Crafting The Perfect Wedding Announcement: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding announcement is a timeless keepsake that conveys the joy of your big day to those who couldn't attend. It's also a way to spread the news of a recent or upcoming marriage. It can be printed in the local paper or mailed to friends and family.

The wording of your wedding announcement will depend on how formal you want to be, but there are some key details you should include:

- The names of the couple

- The wedding date and location

- Information about the ceremony, such as the name of the officiant

- Any extra information, such as where the couple met or their honeymoon plans

Include names of the couple and parents

Including the names of the couple and their parents is a crucial aspect of a wedding announcement. Here are some tips and examples to help you effectively include this information:

Names of the Couple

It is essential to include the full names of both the bride and the groom in the wedding announcement. This ensures clarity, especially for recipients who may not know both individuals. If either the bride or groom has changed their last name, this is a good opportunity to share the news. For instance:

> "Justin and Hannah Andersen..."

> "Mark Harrison & John Maxwell..."

> "Megan and Jack eloped..."

Names of the Parents

Including the names of both sets of parents is a gracious and considerate gesture. It acknowledges their role in the wedding and credits them for their contribution. If the wedding is hosted and paid for collaboratively by the couple and both sets of parents, you can begin the announcement by stating the parents' names, such as:

> "Dr. Vance and Elizabeth Gregory and Mr. James Abner and Lydia Abner and Mr. Harold and Jane Hyland invite you to the wedding of their children Amy Abner and Charles Hyland..."

Alternatively, you can use a phrase like:

> "Together with their families, Jane and Jack invite you to celebrate their love and union."

If you wish to include a deceased parent, you will need to rearrange the wording. Here is an example:

> "Ariana Smith, daughter of Mr. Austin Smith and the late Kristen Smith, requests the pleasure of your presence..."

Formal and Informal Announcements

The wording and structure of your wedding announcement can vary depending on the level of formality you wish to convey. Here are some examples of how to include the names of the couple and their parents in both formal and informal announcements:

Formal Announcement Issued by Parents:

> "Mr. and Mrs. [bride's or groom's parents] are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter/son/child, [bride/groom], to [bride/groom], son/daughter/child of Mr. and Mrs. [bride's or groom's parents], on [wedding date] at [wedding location]. A celebratory reception is planned for [reception date] at [reception location]."

Informal Announcement Issued by Parents:

> "[Names of parents] are pleased to announce that [names of the couple] went away for vacation and got married in a tropical destination! [Names of the couple] were married on [wedding date] at [wedding location]. We hope to celebrate with you on [reception date] at [reception location]."

Formal Announcement Issued by the Couple:

> "[Names of the couple] are pleased to announce their marriage on [wedding date] at [wedding location]. A private reception was held at [reception location] immediately following the ceremony. The couple's new address is [home address]."

Casual Announcement Issued by the Couple:

> "Two hearts became one, and it's time to have fun! [Names of the couple] were married on [wedding date] at [wedding location]! We then danced the night away in a private reception at [reception location]. Our new address is [home address]."

Add wedding date and location

The wedding date and location are essential components of a wedding announcement. Here are some tips and examples to help you include this information effectively:

Provide Clear and Specific Details:

Give the exact wedding date, including the day of the week, date, month, and year. For the location, mention the city and state or the specific venue name, such as the name of the resort or church. This provides your recipients with a clearer picture of your special day. Here's an example:

> "on Saturday, the twentieth of June, two thousand and fifteen, in Berkley, California."

Adapt the Format to the Tone:

When including the date and location, adapt the format to the overall tone of your announcement. For a formal announcement, you might follow this structure:

> "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 and twenty-three at the Siasconset Union Chapel in Nantucket, Massachusetts."

For a more casual announcement, you can be flexible with the format but ensure the key information is clear. Here's an example:

> "Together with their families, on Saturday, April 8, 2023, in Gardiner, New York."

Consider the Order of Information:

In a formal announcement, the sequence typically starts with the names of the hosts, followed by the marriage announcement, the couple's names, the date, and the location. With casual messages, you can be more flexible with the format, but a suggested order is the couple's names, the marriage announcement, the date, and the location. This ensures that the recipients immediately understand who the announcement is about.

Include the Date and Location in Visuals:

If you're including photographs or other visuals with your announcement, consider incorporating the date and location into these elements. For example, you might include a photo of the happy couple at the venue with the date and location tastefully added as text or even as part of the photo's frame or background.

Be Mindful of Cultural or Religious Date Formats:

When writing out the date, be mindful of any cultural or religious formats that may be preferred or expected by the couple or their families. For example, you might write the date in numerical form (e.g., "06.22.22") for a casual wedding announcement or spell out the month, day, and year for a formal or religious wedding.

Share celebration details

Sharing celebration details is a great way to make your wedding announcement more personal and exciting. Here are some ideas on what to include:

Reception Details

If you're having a reception, you can include the date, time, and location. This serves as an invitation for those receiving the announcement. For example:

• "A celebratory reception is planned for [date] at [location]."
• "We then danced the night away in a private reception at [location]."
• "Please join us to celebrate with a barbecue on [date] at [location]."

Honeymoon Plans

You can add a sentence or two about your honeymoon plans. For instance:

• "We're planning on honeymooning in Italy."
• "We're off to Hawaii for our honeymoon in a few weeks."
• "We're off to [destination] for our honeymoon and can't wait to explore [details]."

Future Residence

If you and your partner are moving in together after the wedding, you can include your new address in the announcement. This can be a fun way to share the news and make the announcement more lighthearted. For example:

• "The couple's new address is [address]."
• "We're beginning a new life together in our new residence: [address]."

Additional Celebrations

If you're planning any other celebrations, such as a post-wedding cocktail reception or a housewarming party, you can include those details. For instance:

• "We're married, now let's celebrate! Please join us for a casual wedding reception."
• "A 'Happily Ever After Party' will be held to celebrate our marriage."

Remember, the level of formality and the amount of detail you include in your announcement can vary depending on your preferences and the type of wedding. Feel free to mix and match the above elements to create an announcement that truly represents you and your partner!

Provide a photo

Wedding announcements are a great way to spread the news of your recent nuptials, and including a photo is a wonderful way to make your announcement even more special. Whether you choose to send a printed card or share your news digitally, here are some tips to help you include a photo in your wedding announcement:

Choosing the Right Photo:

• Consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding. Choose a photo that matches the theme and style of your wedding. For example, select a formal portrait for a black-tie wedding or a candid shot for a more casual event.
• Convey the right message. The photo should reflect the tone and mood of the wedding. For instance, a fun, lighthearted image for a joyful celebration or a romantic, intimate shot for a sentimental affair.
• Opt for a high-quality image. Ensure your photo is clear, well-lit, in focus, and high-resolution.
• Feature the couple prominently. The newlyweds should be the focal point of the photo, so avoid busy or cluttered images.
• Consider the layout. Choose a photo that complements the design and layout of your announcement. For example, a vertical image may work well with a portrait-oriented card.

Creative Ways to Include Photos:

• Cut-out shapes: Get creative and cut your photo into a unique shape, such as a heart, and attach it to your announcement.
• Overlay: Place a transparent overlay with the photo over the text or background of your announcement for a stylish, modern look.
• Polaroid style: Add a white border and a cute caption to your photo to give it a fun, retro feel.
• Filmstrip: Create a filmstrip effect by arranging several small photos with your wedding details in between.
• Collage: Showcase multiple photos in a collage layout to tell a visual story of your special day.
• Envelope liner: Surprise your recipients with a photo liner inside the envelope, adding a unique touch before they even read your announcement.

Remember, your wedding announcement is a timeless keepsake, so take the time to choose a photo that captures the essence of your special day and reflects your personality as a couple.

Be concise

When writing a wedding announcement, it is important to keep the wording concise. This is especially true if you are submitting your announcement to a newspaper, as some publications may charge more for longer articles. Here are some tips to keep your announcement concise:

• Include only the most important details, such as the names of the couple, the date and location of the wedding, and the names of the couple's parents.
• Be mindful of word count, especially if you are submitting to a newspaper. Aim for a short and sweet announcement that conveys the necessary information in a clear and concise manner.
• If you are including additional information, such as a description of the wedding or honeymoon plans, keep it brief and to the point.
• Review and edit your announcement for clarity and brevity. Remove any unnecessary words or phrases to tighten up your wording.
• If you are sending mailed announcements, consider using a postcard format or a simple card and envelope. This will help ensure your message remains concise and to the point.

Frequently asked questions