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Behind the Scenes with Bridal Guide Editor-in-Chief Mary Clarke: Wedding Submission Tips + Trends

At OFD Consulting, we’re committed to empowering wedding professionals through publicity and education—and one of the most effective ways to do that is by going straight to the source. In our latest exclusive Q+A for Collective members, I sat down with Mary Clarke, Executive Editor and Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Guide, one of the last standing national bridal print magazines, to talk about all things editorial: submissions, trends, timelines, and more.

In this blog post, we’re pulling back the curtain on the conversation and sharing highlights that every wedding pro should know—especially if you’re hoping to see your work in print. Whether you’re a planner, photographer, or floral designer, this is your behind-the-scenes look at how to build relationships with editors and create standout submissions that get noticed.

Why This Matters for OFD Consulting Clients

As the founder of OFD Consulting and the OFD Collective, I’ve seen firsthand how strategic media placements can elevate your brand. Understanding what editors want isn’t just helpful—it’s critical. That’s why interviews like these are such a valuable part of our PR programming.

We often talk about the power of real wedding submissions as a foundation of wedding PR. This Q+A confirms what we tell our clients: thoughtful submissions, patience with timelines, and professional visuals go a long way.

About Mary Clarke and Bridal Guide

Mary Clarke is not only the Executive Editor of Bridal Guide, but also its Editor-in-Chief, leading one of the few remaining national bridal magazines in print. With decades of editorial experience at publications like Modern Bride, Redbook, and Seventeen, she’s a wealth of knowledge and a true champion of wedding pros.

Mary emphasized the importance of Bridal Guide‘s bi-monthly cadence, which allows their small-but-mighty editorial team to highlight the best in wedding inspiration, from real weddings to destination honeymoons to trend-forward fashion spreads.

Top Wedding Submission Tips from Bridal Guide

So what exactly catches Mary’s eye? Here are some key takeaways:

1. Submit a Complete Story

Mary stressed that great submissions go beyond just pretty images. Editors are storytellers—and they want to tell your couple’s story. Include:

  • The couple’s background
  • Meaningful moments
  • Design decisions
  • Personal elements (think: pets, signature cocktails, sustainable details, etc.)

2. Photography Is Everything

High-res, professional photography is non-negotiable. Editors want a full picture of the day, not just portraits. That means:

  • Overview shots of ceremony and reception setups
  • Flat lays of invitations, cake, signage, tablescapes
  • Candids of guests and moments of movement (toasts, dancing, laughter)
  • Avoid over-edited filters or moody tones that may not print well. Mary likes authentic, clean, colorful images with variety and detail.

3. Keep Timelines in Mind

Mary shared what we often tell clients: the print submission timeline can be long. Expect to wait several months between acceptance and publication.

Tip: You can follow up respectfully if you haven’t heard back after a few weeks. Don’t be afraid to nudge.

4. Don’t Forget Party Planner + Style Shoots

Beyond traditional real weddings, Bridal Guide has a “Party Planner” section that features styled shoots, rehearsal dinners, and engagement parties—especially those with great design inspiration. These are perfect for wedding planners and designers.

5. Inclusivity and Diversity Are Key

Mary is always on the lookout for multicultural weddings, same-sex couples, size inclusivity, and diversity in both visuals and storytelling. Representation matters.

Wedding PR Tips from Meghan Ely + OFD Consulting

At OFD Consulting, we specialize in wedding publicity—and that includes real wedding submissions, press pitching, and relationship building with editors like Mary. If you’re looking to build brand credibility, earn backlinks, and stand out in a crowded market, here’s our best advice:

  • Be selective. Don’t mass blast your galleries. Know which publications are the right fit.
  • Customize your pitch. Every editor wants to feel like you know their outlet. Show that you’ve done your homework.
  • Work with a publicist. If you’re short on time or unsure where to start, our team can help you craft compelling submissions.
  • Document your work well. Hire photographers who capture every detail you lovingly designed.

Want more tips? Check out our Wedding Submission Tips Q+A with Sarah Schreiber for insights from the former Brides editor.

The Full Interview: Only for Collective Members

We’ve embedded a teaser video above with some of Mary’s best insights, but the full 45-minute conversation is available exclusively to OFD Collective members in your member portal.

This Q+A is part of our ongoing media training and editor insight series to help members better understand the submission process and gain valuable exposure.

If you’re interested in working with OFD Consulting to amplify your brand through wedding PR, let’s chat. And if you’re a wedding pro looking to grow your publicity know-how and access exclusive content like this, consider joining the OFD Collective.

OFD Consulting and Meghan Ely remain dedicated to helping wedding professionals show up, stand out, and shine in the media—with integrity, strategy, and results.

Stay tuned for more editor interviews and media tips coming soon.

 

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