When childhood sweethearts Avery and Josh agreed to marry, they wanted to share their news with friends and family in a way that reflected their unique love. Rather than posting a casual couple photo with a cryptic caption online, the newly engaged pair put their heads together and came up with something pretty special. They composed a romantic little jingle set to the tune of “their” song and hired musicians to record it on CD. They labeled each CD with a sweet vintage photo of the two of them as childhood friends, and then sent copies to all the people who were important in their lives.
Brand Your Wedding
From the hour of your engagement to the minute you set off on your honeymoon, make your wedding a personal expression of your one-of-a-kind love. As one of more than two million American couples marrying each year, you can’t expect to be totally unique, but branding your event with your personal trademark is what’s important.
Tweet to your heart’s content and post dozens of photos of your intended on your home page, but pay attention to more tangible avenues of communication as well, since these are part of the wedding tradition. According to etiquette maven Emily Post, your personal touch is a very important component of announcing your engagement.
If you become engaged just prior to the holiday season, consider creating a special, Minted Christmas photo card with a personal message to announce your engagement. You and your fiancé can opt to dress up in formal holiday garb, goofy character costumes like snow folk or go casual. Then, choose the format, font and colors you are going to use in your wedding.
Say It Symbolically
Rather than spelling out your message in so many words, choose a small, symbolic object that conveys your intention. Anything that is special to you as a couple would work. For example, if you met at the corner bakery and espresso shop, have the store send out individually boxed pastries to each future guest and include a small, elegant announcement card with a line or two that explains the symbolism. Of course, at your reception, more sumptuous treats from “your” espresso place are in order.
Alternatively, you could announce your plans with an old-fashioned key. Attach a note with a ribbon, explaining that your fiancé has unlocked your heart and a wedding will soon follow. You can find bunches of vintage keys at your local antique store. This type of announcement could set the precedent for a lovely vintage-style wedding.
Go for the Glamour
If you love the glamour and romance of traditional weddings, consider taking a cue from the silver screen in sharing your news. Throw a swanky, fancy-dress soiree on the patio, and at an opportune moment, gather upfront with your parents to make the big announcement. Be sure that each of your guests is supplied with a topped-off flute of bubbly for sharing in a good luck toast.
