality than traditional newsprint.
• Colour Options: If you opt for colour printing, the number of colours used and whether you print on one or both sides will impact the cost.
• Shipping and Delivery: Don't forget to factor in shipping and delivery costs, especially if you're ordering from a platform that offers worldwide delivery.

Sample Pricing:

To give you an idea of pricing, here are a few examples:

• MakeMyNewspaper offers printing services starting at $129 for 50 to 1,000 copies.
• Happiedays allows you to make and print a newspaper starting from a single copy, with the price depending on your location.

Final Thoughts:

When considering printing and pricing, it's essential to determine your budget and the number of copies you require. Additionally, if you opt for a DIY approach, ensure you have the necessary equipment and resources to achieve the desired quality.

By carefully considering your options and planning accordingly, you can create a beautiful and memorable wedding newspaper that fits within your budget.

Sharing your newspaper

As an Invitation

A wedding newspaper is a versatile alternative to traditional invitations. You can include all the essential details, such as the date, time, and location, while also adding a personal touch with illustrations, maps, or even a custom crossword puzzle. It's a great way to introduce your theme and give your guests a teaser of what's to come.

During the Wedding

Your wedding newspaper can be a fantastic addition to your wedding day. Hand them out to guests as they arrive or place them at each setting. They can serve as a unique program, providing information about the order of events, the wedding party, and any special traditions or rituals you plan to include. It can also be a fun activity for guests to enjoy during any downtime, keeping them entertained and informed.

As a Thank You Edition

After your wedding, a newspaper is a wonderful way to surprise your guests and share your favourite photos and memories from the day. It can be a heartfelt thank-you note, expressing your gratitude for their presence and participation in your special day. Include captions and anecdotes to make it even more personal.

For a Bachelorette or Bachelor Party

If you're looking for a creative way to document your bachelorette or bachelor party adventures, a wedding newspaper is an excellent choice. Include photos, quotes, anecdotes, and memories to create a unique souvenir for your friends. It will be a fun reminder of the celebrations leading up to your big day.

As a Keepsake

Your wedding newspaper will not only be a cherished keepsake for you and your partner but also for your guests. It will allow everyone to relive the special moments, from the proposal to the ceremony and beyond. Many guests will appreciate the thoughtful touch and may even keep it as a memento long after the wedding.

Remember, when sharing your wedding newspaper, you can opt for digital or printed versions, or both! Printed newspapers can be a lovely tangible reminder, while digital versions may be more convenient for sharing with guests, especially if you have a wedding website or social media presence.

Frequently asked questions