Engagement Announcement Answers
Rules, Wording & Etiquette
One of the most thrilling bits of information you’ll get to share in your lifetime is that you’re engaged. As far as your close friends and family are concerned, you’ll want to tell them either in person or over the phone, but there is also the lovely task of sending out an official engagement announcement. You might have some pressing questions about this tradition in regards to wording and level of formality, so here are some answers.
Modern Wording
Even though some couples don’t bother with this tradition and choose to only send out engagement party invitations, some still do, so if you’re one of the latter then you’ll want to explore your various engagement announcement-wording options. There aren’t any rules with a basic announcement, except that it’s imperative that you let your guests know what the wedding date is. If you don’t know the exact date when mailing out the announcements, then at the very least inform your guests of the month. For example you could print “(your name) & (your fiancé’s name) will exchange vows in December.” This way you’re letting everyone in on the exciting engagement as well as letting them know around what date they should expect the wedding to take place.
Traditional Wording
If you’re a traditionalist and want to stick to old school wedding etiquette, then your engagement announcements should read something along the lines of “Mr. and Mrs. John McCabe of Sacramento, California, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Allison McCabe to Glenn Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Thompson of Austin, Texas. They will marry in the fall.” The second paragraph on the announcement should include the education and/or occupation of both the bride-to-be and groom-to-be.
Wording Adjustments
Depending on your family situation you may need some guidance on how to approach wording that fits your family configuration. For example if your parents have gotten divorced and are now remarried then it is customary for you to put your mother’s new married name first and then your father’s name. If one of your parents is deceased, list your surviving parent first followed by the deceased parent.
Modern Announcements
More and more couples are choosing to save money and help the environment by sending out announcements through email. While this is an adequate option, you need to keep in mind that even though most friends and family have email, there is the slight chance that some may not, particularly your older friends and family. If that is the case, then make sure to either make a phone call to those guests without email, or send them an engagement announcement in the mail. Communication is key and not informing a guest of your engagement could result in hurt feelings or that those guests are unable to attend your wedding because they weren’t informed far enough in advance of your wedding date.
Newspaper
In case you decide to go this route keep in mind that it is traditionally the bride’s family that is responsible for placing the engagement announcement in your local newspaper.
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