Mar 31, 2003 3 min read

Dear Joy, You suggested in a recent column that a good job for a groom is to write a wedding newsletter. Do you have any specifics on how to go about this? It sounds like the perfect job for my groom. Lizzie

Dear Lizzie,

The wedding newsletter is a modern way to keep every participant informed and helps to make them feel included and excited about the upcoming event.

A wedding newsletter can consist of planning up-dates, such as the time for tux and gown fittings, and can help to introduce participants to each other.

The newsletter can be mailed or e-mailed to wedding party participants and immediate family members a few times before the wedding. Newsletters can also help minimize excessive phone calls to out-of-state participants.

The newsletter can be created on a word processing program or a publishing program. The format can be simple or creative and include graphics, color, and unique font styles.

The content and creativity is completely up to the publisher. Jokes and graphics can make the newsletterlight-hearted and anticipated. Good taste should be maintained though, since some readers might take offense if the content is risqu?.

Here is a sample of a simple wedding newsletter from a maid-of-honor:

Brooke and John’s Wedding Update July 12, 2003 March edition

Planning is going pretty smoothly. The gowns have arrived but the alterations will have to wait until about six weeks before the big day. Brooke is thrilled with the color of the gowns. They are gorgeous.

John is anxious to pick-out the tuxedos and would like the men to meet the day before Easter (April 20) at Tony’s Tuxedo Rental in Middletown at noon. After that, Tony and the guys will go to Louie’s for pizza and beer. Let Tony know if you can make it on that Saturday. You may want to bring your black dress shoes for a good length measurement.

Brooke and John have signed up for swing lessons at the local YMCA. The lessons are for six weeks on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Since “The Hornblowers” are performing at the reception, you may want to learn some swing steps too. The YMCA has openings for six more couples (as of yesterday, March 25) and the lessons start on May 8th. The cost is $35 per couple. Come and join the bridal couple and have a great time. Mike and I are signing up this evening.

John’s mom, Dorothy, needs to know if anyone is a vegetarian. She is planning the menu for the rehearsal dinner and wants to be accommodating to all of the guests.

Brooke’s mom, Liz, is making a picture display board for the reception. She would like a current picture of each bridesmaid and usher to place on the board. Apparently, she is going to put a little mention of who each participant is and their connection to Brooke and John. She would like the pictures by May 31.

That’s all for now. I’ll update you again in April. Remember if you have any questions, you can e-mail me at Maid-of-honor@jello.com. – Debbie Smith

K. Joy Schaeffer is a bridal consultant. E-mail bridal questions at bridejoy@yahoo.com.