Since it takes several weeks for publication, your engagement announcement should be written and sent to the newspaper as soon as possible. This will allow friends, co-workers and acquaintances to know about your special plans! Your wedding announcement should appear in the newspaper on the day or weekend following your wedding. Wedding announcements should be sent 3 to 4 weeks prior to your special day, to allow adequate time for publication. Unfortunately, some couples wait so long to contact their local newspaper that their announcements do not appear until weeks after the wedding. Most newspapers have a standard announcement that varies only slightly from couple to couple. Other papers, however, encourage individuality and creativity by allowing you to draft it yourself. If you are fortunate enough to write your own announcement, it should include the following essential information: Name of bride and groom Their parents' names Where they went to college Current professions / places of employment Your wedding announcement should also contain a detailed description of the wedding, such as when it was, where it was held and the style of wedding / attendants gowns. Finally, list the honeymoon destination and the name of the city you plan to call home. The aforementioned information should be accompanied by a picture of the bride in her gown, or of the bride and groom in plain clothes. An Engagement Announcement example is given below. It might include a photo of the bride and groom to be in casual clothes. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith of Dingmans Ferry, PA proudly announce the engagement of their daughter, Nicole Elizabeth Smith, to Martin Frederick Jones. Nicole Smith is a 2000 graduate of Dingmans Ferry Community College, Dingmans Ferry, PA, and is currently employed with The Milford Alarm Company, Milford, PA. Martin Jones is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward R. Jones, Milford, PA. He is a 1998 graduate of Dingmans Ferry Community College, Dingmans Ferry, PA, and is currently employed with Milford Production Company, L.L.C., Milford, PA. A spring 2004 wedding is being planned. A Wedding Announcement example is given below. It might include a photo of the newlyweds dressed in formal attire. On April 29, 2004, Nicole Elizabeth Smith and Martin Frederick Jones were united in holy matrimony at St. Vincent's Church, Twin Pond Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA. The couple honeymooned at the Marriott Inn, St. Croix. Martin Jones is as Executive Manager of Milford Production Company, L.L.C., Milford, PA; Nicole Jones is a receptionist with Milford Alarm Company, Milford, PA. The couple are planning to build a home in the Milford, PA area.