How to Write a Wedding Announcement for the Newspaper

Many newspapers print a photo of the couple with the wedding announcement.

Wedding announcement policies vary from newspaper to newspaper. Small community newspapers usually run wedding announcements for free, as they consider it local news, while large metropolitan newspapers may charge for the space. The amount of detail included will vary as well. Check with the newspaper to see if you should fill out a specific form or can write your own wedding announcement.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the writing style and details that are normally included in wedding announcements. Read some that have been already been published in the newspaper that you will be sending the announcement to.

2. Include the basic “who, what, where, when” information in the first paragraph. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stevens of Hometown, New York, are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter, Samantha, to Thomas Allen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Luke Allen of New Town, New York. The wedding was held at First Baptist Church in New Town, on Saturday, September 21, 2012. The reception followed at Who's Who Country Club."

3. Add other details to your wedding announcement. For example, list who officiated the ceremony; introduce the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and specify the maid of honor and best man.

4. Include some biographical information. For example, "The bride is a graduate of Hometown High School. She received her associate’s degree in medical assisting from New Town University. She is a medical assistant in Everywhere County.
   The groom is a graduate of New Town High School. He received his bachelor of science in psychology from New Town University. He is a social worker in Everywhere County.”

5. Include a wedding photograph of the couple. On the back of the photo put the couple's names and date of the wedding. If you wish to have the photo returned, include a stamped and self-addressed envelope.

6. Provide the newspaper a contact phone number or e-mail address in case the paper needs to contact you for more information.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the newspaper before you start writing. They may have some guidelines of their own that they need you to follow before submission. Some newspapers may even want to write the announcement themselves.

• You want to submit your wedding announcement to the newspaper(s) as soon after the wedding as possible. But "soon" means, as soon as you get a wedding photo back from your photographer of you as a couple. This can take a few months.

• Don't forget out of town newspapers. You may want to send one to the town you went to college in or have family at as well.

References

• Morris Newspapers: Engagement Announcement Form