After the Engagement - Part 4

The time between the proposal and the wedding is not just for planning purposes. It is a time to really get to know each other. Although many couples choose to live together before getting engaged, often critical topics have not been discussed. For that reason many couples elect to participate in pre-marital counseling offered by their clergy. In fact, in an effort to ensure that couples have successful marriages, many clergy make pre-marital counseling a requirement before they will perform the marriage ceremony.

The purpose of pre-marital counseling is to explore strengths and weaknesses, to encourage open communication and discover differences in expectations. Touchy subjects such as finances, marital roles, family planning and parenting, and conflict resolution are brought into the open. It is this type of counseling that can cut through the glow of romance and physical attraction and focus on mental, emotional, spiritual and cultural compatibility.

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After the Engagement - Part 3

Once everyone has been notified, then you begin planning the engagement party, an event usually put on by the bride’s family. This is a time when the family formally acknowledges the engagement and everyone toasts the couple. The groom will also usually toast the bride and her family.

There are no hard and fast rules about the timing of the engagement party. It can be held at a morning brunch, a luncheon or a formal dinner at a local club. It can be as casual as a barbeque around the pool, or as elaborate as a dinner dance at the most elite country club in town.

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After the Engagement - Part 2

Traditionally, the newly-engaged couple will first notify parents of their intent to marry. Once both sets of parents are notified, then immediate family and other relatives and close friends are notified. Only then can a public announcement of the engagement be made.

Also you can expect some rocky moments, if you announce an engagement when the parents didn’t even know you are seeing someone, or when your choice doesn’t exactly fit the ideal that they would have chosen for you. So be kind, patient and mature, giving them time to adjust to the news.

The way the engagement is announced can go a long way to preventing any hurt feelings or other problems.

Announce your engagement

After the Engagement - Part 1

He finally popped the question and you’re engaged. Congratulations! Now you’re wondering, “Now what?” What do you do after the engagement?

A lot of that depends on who you are and where you are. Meaning that the rules of engagement can vary according to your country and customs, your religion, and even your age can influence what happens after the engagement.

If you are Thai or live in Thailand, you would find yourself in a flurry of preparation for an elaborate event. Once the timing of this event is approved by the astrologer, then the groom’s family will prepare a number of gift trays to present to the bride and her family. These gift trays will contain food and desserts, even gold, all representing blessing and prosperity for the happy couple.

This is all done under the watchful eye of a matchmaker who also is the recipient of gifts and blessings. The engagement ceremony serves to seal the couple’s pledge to each other of fidelity.

Announcement your engagement with a photo card

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