How to Get Your Weddings Published
If you want your work shared on social media, popular websites, and in the pages of leading magazines, you’ve got to get into the heads of the editors. From the story you tell, to the shots to submit, read on and find out how to maximize your chances of getting your weddings featured.
© Callaway Gable Photography
Match the Style of the Media
When it comes to making your pitch, it’s all about knowing who to pitch to. If you have an outlet in mind, read their latest posts or the last issue of their magazine to see the styles they’re showing off now. If you’re looking to get published in a luxury magazine like WedLuxe, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style or Martha Stewart Weddings, submit your most luxurious events with lots of impressive details. If you want to be featured in Destination I DO or Weddings and Honeymoons, you’ll need a celebration that the couple planned from afar. If you’re aiming for blogs like Green Wedding Shoes, Confetti, Polka Dot Wedding, Style Me Pretty, Ruffled, or Over the Moon, then submitting thoughtfully designed weddings that will inspire their readers should get you through their door. So what if you’re weddings are more alternative and full of out of the box ideas? Then, look at like-minded outlets like Off Beat Bride, Equally Wed and Rock n Roll Bride. And don’t forget that local blogs and magazines that showcase the work of talented local vendors can draw couples to you right where you live.
Focus on the Story
Love stories with a unique twist offer the publisher a persuasive reason to share them. Childhood sweethearts, couples who met through shared hobbies, and stories of challenges overcome are just some of the themes that will get their attention. When you have a unique and beautifully photographed wedding, it will move to the editor’s short list if there's also a fun, romantic or newsworthy story behind it.
Consider the Location
What’s not to love about a wedding in a Parisian cathedral, on top of a mountain in Switzerland, or on a beach in Bora Bora? The more exotic or interesting your location is, the more likely you’ll get picked up by a national or international publication. Photos from hotel ballrooms that show exit signs in the background and use pipe and drape behind the couple to hide walls are often dismissed. And, while a private estate or club may be beautiful, if it isn’t a place the magazine’s viewers can rent for themselves, it will be a bigger hurdle to get a “yes” from editors.
Submit Extraordinary, Well-Lit Photos
Most publications want photos that brighten their pages, which often means a preference for natural light photography and photos captured with off-camera flash. Detail photos taken under the same lighting conditions work well in collage style layouts, which many blogs and magazines use in their editorial. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule and trend-setting outlets that are willing to break them. So don’t give up on getting published if you don’t think your work fits the mold.
Include Vendor Information
Every blog and magazine will want to list the vendors whose work is shown in the photographs. Some publications will allow you to submit photos without vendor information, but they will still require it if your wedding is chosen.
Be Sure You Can Get Permission
In addition to having the couple’s permission, you’ll need the photographer and planner to sign-off too. Even if you've retained all copyright permissions in advance, publishers will require those signatures along with some kind of exclusivity rights. Be sure all parties are comfortable with their terms. Most magazines will ask that the wedding has not been previously published on a competitor’s site and a few will even restrict it from being shown on your own website or social media within a given time frame.
Follow this Wedding Photo Submission Checklist:
Preparing the collection of photographs for each submission is critical in having your weddings considered. Expect to submit 20 to 100 photos depending on the publication’s requirements and show the best options you have for each type of photograph in the following list. While you may not have all of these shots from every wedding, the more you have (especially when it comes to details), the better your chances of getting your weddings published.
Moments:
Getting Ready
First Look
Processional
Ceremony
The Kiss
Recessional
Reception Arrival
First Dance
Cake Cutting
The Grand Exit
Particularly Emotional or Funny photos
Portraits: Both Portrait and Landscape Orientation
(Be sure to show full length shots that capture the fashions, and a great vertical cover shot)
Bride/s - 3 options
Groom/s - 3 options
Couple Together - 5 options
Wedding Party - 3 options
Family Groups - optional
Guests Having Fun
Details:
Aisle and Arbor
Cake
Bouquet
Boutonniere
Ceremony Site
Extras - paper products, gifts, accessories
Floral design; centerpieces, arches, arbors
Invitations & Save the Dates
Place Settings
Reception Site - full room or area
Rings
Table Design
Venue/Location
Need help creating your pitch or curating your photos? minute consultation to discuss your dreams and ambitions, and let’s get your work in the spotlight.
