Top Wedding Questions: Newspaper Annoucement Problem - Top Wedding Questions

My daughter provided information to be included in her wedding announcement that included the names of parents, grandparents, etc. of both the bride and groom to the newspaper for her wedding announcement. When it ran, the editor without asking edited out the names of her step-mother, step-grandmother and a spouse of grandparent who had remarried after death of spouse but left in what to her appeared to be natural parents and grandparents, although she couldn't have really known for sure and was only using last names to figure it out. I called to find out why and the editor said it was her policy to only include natural parents, etc.

Does that make sense or seem fair? Blended families comprise nearly 60% of all families. It seems it should be up to the bride and/or the person who submits the information as to who should be included in the announcement. I understand about space problems in newspaper articles, but after talking to the editor I could tell this was not just about column space. Of course my daughter was crushed because it looked like she herself had left out these important family members that are in every sense parents and grandparents and was embarrassed by the editors omissions. There was no communication before-hand from the paper that this was a policy. In fact the the preliminary contact at the paper was very careful to get all of the information and relationships correct when the information was submitted and called even back twice to confirm.

I have always believed that blood does not define families....love does. When I complained to the editor about her policy all I got was a snooty "well that is my policy" and it is "too difficult to figure out what to do" and "I can't please everyone".

That is not a policy that I am familiar with. I agree that it should have been included. I think it may be the personal preference of the editor.

I agree with you, Ray. Sometimes those you love the most aren't related by blood. However, I think there are only so many fields that they have in these announcement forms and only so much room to fit everyone. Being in a blended family can get complicated! Though, the editor should explain her reasons. Too bad some people don't do what we expect or act the way we wish. If she was rude to you, I'm sorry you were hurt.

I'm sorry this happened to your daughter and your blended family. It isn't polite and I don't think it is the norm.

I think the editor of the paper should have notified you before editing the announcement herself.