The wedding of the century is less than a week away, and even across the pond, we are feeling the buzz of excitement. Like a wedding, big public events can offer great opportunities for nonprofits to generate positive press coverage. Here are a few public relations tips for you inspired by Harry and Meghan’s big day:
Make images count
An event offers excellent opportunities for stunning visuals. Media will expect to receive high-quality photos and videos after the event. A picture is worth a thousand words—what photos best tell your organization’s story? Prior to the big day, put together a shot list to ensure nothing is missed and your photographer knows exactly what to capture.
Posing photos near signs with your organization’s name and logo increases brand recognition. An easy way to do this is to set up a step-and-repeat with a background for VIPs to pose in front of upon arrival.
After the wedding, we’ll see photos of the happy couple across social media, TV, and print outlets for days, if not weeks. Keep the buzz going long after your event has ended and share your event photos with media, on your organization’s social platforms, and with VIP attendees, board members and donors.
Don’t be afraid to break with tradition
If there’s anything this couple has taught us, it’s that breaking with tradition has its benefits. Harry and Meghan are straying from years of royal protocol to stay true to themselves, simultaneously helping to move the monarchy into modern times. Nonprofit organizations can follow their lead.
Just because an event has always been done a certain way, at a certain time of the year, at a certain venue, doesn’t mean it always has to be. Don’t be afraid to change things up, but be prepared to communicate why you’re making a change. In a break with tradition, Harry and Meghan have forgone inviting heads of state to their ceremony, instead opting to invite young community leaders from across the U.K. and individuals involved in the nonprofit organizations the couple supports. It’s a different move for the royal family, but “on brand” for this young, charitable couple.
Turn one event into many stories
While Harry and Meghan’s nuptials are the main event, there have been many stories about the couple and their special day leading up to their wedding day, from traditional retrospective stories about past royal weddings, to the unexpected stories about the father and son horses that will draw their carriage around Windsor Castle.
Events offer the chance to share unique stories about your organization’s history, mission, awardees, board members, speakers, and more. As we see with the royal wedding, there is no shortage of stories to tell, and by aligning your pitches with the right media outlet, you can reap the rewards.
Support a brand-related cause
According to a friend interviewed on Good Morning America, Meghan and Harry initially connected over their passion for philanthropic work. In lieu of personal gifts, the couple has asked well-wishers to make contributions to numerous organizations that support issues they are passionate about such as HIV, homelessness, conservation and women’s empowerment.
For-profit companies can follow the royals’ lead and team up with a nonprofit to sponsor an event and generate positive press coverage while supporting a cause that connects to the company’s brand. For example, New Balance is a sponsor of Teak’s client Playworks, a national nonprofit that leverages the power of play to transform kids’ social and emotional health. Playworks’ mission aligns with New Balance’s brand values, and thus this partnership is a win-win for both.
Cheers to Meghan and Harry! May your marriage be as successful as the public relations campaign leading up to your big day.
