An engagement announcement is the formal or informal sharing of your decision to marry with family, friends, and the broader community. Modern engagement announcements combine in-person conversations, social media posts, formal printed announcements, and newspaper submissions.
14 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Enjoy the moment privately — Take time as a couple to savor the engagement before telling anyone. There is no rush to share the news immediately.
- Tell parents first — Traditional etiquette recommends telling the bride's parents first, followed by the groom's parents. In person is ideal; a phone or video call works for long-distance family. B...
- Inform siblings and close family — Call or visit siblings, grandparents, and other close family members individually. These personal conversations matter and prevent hurt feelings from finding out ...
- Tell your closest friends — Contact your closest friends personally via phone call, video chat, or in person. These are the people who may be in your wedding party, and they deserve to hear directl...
- Share on social media — Once all important people have been personally informed, share your engagement on social media. Consider waiting a few days after the proposal to give yourself time to conta...
- Send formal engagement announcements (optional) — Printed engagement announcements sent via mail are traditional but not required. These are appropriate for extended family, family friends, and pro...
- Submit a newspaper announcement (optional) — Local newspapers in smaller communities still publish engagement announcements. These are typically submitted 2-3 months before the wedding and include ...
- Host an engagement party (optional) — An engagement party is a celebration with close family and friends, typically hosted by the couple's parents or close friends. It is usually held within 1-3 mo...
2. Key Details
- Timing There is no mandatory waiting period. Most couples tell parents within 24-48 hours of the proposal and share publicly within a few days to two weeks.
- Social media etiquette Do not post on social media until your immediate family and closest friends have been personally informed. Coordinate with your partner on what to post and when. Be mindful that not everyone uses t...
- Newspaper announcements Contact your local newspaper for submission guidelines, word limits, photo requirements, and fees (some charge $50-$200). Include: couple's names, parents' names, education, employers, planned wedd...
- Engagement party timing Typically held within 1-3 months of the engagement. It is the first wedding-related event and should not overshadow subsequent celebrations (showers, rehearsal dinner).
- Who hosts the engagement party Traditionally parents, but anyone close to the couple can host. The couple may also host their own.
- Registry timing Do not share registry information in the engagement announcement itself. Your wedding website is the appropriate place for registry details.
Common Mistakes
- Posting on social media before telling parents
- Telling one side of the family before the other
- Including too many details too soon
- Forgetting about people who do not use social media
- Making the announcement during someone else's event
Pro Tips
- Take an engagement photo specifically for the announcement
- Write a short, authentic caption
- Create a shared messaging plan
- Consider a group text or call for friend groups
- Save your engagement cards and messages