Photo by Audra Jones Photography

Tis the season…for diamond rings, clinking champagne glasses, and saying “yes”.  As the holiday season approaches,  not only are we gearing up to give and receive but couples everywhere are taking the next step together.  Welcome to engagement season… the time of year when saying “will you marry me” is on the lips of many and sparkling diamonds are gracing the fingers of lucky ladies everywhere.  But once the question is popped, how do you let everyone know the big news?  Do you run to Instagram and plaster that brilliant diamond for everyone to see or do you bask in this incredibly intimate moment between the two of you before letting the outside in? While it is solely up to you two (your fist joint decision as an engaged couple) we figured it may be helpful to have some tips on how to go about announcing your engagement. 

Tell Your Nearest and Dearest First 

You said yes….and now it is time to shout it to the world, right? Not so fast.  Although we understand the urgency to share your good news, it is important (and not to mention proper) to let those that are closest to you know first.  Think parents, grandparents, siblings and besties.  Those closest to you will be nearly as excited for this big news as you are, so we highly recommend sharing this news in person or at the very least with a phone call.  While we know it is tempting to snap a photo and post it all over social media, being old school is very important here. If there is any time to pick up a phone and make an actual phone call (eek!!), now is the time. 

Text the Rest 

We know that making 100 plus phone calls can be daunting, time consuming and just nearly impossible.  The good news is that once the most significant people in your life have heard that fabulous news roll off your tongue, your fingers can do the talking for the rest.  Sending text messages to close friends, co-workers, cousins, aunts and uncles is totally okay.  Be sure to include a shot of that bling, the two of you, an obnoxious amount of emojis and overused punctuation to get your excitement across. 

Social Media Snowball 

Decades ago you would announce your engagement in a local newspaper…think Mr. Big and Natasha.  Today the equivalent of a print announcement is the formal social media post complete with a gorgeous photo of the happy couple and that beautiful bauble.  Just remember the snowball effect that is social media…once you put it out there, everyone will know.  

The First Look 

Wait just one second…we know what you are thinking; why are we even discussing this special moment so early on.  This is a different type of first look….the first look of that heartbreakingly perfect rock that is now gracing your finger.  Another way to share the news is to plan a small get together with the most significant people in your lives (think VIP status) and surprise them with the news in person. Announcing your engagement in such a fun and creative way is not only a special moment for your inner circle but it is a surefire way to get everyone excited for your big day. 

Party Time 

While an engagement party is certainly not required and is often met with the burden of a budget, it is certainly fun to celebrate with everyone you love.  Whether fancy or casual, formal or informal; an engagement party is a great way to announce your news, begin the merging of two families and the perfect way to formally celebrate your future plans. Engagement parties are often the first time that extended families begin to meet and we can’t think of anything sweeter. 

Engagement Shoot

Engagement photos can have so many purposes in the early stages of your wedding planning journey.  Not only does it guarantee that you are going to snag the photographer of your dreams early on,  it will also supply you with some jaw dropping photos for your website, save the date cards, invitation suite and reception (or any other wedding related party) decor. 

This is the big moment, the one that many of us have had one or two or a million dreams about over our lifetime. While sharing the news feels urgent, this is a moment that should award you and your fiance with ample time to bask in the glow of this new exciting phase of life.  But after that…it is time to tell the world. Whether you want to call your mom within minutes or wait a couple of days to revel in this little secret, there is no wrong way to do it.  Just remember that there should always be a hierarchy of who hears first, the last thing we want is for hard feelings to dampen your moment and your day.  Happy Announcing!