Direct Mail to Engaged Couples

[Peacefield]

I used to shoot weddings on the side back in the 1980's. Having invested in quite a bit of gear recently (including an order for a 5d II), I've become motivated to do it again, but the world has changes a lot over these 25 years.

My primary form of marketing back then was to go through the engagement annoucements, seek out one of their home addresses, and send a flier. It was very effective for me and I'd like to do the same now, but I've become increasingly aware of a couple of things:

One is that newspapers now ask that couples not submit their announcement until their wedding is 3 months away or less, by which time I would think they have already contracted with a photographer.

Professional engagement photos have become very popular in recent years and it's likely that the photo they're using in the paper was shot by the guy who will be covering their wedding.

So is anyone still using direct mail? Is it still effective, even a little?

Thanks.

[stathunter]

I do not use direct mail but have thought many times about this. I agree that it might be a little late to target the couples so late in the game.