How to Announce Your Engagement

Assuming you are not estranged from either of your parents, they should be informed first. Telling them the good news in person is best, but if you live far away, a phone call is acceptable. Consider video chatting to make it even more personal! In the case of separated parents, be sure to tell the second one immediately after so they don’t find out about your engagement from someone else. The exception to not telling your parents (or whoever raised you) is if you have children, particularly from a prior relationship. In that case, your children should be the first to know, as it affects their lives the most. Your ex (the children’s other parent) should be informed as well, although your parents can be told first. 

Other family members, such as siblings or a close cousin, should also get to hear the news straight from you, as should your best friends. Texting is acceptable with some people, but you have to think carefully about your relationship with each person and whether they would consider that appropriate. In order to figure out whether you should call or let someone find out via social media, think of how you would feel if that’s how you found out about their engagement. As a general rule, it’s always better to be more personal than less. 

Now that your personal relationships are taken care of, you and your sweetheart should decide how to share the news with everyone else. Keep in mind that it can be nice to have a day or two before the whole world (i.e. your social media circle) knows so you can bask in the glow of your engagement before fielding questions about the wedding. Newspaper announcements aren’t generally necessary nowadays, but if one or both parents want to do it, this is a situation where you might as well let them. On social media, a cute and descriptive picture is usually all you need. Some people may consider it tacky to include a picture of just the ring, but we all know that’s what your followers really want to see. A collage is a nice compromise, and fun props that state your engagement give your announcement a special touch.

You could also share the good news via an engagement party. You could make it a surprise by disguising what the occasion is, or simply use your invitations as your announcement. Just remember that guests invited to an engagement party should also be invited to your wedding.

Discover the eight things no one tells you about getting engaged, get ideas for your engagement manicure, and nine outfit ideas for your engagement shoot.

Opening photo by Lin & Jirsa Photography