It will help if you read the announcements in the newspapers where you are sending to. Stick to the same format. Be as brief and to the point as possible. Also include a contact name and a day time phone number in case the writer or editor needs to contact you to verify information. If you are including a photograph, make sure it is black, white and glossy.
Engagement photos are generally a head and shoulders shot of the lucky couple.
The wedding photo should show how you look the day of your wedding ceremony. Normally, the wedding photo is taken a few weeks prior to the ceremony. For your engagement announcement, you should plan to send a press release and photo to the papers anytime after the engagement or four to six weeks prior to the wedding ceremony. The wedding announcement usually appears the day after your ceremony. If you do not mind your wedding announcement appearing a few weeks after the ceremony, you can use a photo from the actual wedding day.