[weddinggurl]

I am recently engaged. It will be my second wedding and my fiance's first. His mother and stepfather would like to host an engagement party for us in the near future. My fiance wants to send out an engagement announcement to friends and family. Would we send out the announcement in conjunction with the invitation? What about friends and family that won't be attending the party? Would we send it out or his parents? Can you advise on proper wording? Thank you so much for your help and advice!

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Newly Engaged,

Congratulations!

Engagement announcements are by word of mouth and in publications, such as the local newspaper. It isn't proper to send engagement announcement cards. These are typically viewed as a plea for gifts, even though an engagement party is not traditionally a gift giving event.

His parents would send the party invitations so you two wouldn't be involved with this. This is a party hosted for you.

For those not attending the party, call and tell them. Other family members and friends could tell them. This is something that we simply verbally inform our family and friends about.

When you plan your wedding and know exactly when and where, you could send Save the Date cards. These could also double as your engagement announcement.

Best wishes,