Engagement dilemmas – solved

Nothing in life is straightforward, even getting engaged.

How do you announce an engagement in a national newspaper?

The announcement is placed in the Court and Social section of national broadsheet newspapers and the standard format is as follows:

Mr JD Snookesbury Miss IB Winterbottom

The engagement is announced between Jeremy David, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Snookesbury of Stourbridge, West Midlands, and Isabella Bertha Winterbottom, middle daughter of Mr and Mrs Rory Winterbottom of Salterton, Wiltshire.

You could also consider announcing your engagement on the confetti site here.

Do the bride’s parents and groom’s parents need to meet straight away?

It is traditional for the groom's parents to 'call on' the bride's parents soon after their children have decided to marry, but it doesn't always happen these days. Generally, the parents will meet at some stage during the engagement (rather than for the first time at the wedding!) but engagements these days are longer and there doesn't seem to be any hurry to make the introductions. It's a nice idea, though, to arrange a get-together as soon after the engagement as possible.

Does the bride-to-be buy her groom-to-be an engagement present?

This is a great idea and a lovely way to celebrate your union -- after all, he’s just splashed out on that gorgeous ring! Why don't you arrange to go out for dinner/brunch for the last time as fiance/fiancee and give him your gift then?

It doesn’t have to be a huge present to really mean something. A home-made tape of all your special songs would be a great gift to give at this stage in the run-up to the big day. Watches have traditionally been given by the bride to the groom, but, as with everything else in the world of weddings, it's your call.

To find the perfect gift for your spouse-to-be, or any other member of the wedding party, go to Gifts, gift lists and table settings.

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