So You Wanna Be an NYT Vow-Worthy Wonder Couple? A (Mostly) Serious Guide to Getting Your Wedding in the Times
Let's face it, folks, getting your wedding in the New York Times is the ultimate happily ever after flex. It's like the gold medal of wedding announcements, the Beyoncé of "I do" declarations. But before you rush off to buy a white tux (unless that's your thing, no judgement!), there's a little more to it than just saying "cheese" for the camera.
Standing Out From the Saturday Spread
The competition is fierce, my friends. Picture a gladiator arena, but instead of oiled-up dudes with swords, it's couples with dazzling smiles and even more dazzling photographers. Here's how to craft your announcement into a contender:
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Be an Early Bird (Because Procrastination is the Enemy of Love, Apparently)
The Times needs at least six weeks lead time. Don't wait until your "thank you" cards are printed to submit your announcement. -
Story Time! But Make it Interesting This ain't Tinder. Ditch the "swiped right, met for tacos, now we're getting tacos forever" narrative. Did you two meet bungee jumping in New Zealand? Did your dog play matchmaker at the dog park? Ditch the cliché and tell your unique love story.
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Picture Perfect (Literally) The New York Times has a certain aesthetic. Think classic portraits, not goofy selfies with your cat as the ring bearer (adorable, but not NYT material). Professional photos are a plus, and make sure your eyes are at the same level! No one wants a wonky wedding announcement.
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Location, Location, Location (But Maybe Not Your Basement) While a backyard wedding can be charming, it might not scream "Newsworthy Nuptials." Unique venues or destinations can catch the editor's eye.
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Name Dropping (But Not That Kind) Are you a distant cousin to a celebrity chef? Did your officiant win a Pulitzer Prize? Any interesting connections (without being obnoxious) can help your announcement stand out.
Remember, these are just tips! There's no guaranteed formula.
But Wait, There's More!
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It's Not About the Size (Of Your Wedding)
Don't think you need a Kardashian-sized guest list to snag a spot. Intimate weddings can be just as newsworthy. -
NYT Does Not Discriminate (When it Comes to Love) All types of love are welcome! The New York Times is inclusive of LGBTQ+ couples and all kinds of beautiful partnerships.
Now, go forth and conquer the wedding announcement world!
How-To FAQs for the NYT-Obsessed Bride/Groom:
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How Much Does it Cost? There's no official fee, but the announcement itself has a cost that varies depending on length.
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How Long Does it Take to Hear Back? Unfortunately, there's no set timeframe. They'll let you know if your announcement is selected.
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Can I Submit After the Wedding? Nope! Gotta get those lovebirds in before the "I dos."
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What if My Photos Aren't Professional? High-quality phone pics can work in a pinch, but professional photos definitely increase your chances.
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Is There Anyone I Can Contact to Increase My Odds? Nope! Submissions are anonymous, so focus on crafting a compelling announcement.
