If you want press in the wedding industry, then it’s time to start embracing real wedding submissions.
Wedding blogs and publications alike can agree on one thing: engaged couples love inspiration from their peers, which is why the majority of the editorial content you’re going to come across will be features from actual events.
So what makes a real wedding submission competitive in today’s market? Here is what we consider the top elements for a real wedding submission:
Detail photos—and lots of them
First and foremost, you have to get into the mindset that editors are aiming to inspire engaged couples with fresh and swoon-worthy details. While a gorgeous image of the newlyweds will be happily welcomed, make it a priority to ensure your selections are detail focused. Keep in mind the flowers, décor, cake, favors and fashion, along with any other “ingredients” that help walk their readers through the day.
The wedding day story
While the wedding day images certainly assist with making the submission a competitive one, a compelling story will be as equally as important. Dig into the couple’s story—how they met, how they got engaged, ways they personalized the wedding, favorite details, and cherished memories.
Want to streamline the process further? Consider adding several editorial questions to pre-existing questionnaires already a part of your standard operating procedure. When the time comes to submit, you’ll have the content on hand already and won’t experience the delays often inevitable when waiting on clients to get back to you.
Access to the couple
Even if your wedding day narrative covers all of the above points, some editors are still going to want to chat with the couple directly so be sure to include their email addresses along with the submission.
The team
Events are a result of many, so be sure to include a comprehensive list of the professionals involved in the process. Make it even easier on the editor by including the vendors’ website links and social media handles. Don’t forget to also collect the vendors’ current email addresses so you can share the good news of a feature when the time comes.
Real wedding features can be a wonderful way to increase brand awareness for your company. With the above in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a boost in your company’s press.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding marketing and wedding PR firm OFD Consulting. She is a highly sought after industry speaker and serves as a Public Relations adjunct professor for Virginia Commonwealth University, specializing in PW writing and brand promotion.
