Announcing the Good News
After you've told family, it is time to share your joy with the world. No doubt the news will spread like wildfire at the sight of a ring on your finger. Before this happens, make an effort to personally contact your dearest friends and the special people in your life. On the other hand, it's okay to let the ring speak for itself with casual friends, business associates, and acquaintances.
In Print
Should we announce our engagement in the newspaper? Publishing a formal announcement in the newspapers in your hometown and the city in which you work or currently live is a great way to spread the word and makes a great keepsake. Most newspapers have standard announcement formats to follow, which include names, education, and occupations of the bride, groom, and their parents and possibly a photograph. Check with your local paper for specifications.
Fact
An engagement announcement for the newspaper typically reads as follows: Mr. and Mrs. (bride's parents) of (their 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 (their city, state). A (month/season) wedding is planned. (Or, No date has been set for the wedding.)
Does anyone still send out printed engagement announcements? In the name of tradition, many couples do. A formal announcement printed from your stationer adds a level of formality to the wedding plans and provides a nice memento for years to come. Formal engagement announcements are traditionally sent by the parents of the bride, but can also be sent by the couple or the hosts of the wedding. They include basic information such as the hosts, who is marrying, and the location of the wedding. No date or times are mentioned.
General Protocol
Are the bride's parents the only ones who can make the engagement announcement? The traditional protocol for making an engagement announcement has the parents of the bride-to-be making the announcement of their daughter's engagement. If the parents are divorced, then the mother makes the announcement, but the father must be mentioned. If a stepparent has raised you, that parent may make the announcement with your mother or father, but you should still mention the other parent. If both parents are deceased, then a close relative does the honors. If the couple is older and have been on their own, they may make the announcement themselves.
