An Announcement

As soon as I finished writing the The Art of Engagement I thought, “Well, that’s only half of the story...”  

After the Art of Engagement comes The Announcement.  

After all questions have been asked and answered comes the excitement of telling those closest to you the good news.  Even if, unbeknownst to you, they have been in on it all along, the telling of your story is a chance to share the infectious excitement with those around you.

Years ago, engagements were announced formally, complete with engraved stationary and a feature in the local paper.  I, personally, still love the formality of a papered announcement, but with today’s technology (and sometimes complicated social structures) it is more likely that your friends and family will find out through a mass text, Facebook posting, or TwitPic!  

Your parents and siblings should be the first to be told (in person if possible).  Once you have announced it to them, you can ask that they spread the word to extended members, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins.  

To share your news quickly (and appropriately), consider the following:

*Upload a video and email to your friends and family.  You may choose to do this via text, as well, if you aren’t near a computer and just can’t wait!

*Send an e-Card with a short note.

*Create a wedding website.  No need to get elaborate - Just select a layout, upload a picture, and sent to friends and family with a note saying that there is more news to come.

*If you can stand to keep the secret a for a day or so, call friends over for an impromptu party and announce the news during cocktails.

*When making your announcement to at work, similar etiquette applies.  Tell your boss privately first and ask their suggestion on the most appropriate time to announce.  Everyone will want to see your ring and hear all of the details, so you want to make your announcement at a time that will interfere least with work.

One of my favorite engagement announcements took place as a part of an elaborate proposal!  It involved an enterprising groom who proposed privately in a hotel suite, and then lead his fiance to dinner, where a handful of family and friends were waiting as a sweet surprise!  

And, of course, you may wish to simply not say anything, and let the sparkler speak for itself!  But I warn you, it will be a hard secret to keep!

Enjoy!

Always...A

The Art of Engagement

This one is for the boys...Or, in some cases, the girls!

I have had the extreme honor of helping a group of amazing, romantic men propose to the women they love.  Setting the stage for these magical proposals has meant the world to me.  What gesture is more romantic than asking someone to spend the rest of their lives with you?

So often we focus on the bride, on the ring, on the dress.  Well, if the wedding is “the Bride’s Day” then the proposal, in many ways, is the Groom’s.  The very act of asking has become an art form, and seeing men so dedicated to being a hero in that moment for the women they love is breathtaking.

Some proposals have happened quickly.  I was once called on a Thursday by a groom-to-be who had staged a faux-girl’s weekend for his love.  With the best friend in on it, we lured her to a private balcony, a carpet of red rose petals, and table for two overlooking The Strip.  Others proposal have taken longer to orchestrate.  For example, on one occasion the ring wasn’t quite ready in time for Christmas.  My fast-thinking groom decided not to propose without the bling, and presented his girlfriend with a trip to Las Vegas instead, complete with special dress to wear to their dinner.  Several months later, she put on that dress, and when they arrived at their destination we had recreated Christmas for them, complete with a tree, twinkle lights, tinsel, and a very sparkly, be-lated gift!

And one proposal that, admittedly, I had little to do with, took place over a Thanksgiving Day dinner with my best friend proposed to his now wife, because she was what he was truly thankful for!  I may have missed out on the proposal, but I got to plan the wedding!

Planning a proposal is not unlike planning a wedding.  Put thought into where and how you are going to ask the question.  Guys, know your audience!  And by that, I mean, your girl!  If she is shy and hates to be the center of attention then having the ring brought out on a platter with dessert in the middle of a 5 Star restaurant is probably a bad idea.  Does she come from a tight-knit family that means the world to her?  Then proposing at a family affair (after asking her father’s permission) may be perfect.  In all cases, see if you can get someone to take a few sneaky snapshots or video for you.  You’ll love looking back on the moment together, and it can serve as amazing inspiration for your engagement announcements, wedding stationary, or even theme!

No matter how long, how elaborate, or how personal the proposal, the true beauty is that for a moment there is one man loving a woman enough to do anything to make her happy.  

And a moment (or two) later...there is a woman who just says “Yes!”

Always...A