Announcing your engagement or wedding in the local newspaper is a time honored tradition and wonderful way to celebrate such a milestone with your community.
A few days ago, my friend Susannah sent me the most adorable announcement from the New York Times (Thanks, Sus!): http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/fashion/weddings/13vows.html?_r=1&r
After reading how sweet it was, I started thinking how more couples should announce their nuptials! The Washington Post Weddings page runs each Sunday in the Style & Arts section. Although it may seem daunting, to submit your announcement to the Post is really quite easy! Here are the step by step directions:
You may submit your announcement by email (weddings@washpost.com), fax (202-334-7188), or in person (The Washington Post, Attn: Crystal Chisholm, Weddings & Celebrations, 6th Floor, 1150 15th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20071.)
The check list of materials to submit includes:
1 – Home billing address
2 – Daytime telephone number
3 – Home phone or cell phone number
4 – Digital Image (photograph: jpeg, pdf format preferred)
5 – Text of announcement
6 – Optional (Requested Engagement, Wedding, Anniversary Info. Form)
7 – Credit Card Number and Expiration Date
Announcements may be text only or include a photograph. Emailed photographs may be JPEG, TIF, BMP, EPS or PDF files with a resolution of at least 300 dpi. Prints may range from wallet size up to 8″ x 10″. No negatives accepted. The Post will try (but does not guarantee) to return photographs – so you may wish to make a copy.
If you are sending a photograph by a professional photographer, please include the name, so that the photo may be credited. And, of course, you should easily be able to find a photographer to take a fabulous picture of you from our District Weddings featured photographers and recommendations. Even more fun – photographs are published in Color and Black & White – so it is your choice!
The deadline to receive materials for Sunday publication is Tuesday at 12:00 noon at the latest; however, remember that the Washington Post will begin reserving space for announcements on Wednesday for the coming Sunday publication. And do not fret – You will receive a draft of the announcement, with price and publication date for your review the next business day.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will the Post edit my announcement?
The Washington Post reserves the right to edit and format your announcement based on their established style for the Weddings and Celebration page.
Is the bride’s name always first?
Yes.
The parents of the bride/groom are divorced. How are their names written?
Ms. Martha Bowman of Vienna, Virginia and Mr. Samuel Gore of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter.
The parent/s of the bride or groom is deceased. How are their names written?
Mrs. Martha Gore is pleased to announce the engagement of her daughter Amy Grace. Amy Grace is also the daughter of the late Dr. Samuel Gore.
Are job titles capitalized?
No. The Washington Post does not capitalize job titles or education degrees.
May I use acronyms and standard abbreviations?
The use of acronyms and abbreviations is severely limited. Further, it takes away from the formality and prestige of placing an announcement.
May the groom’s parents or other family members place the announcement?
Yes. Just remember, the bride’s information is always first. If preferred, the announcement may be constructed with the couple announcing the engagement, rather than the parents.
What sort of information may I include in the announcement other than the standard lineage, educational background and employment background?
There is a lot to choose from – how the couple met, proposal description, wedding dress description, wedding description, hobbies in common, volunteer projects, memberships, favorite past times, information about the children or something wonderfully unique to the couple. The more unique and interesting facts that you have to bring to the table, the better!
For more information, contact the Washington Post (phone at 202-334-5736 or e-mail weddings@washpost.com) or leave a comment here at District Weddings.
I just had a great couple who had all their announcements in the Post! I think its a fabulous idea for any couple, and it allows a couple a great memento after the wedding that you can frame and hang in your home together! Too cute!