The History Of Wedding Chronicles™

Her personal experience with weddings is limited — Kathleen Green married Robert Veth on December 31, 1966. It was the first  —  and only —  marriage for both. But nevertheless, the former New Jersey resident knows weddings. Several years ago, Veth created Wedding Chronicles™ — personalized newsletters that introduce the Bride’s family to the Groom’s.

Jean Butler Photography

The idea for a unique wedding newsletter occurred to its author when she was a guest at a friend’s wedding. At the reception, the Bride’s mother expressed a wish to become better acquainted with the relatives and friends of her new son-in-law. That statement confirmed what Veth had thought for many years — there should be a way for the two families to get to know each other. With this in mind, she set about creating Wedding Chronicles™ newsletters — chock full of articles about the Bride and Groom, family and friends, wedding details and the newlyweds’ plans for the future.

"I see it as a simple, painless way to introduce the Bride’s family to the Groom’s," explained Veth. The multi-page, personal-size booklets are a combination of graphics, traditions, customs, anecdotes, family trivia and inspiration which guarantees that the two families need never be strangers again.

Presented to guests at the reception, mailed to those unable to attend, or slipped into the wedding photo album or time capsule, Wedding Chronicles™ make a charming keepsake. Wedding Chronicles™ has the added advantage of seeing guests through the awkward period when, at the reception, they are seated and waiting for the wedding party to return from picture taking. "Sometimes those few minutes seem like hours," Veth pointed out.

In addition to the expected details of the wedding, the newsletter can be dedicated to those who have shown special affection and support to the bride and groom. "Most couples choose to honor their parents or grandparents. One Bride chose a much-loved babysitter," recalled Veth.Through the chronicle, the people spring to life. Readers can learn how — and why —  the Bride chose her attendants, what significance the theme or colors of the wedding have, how the couple created their own vows or opted for the traditional, and so much more." I usually include a ‘Did You Know?’ section where I get to tell things like, ‘Today’s flowers were designed by Jane Doe, who also created the flowers for the wedding of the Bride’s parents 32 years ago,’ " explained Veth.

Each chronicle is unique, tailored to the specific needs of the Bride and Groom. Couples complete a questionnaire, review a draft newsletter, and then choose the graphics. Although the whole process takes 14 to 16 weeks, the finished product appears as if ‘hot off the press.’

Veth has had lots of experience helping people put their thoughts into print. Now an independent writing and editing consultant whose articles have appeared in regional and national magazines. In the mid 1980s, she was editor of her hometown weekly newspaper. Veth was also a two-term Massachusetts State President of the National League of American PenWomen, an organization of professional writers, composers and artists.

With literally hundreds, perhaps thousands, of interviews behind her, Veth knows how to listen. “Brides and grooms – and their parents – have told me that I put people at ease and guide them into what is appropriate,” she said, speaking of the chronicle.  “People can take comfort in the fact that the Bride and Groom get the final edit,” she added.

Veth, who has called Massachusetts her home for more than 30 years, said her first out-of-state sale was to a couple in New Jersey. "Word is spreading," admitted Veth, who has made sales or had inquiries from California, Colorado, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.

"People are even buying the newsletters for gifts. Recently, a group of sisters called. They wanted to give something extra special to their only brother for his wedding and decided that chipping in to buy a Wedding Chronicle™ might be the answer," said Veth..

Wedding Chronicles™ answer all the questions a guest might ask. This was confirmed as Veth and her husband attended the wedding and reception of the Bride and Groom featured in the first issue (their son was an Usher).

"On the way there, my husband asked where the Bride had gone to school, where they were going on their honeymoon, where they would live, and on and on. I just kept answering ‘It’s in the newsletter,’ " said Veth.

HELPFUL HINT: To save endless repetition during the reception, and time after the ceremony, include church readings, vows, song lyrics, newlyweds’ address and phone number . . . anything guests might ask you to send them later.