What do I do about announcing our engagement in the paper?
by techdude on Friday, July 30th, 2010 | 6 Comments
I am getting married in December in my fiance’s hometown (long story-it works out best for us to do it that way). I’m from Ohio, and am not planning on putting an engagement announcement in our hometown paper because of our already tight wedding budget. My fiance’s mom is all up on getting it in his hometown (where we’re getting married), but we don’t have the money, and I don’t know what to do. They said they would pay, but that would mean the wording is from his parents and not mine, which I think is a little strange…but I’m not sure. Also, I’ve heard you only do it if the bride’s family wants to. Any suggestions?
Sounds like the grooms family is so excited and proud that their son is getting married and wants to tell the town. I think you should compromise with your soon to be in-laws. You will be willing to have them pay for it and would like it if you and your fiance get to help in writing the announcement.
Try not to put a damper on his parents because they are just as excited as your parents are. Just remember it’s their day too (bride and groom’s parents) however, it is a bigger day for you and your fiance. Just be patient and understanding to each others feelings.
Actually, by etiquette it should be in their words since they are announcing the engagement of THEIR son in THEIR hometown paper, not to mention paying for it. They sound like great people who are excited and supportive.
It would be pretty odd for the announcement to be in your parents words when no one in that town knows them. If your parents want to announce in your paper, then by tradition, that would be int their words.
HOWEVER, it can be jointly done:
HisMom, His Dad and Yourmom, Yourdad would like to announce the engagement of their children HisName YourName, yadayadayada.
Most newspapers now have a portion of their website where you can submit an engagement for publication. It’s a fairly routine survey.
I remember when it used to be free…
Go on the paper’s website and check. It was free here and very easy. We basically filled out the information, included a picture and they put it into a nice little announcement.
All engagement announcements released to a newspaper should be printed neatly or typewritten. Always include a name, address and telephone number of the “contact person” just in case the newspaper personnel has any questions.
Any person (Bride’s family or Groom’s family) can fill in the newspaper’s announcement form as long as they have all the proper information. Some newspapers charge to have the announcement put in their paper, and some of them do not.
Here’s an example of a newspaper engagement announcement . .
Mr and Mrs. John Smith of New York City, NY announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Jane Elizabeth Smith, to Mr. David John Bell, son of Mr and Mrs Edward Bell of Toledo, OH.
Traditionally, the Bride’s parents “announces” the engagement but the Bride and Groom can announce their own engagement or the Groom’s parents can announce the engagement or a member of the Bride or Groom’s family can announce the engagement, it really doesn’t make a difference.
You really should buy a wedding etiquette book, it will answer a lot of your questions in the future months. There is no need to wonder or guess what is right or what is wrong when you have the book in your hand.
Answered by: A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant
Check with the local newspaper where his hometown is in. You can call or look it up the web.