First things first, enjoy your exciting news. Let it be a secret between the two of you for a few days, then announce your engagement. Go visit with your parents and tell them in person, if possible. The next step would be to have an engagement party to reveal the news to your family and friends.
An engagement party is optional but can be so much fun. It is a chance for you and your fiancé to share the news with family and friends. Anyone can host the party in your honor but allow your parents the opportunity to host the first party. There are several party styles available to you when planning an engagement party. You can have a cocktail party, themed party, buffet style celebration, or a backyard barbeque. The possibilities are vast and the decision is yours. An important tip to remember at an engagement party is that gifts are optional and should not be expected. Even though they are optional many people may still choose to buy you one so register early.
After sharing the news with those closest to you, explore your options of announcing your engagement to the world. There are three main options available to you. Consider the following:
- Mail formal announcements
- Design a web-page
- Place a newspaper announcement
Mail Formal Announcements: This is your first opportunity to show the style of the wedding you are trying to create. Your announcements should reflect your style. They can be as simple or as elegant as you’d like. If you choose to mail formal announcements, be sure to send the announcement to those you plan on inviting to your wedding. Imagine the feeling someone will have if they receive your announcement on your engagement but do not receive an invitation to your wedding.
Design a Web Page: Create your website (be sure to tell the story of how he proposed) to include pictures of you and your handsome fiancé. Then email the website address to all of your family and friends. Your website will become a useful tool later when you need to inform the wedding party, out of town guests and family members of the pertinent details of your big day.
Place a Newspaper Announcement: For those of you that decide to announce your engagement in the local newspaper, be sure to use your hometown newspaper or a newspaper where people will know who you are. If you recently relocated from Orlando to Washington state and don’t know very many people in your area, don’t advertise your engagement in the Washington newspaper. Instead, contact your local hometown newspaper and publish your ad there. Check with the publication to find out their guidelines and to verify if there is a standardized format. It is important to get information on the fee and to verify if photos are allowed.
