So many couples would love to have their wedding featured in a blog or in a magazine. No wonder! It’s a perfect keepsake and something really special to look back on. We have been lucky enough to photograph many weddings that have been published, either in online blogs, or in print magazines. It’s always so special to see the weddings recognized and then put out there as inspiration to other couples.
For those of you hoping to have your wedding featured or printed in a magazine we thought we would round up a few thoughts to help you get there.
Authenticity
Magazines want to feature weddings that are unique - not copied from pinterest or another blog. So bring yourself to the table. Bring your unique style to your planning and don’t just follow what is trendy. For your wedding to stand out amongst the thousands of submission these mags received it will need to display authenticity - something real - something you.
So let loose on your planning.
Think of things you love to do and think of a way to do that at your wedding. Toasting marshmellows? Do it. Designing your own dress? Make it happen. Serving cocktails to your friends? There’s a good one.
Couples in their element, not the ones putting on a show are the ones that stand out.
Attention to detail
The details matter to magazines.
They want to see the table settings, your invitations, your cuff links, your flower girls flowers.
This is your chance to show off your style.
Save up those dried florals. quilt those blankets, hire an amazing stylist that you admire, put those two random colours you love together.
This does not mean you have to have a million different small details everywhere. You can, but often a few well planned and well executed details can go a long way. An amazing ceremony backdrop, a unique dress, a crazy light display or genius designed table menus - whatever it is put that authenticity into the details and you’ll be well on your way to being noticed by the magazines.
Use great vendors
Use great vendors and trust them! From your florist, to make up artist, to reception co-ordinator - be sure to hire people who’s work you love and who you can trust. Spend time with them chatting about your vision and get them excited for your wedding too. Many vendors will go above and beyond to help you make something that stands out!
Here’s afew of our favs who we know do that!
Amanda Norwood Design
Arkade Hire
Ruth Baron - Make Up by Ruth
Rose Tinted Flowers
Photography
Plain and simple - you won’t have a magazine worthy wedding unless you have a top class photographer who can capture it all. There are a million reasons to invest in good photography for your wedding and getting into a magazine is one of them.
We know what the magazines are looking for - we shoot in good light, we get the right variety of shots, we focus on the details, we know how to create stunning images magazines will love. Hiring an uncle or a friend with a camera is not going to get the same result.
Timetable Planning
Your timetable will have a big effect on how your photographer can capture your wedding.
We love to have a chance to shoot all the details of the wedding. The ceremony set up, the reception rooms, your jewelry and details in the morning. It’s important as well that some of these set ups aren’t crowded with people. So we need time to capture these details right. Allow your photographers to arrive at the ceremony site a little early, same with the reception. Hire them for plenty of time in the morning.
Another consideration is your portrait session timing. Shooting at sunset is preferred by almost all wedding photographers. So make that shoot a priority! You’ll get the best images that are magazine ready.
Ask away
We are lucky enough to have some great relationships with the leading magazine editors around and they often review our client galleries to see if there is something they like. This is not the normal process however - most of the time you will need to follow the proper submissions process. Most will have an online submission portal where you can let them know all about your wedding, tell them your love story and sell it all to them. So our last tip to getting your wedding featured in a magazine is just to ask - submit your wedding! Your photographer might not have time to go through and submit weddings so it may be up to you to make it happen.
We’ve been lucky enough to have so many weddings printed and featured. You can see a list of our blog and print features here.