NEWSPAPER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Writing Your Announcements for the Newspaper

An otherwise memorable occasion may be marred if the newspaper account of your engagement/wedding is incorrect. This could involve something as minor as misspelling the name of one of your bridesmaids, or it could be a major as your having married the wrong groom. Because many errors can be traced to confusing information, omissions, or illegible handwriting, it’s very important that the person submitting the story or wedding form be very clear on all the details. Typed information is the surest method of submitting the information. Many allow email submissions. To avoid confusion and disappointment, here are some tips on how to help the newspaper publish the right information.

Engagement announcements may be submitted by the bride’s parents, by the bride and groom, or by the groom’s family, especially when published in their hometown newspaper.

Announcements should be sent to your hometown newspaper and your fiancé’s (if he lives elsewhere). If you have many relatives living in another community, include that paper and do the same for your fiancé. Obtain copies of the newspapers you plan to insert your announcement in to help you tailor your story to their style. Also obtain information as to what each newspaper requires from the lifestyle editor.

Engagement Form Rules

1. Each couple may choose to have either an engagement or wedding photo published. If the choice is an engagement photo, it may be submitted within the six months preceding the wedding.
2. Write your name on the back of the photo and clip it to the form. Photos are seldom returned, so don’t submit the only copy of your favorite. And, you may be able to pick up the photo after publication.
3. Engagement announcements submitted without a photo may be printed at any time up to one month prior to the wedding.
4. Fill out the form using complete legal names (no nicknames).
5. The announcement should contain the full names of the bride and groom, the names of each set of parents, the city and state in which the wedding will be held (if it will take place in a different location from which the announcement is being published), and the date (or at least the month) when it will occur. You might want to also add information about your education and careers.

Wedding Form Rules

1. Each couple may choose to have either an engagement or wedding photo published. Photo must be of the couple.
2. Quality black and white photos of the couple are preferred. It is suggested a close-up portrait of the couple (head and shoulder picture) be submitted.
3. Fill out the form using complete legal names (no nicknames).
4. Write name on back of photo and clip to this form.
5. Return this form to the newspaper.
6. Wedding photographs may be picked up at the newspaper after publication.

Following these tips and preparing your wedding write-up with care may not guarantee against mistakes, but it should help the newspaper get your wedding story right and leave you with an announcement worth framing, or to put in a nice family scrapbook for all to enjoy!