 Announcing the engagement
First things first: share the good news! After savouring the romantic moment of becoming engaged, it is customary to tell those who brought you into the world first. Your parents will hopefully be as happy as you, however if you anticipate a negative reaction, it is advisable to keep the announcement short and sweet. Preparing them ahead of time will also lessen the shock. Many grooms still like to ask the father’s permission but now do so after the bride accepts and as a traditional courtesy rather than a binding decision. The respect shown will be much appreciated by the future father-in-law, but discuss the option as a couple before making any impulsive phone calls.
After both sets of parents have been informed it’s up to you to spread the good news. If there are children from previous relationships it’s a great idea to tell them before your friends. Then make sure the mobile is charged and go crazy! You will need time to think about choosing the bridal party, so avoid making any impulsive decisions while sharing the good news. Details should also be avoided, but before you make the calls be prepared with a vague idea of when you wish to wed. You don’t have to magically come up with a date on the spot or talk colours or honeymoon locations; just share the news and promise a later update.
Don’t endeavour to tell everyone at once. Focus on those closest to you and simply send around an email/letter/card to your wider circle of friends and family later. A newspaper announcement should cover the rest of the grapevine. Traditionally done by the bride’s parents, the announcement should read as follows: “Mr and Mrs Johnson of Wahroonga, NSW, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their daughter, Ms Elizabeth Johnson, to Mr Matthew Anderson, son of Mr and Mrs Anderson of Paddington, NSW.”
Setting the dateDeciding on your wedding date is no easy feat. There are many factors that come into play, so write a list together of contributing issues.
Work: When can you both get time off work for the wedding and honeymoon? Some couples are delaying large honeymoons and taking a short break to suit working arrangements. However, after the wedding build-up, a honeymoon is an ideal reward, so try to find the perfect balance.
Notice: How soon do you wish to tie the knot? Many popular venues and photographers are booked up to 12 months in advance, so get in early!
Family and friends: Who do you need to plan around? Contact overseas and interstate guests before setting a date.
Date: The peak wedding season covers spring and summer, particularly from November to January. Services are difficult to book during this time and you will need plenty of notice. Take note of school holidays and how it will affect travel and honeymoon accommodation prices or, conversely, make it easier on interstate guests. If you are planning an overseas honeymoon, when is the best time to travel and what deals can you get?
Day: Saturday is the most popular day to wed and is often hard to book. If time is short, you may wish to consider a Sunday wedding or save lots of money on a Monday or Friday wedding. While weekday weddings are growing in popularity, they may upset some guests and hamper attendance.
Time: Morning, afternoon or evening? You will need an initial picture of the style of wedding you desire. The large ball gown you have your heart set on may look out of place at a breakfast reception, so develop a list of priorities and values to aid your decision. Price can also help you decide, with the dollar value for most things going up from morning to noon.
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