The engagement

Greg and Rebecca Dowling married at Larnach Castle in February. MCROBIE STUDIOS
Greg and Rebecca Dowling married at Larnach Castle in February. MCROBIE STUDIOS
Andrew White and Fiona Murray, whose marriage took place in Wairarapa in February this year....
Andrew White and Fiona Murray, whose marriage took place in Wairarapa in February this year. REBECCA MCSKIMMING PHOTOGRAPHY.
Clinton and Rebecca Bates celebrated their wedding at Mosgiel last October. GILLIES PHOTOGRAPHY.
Clinton and Rebecca Bates celebrated their wedding at Mosgiel last October. GILLIES PHOTOGRAPHY.

Everyone loves the announcement of an engagement and the in way of the world today news can spread quickly. Ways to announce the engagement well are to tell the parents first, by a visit if they are close or a phone or Skype call if they live at a distance. Some bridegrooms still enjoy following the age-old tradition of firstly asking the father-in-law for his daughter's hand in marriage. Fathers-in-law get a kick out of it too!

It's important that the couple is there together to share the news with both sets of parents. Then come the siblings, the grandparents and other close relatives.

Phone calls to close friends generate equal excitement and emotion. Children from previous marriages should be the very first to know, having been prepared for this possibility. Today the good news can be transmitted across the world in seconds, by e-mails, text messages, and social networks. Couples can also set up their own website. This can be used in an informal way to announce the engagement, after letting friends and family know
the URL address, and to keep the wedding guests updated on wedding plans. And an announcement of the engagement in the local newspaper remains as effective and popular as it did a century ago!

ENGAGEMENT PARTIES
Often couples, parents or both, arrange a party to either announce or celebrate the engagement with friends and family and future wedding guests, with some parents making it a shared venture. In turn, the engaged couple may throw a party to introduce their
various friends. Remember, this is a happy time and many people like to share it.

TIP: Because many couples may have already set up house prior to getting engaged, less emphasis is put on the concept of engagement gifts today. However, many people still enjoy sending a card and a thoughtful gift. They will always be appreciated!

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