Generally, the parents should be the first people to find out. If you have children from a previous marriage, though, they should be consulted before anyone else. [1] X Research source Your parents should be the first people to officially find out about your engagement, even if you’ve already gotten their approval. If you’re unable to visit your parents in the flesh, a phone call (or better yet, a video chat) will make it possible to talk to them one-on-one. [2] X Research source

Feel free to extend your invitation to siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and anyone else who you’re close to. A holiday visit or family reunion can be a convenient time to make your announcement, if it happens to fall around the same time. Just make sure the news doesn’t conflict with someone else’s big day, like a graduation, baby shower or another wedding.

Briefly recap the recent history of your relationship for those you haven’t spoken to in a while to catch them up. A phone call is also the best way to alert your close friends if you’re not going to see them right away. If you’re not sure how best to reach someone, consider whether they would be offended by receiving a phone call as opposed to a personal letter. [5] X Research source

If you’ve already chosen a date for the wedding, send out a “Save-the-Date” card that contains details like the date, time, location and any special instructions for the attendees. Start mailing your announcements soon after making your engagement official so your recipients will have plenty of time to make arrangements.

Only share as much information as you’re comfortable with on forums like Facebook. You have a right to your privacy, even on the internet.

Try coming up with your own unique hashtag by making a play on the groom’s name, such as “#TilHeathDoUsPart” or “#StarCrossedGlovers. ” When your followers click on your hashtag, they’ll be able to see all of your various posts in one place.

Just because email is quick doesn’t mean you should rush it. Take the time to author a thorough, well-written message, and go over it to check for spelling and grammatical errors. You could even go the extra mile and personalize part of each message by bring up an old memory or asking questions specific to the person.

A live video chat can make it possible for you to address a whole crowd at once. Consider requesting a video chat if you live abroad, tend to travel a lot for work or find phone conversations to be too detached.

An engagement party may provide the first opportunity for the families to get acquainted with the bridal party. Get as creative as you like—hand out “His” and “Hers” party favors and serve wedding-themed foods like cupcakes topped with toy rings miniature bride and groom figures. [12] X Research source

The parents of either the bride or groom (or sometimes both parties) will typically be the ones credited with the announcement. This might be something you discuss when you sit down with them. [14] X Research source Snip out your newspaper announcement and add it to your wedding scrapbook to make it part of your personal history.

Coordinate a series of photos to tell a story or drop hints about your engagement to the folks who are still none the wiser. For instance, you could work your way from a sunlit stroll in the park to a close up of the ring or a shot of the groom-to-be down on one knee. [16] X Research source Use your favorite picture as the central image on your Save-the-Date announcements.