Crafting A Wedding Announcement: Ap Style Guide

Wedding announcements are a traditional way to spread the news of a recent or upcoming marriage. They are typically published in local newspapers or mailed to friends and family. While it is not mandatory to announce your wedding in a newspaper, it is a great way to share your joy with your community. Most newspapers will provide a form for you to fill out with details such as the couple's full names, ages, occupations, hometowns, parents' names, and more. The announcement should be concise, friendly, and inspiring. It is also important to submit your announcement early to ensure it is published in a timely manner.

Include the full names of the couple, their ages, occupations, and hometowns

When writing a wedding announcement in Associated Press style, it is important to include the full names of the couple, their ages, occupations, and hometowns. This information is crucial as it introduces the couple to the readers and provides essential details about them. Here are some paragraphs with a focus on this aspect:

In the spirit of sharing their joy with the world, John Alexander Smith and Maria Isabel Garcia are delighted to announce their union as life partners. Hailing from different backgrounds, John, age 30, an established entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, and Maria, age 28, a renowned artist from San Francisco, California, bring together a unique blend of passions and talents. Their wedding marks the beautiful coming together of two loving families and diverse cultures.

The couple first met through mutual friends at a local art exhibition, instantly connecting over their shared love for art and entrepreneurship. John was captivated by Maria's creativity and warm spirit, while Maria was drawn to John's ambitious nature and kindness. As their friendship blossomed, so did their love, leading them to this momentous occasion.

On the wedding day, John and Maria will honour their heritage and the path that led them to each other. The ceremony will take place at the historic Austin Cathedral, followed by a vibrant celebration at the city's renowned art gallery, a nod to their shared passion. The couple is excited to start their new chapter, embracing the beauty of their blended cultures and the support of their loved ones.

John Alexander Smith, age 30, and Maria Isabel Garcia, age 28, are thrilled to announce their wedding, a celebration of their love and the merging of their lives. John, an entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, and Maria, an artist from San Francisco, California, have chosen a venue that symbolizes their journey together. The wedding will take place at the Sunstone Vineyard and Winery, a picturesque location that reflects their shared appreciation for beauty and unique experiences.

The couple is eager to celebrate with their loved ones and looks forward to creating lasting memories at this special venue. John and Maria invite you to join them as they exchange vows and dance the night away under the stars. The wedding will be an elegant and joyous occasion, a true reflection of their love story.

John and Maria met serendipitously at a local coffee shop in Austin, Texas, a chance encounter that changed their lives forever. Their shared interests and values formed an instant connection, and they quickly became inseparable. Now, at the ages of 30 and 28, they are excited to begin their forever, embracing the beauty of married life and all that the future holds.

These paragraphs provide a clear introduction to the couple, giving readers a glimpse into their backgrounds, ages, occupations, and hometowns, all while capturing the joy and significance of their wedding day.

List the names of the couple's parents, their hometowns, and occupations

• "It is with great pride that John and Linda Smith of Anytown, USA, and Robert and Emily Johnson of Anytown, USA, announce the upcoming wedding of their children, Michael Smith and Sarah Johnson."
• "The parents of the groom, John and Linda Smith of Anytown, USA, and the parents of the bride, Robert and Emily Johnson of Anytown, USA, are pleased to announce the marriage of their children."
• "The wedding of Jane Doe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Doe of Anytown, USA, to John Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith of Anytown, USA, took place on Saturday at a private ceremony."
• "We are thrilled to announce the marriage of our daughter, Jane Doe, to John Smith, son of Robert and Emily Smith, on Saturday, the 26th of September. Jane's parents, John and Linda Doe, reside in Anytown, USA, while John's parents reside in Anytown, USA."
• "The recent wedding of Jane Doe and John Smith took place on Saturday at a private ceremony. Jane is the daughter of John and Linda Doe of Anytown, USA, and John is the son of Robert and Emily Smith, also of Anytown, USA."

Mention the names of both sets of grandparents

When writing a wedding announcement in Associated Press style, it is customary to include the names of both sets of grandparents. This is a wonderful way to honour their presence in your life and include them in your special day. Here are some ideas on how to do this:

Mentioning Grandparents' Names

When filling out the wedding announcement form for a newspaper, you will typically be asked to provide the names of the grandparents of both the bride and the groom. This is a chance to acknowledge their importance in your life and celebrate their presence at your wedding. If your grandparents are no longer with you, you can still choose to include their names as a way of honouring their memory.

Sharing a Love Story

If you plan to share a brief overview of your relationship and love story, you can mention your grandparents here. For example, you could write about how they played a role in your relationship, such as by offering support or sharing valuable advice. You might also mention any special traditions or customs that you plan to incorporate into your wedding that have been passed down from your grandparents.

Displaying Family Photos

Another way to include your grandparents in your wedding announcement is by displaying family photos. You could include a small picture in your wedding bouquet or attach a photo charm to your boutonniere. Alternatively, you can use photos of your grandparents as part of the wedding decor, such as on the signing table at the ceremony or displayed somewhere at the reception. This serves as a reminder that your grandparents are an important part of your life and are with you in spirit, even if they cannot be physically present.

Special Dedications

If your grandparents are unable to attend your wedding, you can still dedicate a part of the ceremony or reception to them. For example, you could light a candle in their honour or play their favourite song during the reception. You could also raise a toast to your grandparents, thanking them for their love and support. These gestures will be meaningful to your grandparents and show your guests how much you cherish them.

Involving Grandparents in the Wedding Party

If your grandparents are able to participate, consider involving them in the wedding party. You could ask your grandmother to be your flower girl or your grandfather to be the ring bearer, creating a memorable moment for you and your guests. Alternatively, you can give them a special role by asking them to do a reading or speech during the ceremony. Including your grandparents in the wedding party is a fun way to honour them and create lasting memories.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a wedding announcement. You can choose to include as much or as little information as you like about your grandparents. The most important thing is to personalise the announcement in a way that feels meaningful to you and your family.

State the schools, colleges, and degrees of the couple

Schools, Colleges, and Degrees in AP Style Wedding Announcements

When writing a wedding announcement in AP style, it is customary to include the educational background of the couple, specifically mentioning the schools, colleges, or universities they attended and the degrees they earned. This information adds a personal touch and provides insight into the couple's academic achievements. Here are some guidelines and examples to help you effectively convey this information:

Stating the Schools and Colleges

• Use formal and full names: Begin by stating the full and official names of the institutions attended by the couple. For example, "Jane Smith, a graduate of Stanford University, and John Doe, an alumnus of Harvard College..." This provides a clear and prestigious context for the reader.
• Include location if needed: If the school or college has multiple campuses or is less well-known, include the city and state to provide clarity. For instance, "Emily Johnson, a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and Michael Williams, an alumnus of Amherst College in Massachusetts..."
• Specify high school education: If the couple did not attend college, you can mention their high school education. For example, "Both the bride and groom are proud alumni of Central High School in their hometown of Springfield."

Detailing the Degrees

• Specify the type of degree: Indicate the degree or degrees earned by each partner. Use the full and official degree title. For example, "Dr. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Public Health, while Mr. Doe holds a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School."
• Use Latin abbreviations: AP style allows for the use of Latin abbreviations for advanced degrees. For instance, "Ms. Johnson holds a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School, and Mr. Williams has a Master of Arts in History." Here, "MBA" and "MA" can be used instead of spelling out "Master of Business Administration" and "Master of Arts."
• Multiple degrees: If an individual has multiple degrees, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest. For example, "Dr. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Social Work, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology, showcasing her dedication to academia."

Remember to keep the language concise and direct, focusing only on the essential details of the couple's educational background. This section should be informative yet brief, as it is just one part of the overall wedding announcement.

Provide the location, date, and time of the ceremony and reception

Providing the location, date, and time of the ceremony and reception is an essential part of a wedding announcement. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft this section effectively:

Location

When mentioning the location, be sure to include the name of the venue and the city or town where it will take place. For example:

> The wedding ceremony will be held at the Edison Mansion in West Orange, New Jersey.

Date and Time

Clearly state the date and time of the ceremony. You can use various formats, such as:

> Saturday, the twenty-sixth of September two thousand and twenty.

> September 26th.

> September 14.

If your wedding has already taken place, you can use past tense language, such as:

> They said "I do" on [date].

Reception Details

It is customary to include information about the reception, such as the location and time. This helps guests know where to go after the ceremony and ensures a smooth transition between the events. For example:

> A reception will follow at the same location.

> The reception will be held at [reception venue] immediately following the ceremony.

Remember to adapt these guidelines to fit the specific style and tone of your wedding announcement, whether it's formal or more casual.

Frequently asked questions