Announcing Your Engagement
The good news of your engagement will spread like wildfire. Before that happens, start off on the right foot with everyone. Follow the traditional protocol when announcing your engagement:
Tell the bride's parents first.
The groom's parents are told next.
If your parents are divorced, tell the parent who raised you (or your fiancé), and then share the news with the other parent.
Once all of the parents are privy to the engagement, the groom's parents should contact the bride's parents and, if possible, set up a meeting.
If either the bride or groom has children, tell them immediately so they do not feel excluded in the process of combining the families.
Start Spreading the News
Publishing a formal announcement in the newspapers of your hometown and the city in which you live is a great way to spread the word. Most newspapers have standard announcement formats that include the names and occupations of the bride, groom, and their parents, schools attended, and possibly a photograph. Check with your local publication for details. Here is an example of a standard published announcement:
Engagement Announcement
Mr. and Mrs. (bride's parents) of (city, state) announce the engagement of their daughter, (bride's first and middle name), to (groom's full name), son of Mr. and Mrs. (groom's parent's names) of (city, state). A (month/season) wedding is planned. (Or, No date has been set for the wedding.)
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
At one time it was standard protocol for the hosts of the wedding to mail a printed formal engagement announcement. It is not standard practice today, but it does add a level of formality to the wedding plans. Formal engagement announcements are traditionally sent by the bride's parents, but they can also be sent by the couple or whoever is hosting the wedding. Be sure to include the following details on your printed engagement announcement:
Hosts of the wedding
Names of bride and groom
Location of the wedding (city, state)
Do not include the date or times (yet)
