Newspaper Wedding Date Announcements: Perfect Timing And Etiquette

Wedding announcements in newspapers are a fun way to share your love story with friends and family. While it is not a requirement, it is a great way to announce your wedding in a unique and memorable way. You can include details such as your love story, wedding date and location, and even a link to your wedding website. It is important to share your news with close friends and family before submitting it to a newspaper to avoid any potential issues.

Save-the-date notices

Timing is Key

It is recommended to send out save-the-date notices at least 6 months in advance, and even 12 to 18 months is considered appropriate, especially if your wedding will be in an unusual location or have a unique theme. This gives your guests ample time to make travel plans, arrange time off work, and save money.

Traditional vs. Modern Approaches

Traditionally, a save-the-date announcement was a simple card with the couple's names and the wedding date. However, modern trends have emerged, and many couples are opting for more creative and informative approaches, such as newspaper save-the-dates. Newspapers offer more space to include additional details and generate interest among your guests.

Content Ideas

When creating your newspaper save-the-date, consider including the following:

• A welcome note to your guests.
• Photos from your engagement or a timeline of your relationship.
• Details about the wedding location, including directions and a map.
• Information about the wedding party, such as a fun interview with the best man or maid of honor.
• Accommodation suggestions and travel tips for out-of-town guests.
• A unique theme or dress code that guests should be aware of.
• A wedding website URL or QR code for guests to access additional information.
• Fun extras like crossword puzzles, word searches, or comics related to weddings.

Customizable Templates

Many websites offer customizable templates to help you design your newspaper save-the-date. These templates are often editable, allowing you to personalize the content and add your own images. You can choose from various themes, such as vintage, modern, or minimalist styles. Some sites also offer digital versions of your newspaper, which can be shared via email or social media.

Printing and Distribution

Once you've designed your newspaper save-the-date, you can print and distribute it to your guests. Consider sending them by post, especially if you have guests who live far away. You can also hand-deliver them locally, rolled up with a ribbon for a special touch. If your newspaper includes the order of service, you can give them to guests as they arrive at the ceremony or include them in the reception table setting.

Wedding invitations

The Benefits of Newspaper Wedding Invitations

Newspaper wedding invitations offer a creative and engaging way to invite your guests while also sharing your love story and important details about your wedding. They provide ample space to include various elements such as:

• Your story and how you met
• Photos, including engagement or childhood pictures
• Introduction of the wedding party
• Maps and schematics of the venue and surrounding areas
• Wedding schedule and order of events
• Entertainment, such as crossword puzzles or comics

What to Include in Your Newspaper Wedding Invitations

When creating your newspaper wedding invitations, here are some key elements to consider including:

• A captivating front-page article: This could be a humorous or heartfelt piece about your love story, how you met, your engagement, or the proposal. It's a great way to draw your guests in and set the tone for your wedding.
• Order of ceremony/events: Include the traditional wedding program details such as the prelude, processional, readings, and exchange of vows. You can also mention any activities planned before or after the ceremony.
• Wedding party introductions: Take the opportunity to introduce your wedding party and share a bit about each person, such as how you met and what they mean to you.
• Maps and venue information: Include a map or schematic of the venue and surrounding areas, especially if your wedding is in an unusual location. This will help your guests navigate and find important locations, such as the bar, bathrooms, or shuttle stops.
• Entertainment: Add a fun element like a crossword puzzle or comic strip related to your wedding. It's a great way to engage your guests and make your invitation more interactive.
• Thank you note: Express your gratitude to your guests for being a part of your special day. You can also give specific shout-outs to those who have gone above and beyond in supporting you.

Timing and Distribution of Newspaper Wedding Invitations

When creating and distributing your newspaper wedding invitations, keep the following in mind:

• Timing: Send your invitations with ample time for your guests to prepare, especially if they need to make travel arrangements. It is recommended to send them at least 6 months in advance, but 12 to 18 months is also common, especially for destination weddings.
• Distribution: You can distribute your newspaper invitations by mail, ensuring they are packaged appropriately and considering unique touches like custom stickers or wax seals.

Customization and Templates

When designing your newspaper wedding invitations, you have the option to fully customize them or use customizable templates as a starting point. Here are some tips for customization:

• Use a variety of fonts, layouts, and designs to make your invitation visually appealing and easy to read.
• Include plenty of photos to showcase your journey as a couple.
• Add personal touches, such as quotes from the bride or groom, or stories and memories from friends and family.

Newspaper wedding invitations offer a unique and engaging way to invite your guests and share your story. By following these tips and ideas, you can create invitations that will leave a lasting impression and become cherished keepsakes for you and your loved ones.

Wedding announcements

When to Announce

Ideally, wedding announcements should be prepared the day before the wedding so that they can be printed, addressed, and postmarked the next day. This ensures that your guests learn about your wedding right away. However, it's also acceptable to send the announcements up to a few months after your wedding.

What to Include

• A front-page article: This could be a humorous or heartfelt piece about your love story, how you met, your engagement, or your plans for the future.
• Order of ceremony/events: Include the traditional wedding program details such as prelude, processional, readings, and exchange of vows. You can also mention any activities planned for after the ceremony or the entire wedding weekend.
• A crossword puzzle: Create a fun reception activity that also helps guests learn more about you. Include clues related to your birthplaces, proposal month, or the names of your wedding party.
• Wedding party introductions: Use the newspaper format to introduce your wedding party and give a bit of background about each person, explaining how much they mean to you and thanking them for their role in your special day.
• A venue map: Include a map of the venue and surrounding area, especially if there are fun things for guests to do nearby. You can also include shuttle stops, parking information, and a schematic of the reception space to help guests find their way around.
• A Q&A with the Best Man and Maid of Honor: Ask your closest friends to share their wishes for you as a couple, their favourite memories of your courtship, and what they are most looking forward to about the wedding.
• A timeline of your relationship: Create a graphic timeline with milestones such as when you first met, your first date, the proposal, and any significant trips or pet adoptions.
• A mention of your pets: Write about what your furry friends are up to during the wedding and include their thoughts on the festivities. You can even include a photo and a fun write-up if they can't attend the celebration.
• A photo collage: Use extra space to include engagement photos, wedding portraits, or other pictures throughout your relationship. Captions can help explain the significance of each shot.
• A thank-you note: Express your gratitude to everyone for being a part of your special day, with specific shout-outs to those who went above and beyond.

Where to Announce

You can announce your wedding in your local newspaper or in the newspaper of the town where you currently reside. If you have a large guest list with people travelling from different areas, you may also consider announcing it in multiple newspapers to reach a wider audience. Keep in mind that some newspapers may charge a fee for wedding announcements, especially if they are longer or include photos.

How to Announce

• Share your news with close friends and family first: Before submitting to a newspaper, make sure those closest to you hear the news directly from you to avoid any hurt feelings.
• Submit early: If you're aiming for a popular newspaper, submit your announcement early to account for long lead times and high demand during certain times of the year.
• Understand the newspaper's guidelines: Abide by the newspaper's lead time, photo requirements, format preferences, and word limits. Each publication will have its own expectations, so do your research before submitting.
• Include essential information: When submitting your announcement, include your full names, the date and location of your wedding, your parents' names, your occupations and education, your love story, and your contact information.
• Proofread and revise: Have multiple people read over your announcement to check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Follow the newspaper's guidelines to increase your chances of being published.
• Submit according to the newspaper's preferred method: Most newspapers will accept submissions online, via email, or by snail mail.

Wedding programs

• The order of the ceremony: A rundown of the ceremony proceedings is a common feature of wedding programs. This can be especially helpful for guests if your ceremony includes multiple components such as prayers, blessings, songs, or communion.
• Names of ceremony participants and their roles: Include the names of the wedding party, parents, and anyone else with a role in the ceremony.
• An explanation of any cultural traditions: If you are incorporating cultural traditions into your wedding, it can be helpful to include a brief explanation so that guests can understand the significance and feel included in the celebrations.
• A welcome message and/or thank you note to guests: It is customary to include a thank you to your guests in your wedding program. You may also wish to include a welcome message.
• Helpful notes for guests: For example, if you are having an unplugged ceremony, or if there are directions to the reception venue.
• Fun facts: You might want to include details such as how you and your partner met, or any other interesting anecdotes.
• A tribute: You may wish to include a tribute to a deceased loved one.
• Other details: You can also include things like crosswords, comics, or a map of the area.

There are many options for the style and format of your wedding program. You might choose to create a newspaper-style program, or go for something more traditional. You can include photos, and match the style to your wedding invitations or other stationery.

Thank-you notes

Timing

It is considered polite to send thank-you notes as soon as possible. For gifts received before the wedding, aim to send the notes within two weeks. For gifts received on or after the wedding, send the notes within three months. Sending the notes promptly will not only ensure that your guests receive your appreciation in a timely manner but will also help you avoid an overwhelming amount of work later on.

Format and Content

Handwritten notes are the most personal and thoughtful way to express your gratitude. Here are the key components to include in your thank-you notes:

• Begin with "Thank you" to express your appreciation.
• Mention the specific item or gift that was given. This shows that you received and appreciate their gift.
• Include details about how you intend to use the gift or why you love it. This adds a personal touch and makes the recipient feel valued.
• Share your excitement about celebrating with them at the wedding or express your disappointment if they were unable to attend.
• End with another expression of gratitude, such as "Thank you again" or "Love".

Who to Thank

Anyone who attended your wedding or sent a gift should receive a thank-you note. This includes guests who didn't bring a gift, as well as those who were unable to attend but sent their well-wishes or a gift. It is also a thoughtful gesture to send notes to your wedding party, parents, and vendors who played a significant role in your special day.

Sample Messages

• For people who bought a gift from your registry: "Thank you so much for the espresso machine! [Partner's name] and I have become coffee fiends, and we can't wait to make our own drinks at home. We'd love to have you over for brunch soon. Thank you again for sharing our wedding day with us."
• For people who gave a monetary gift: "Thank you so much for your generous gift of $100. We were able to book the cooking class we'd been eyeing for our honeymoon. We are thrilled that you could celebrate with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon."
• For people who you don't know well: "Thank you for the gorgeous crystal bowl. It will look perfect on our coffee table. It was lovely to meet you at the wedding. My mother always speaks so fondly of you, and we're happy to now count you as a friend. Sincerely, [Your names]"
• For people who gave an unfamiliar item: "Thank you for being a part of our big day and for your wonderful gift. We are grateful that you travelled so far to celebrate with us. [Partner's name] and I feel lucky to have you as friends."
• For people who shared a group gift: "Thank you so much for the wine fridge. It will definitely be well-used in our new home! We feel so fortunate to have friends like you, and we can't wait to open a bottle with you soon. Warmly, [Your names]"
• For people who gave a gift you don't love: "Thank you for the wooden salad bowl. The organic design and carved salad servers are beautiful. You have great taste! We're glad you could make it to our wedding and keep the dance floor lively! Sincerely, [Your names]"
• For people who couldn't attend but sent a gift: "Thank you so much for the wine glasses. It was kind of you to think of us. We wish you could have been at the wedding, as it wasn't the same without you. We hope to celebrate with you soon."
• For people who travelled to attend: "Thank you for making the trip to celebrate with us. It meant so much that you travelled from Paris to be a part of our special day. We hope you had as much fun as we did. Love, [Your names]"

Other Tips

• Prepare in advance by choosing a thank-you card design that reflects your style as a couple and investing in good-quality pens.
• Use discretion when acknowledging cash gifts. While it is no longer deemed inappropriate to mention the amount, use your judgment based on your relationship with the guest.
• Address the notes informally, using the first names of the recipients.
• On the envelope, handwrite the addresses and use pre-printed return address labels for convenience.

Frequently asked questions