The
Engagement
Different
cultures have different customs and traditions. In this age of
increasing multicultural and multi denominational wedding, etiquette
guidance is a paramount concern of a bride.
In questions of etiquette, good taste and common
sense should prevail. From the moment of engagement, etiquette dictates
how to communicate and act. Giving due courtesy and respect to family and friends.
How are you going to inform your parents? Who will
call Grandma and Grandpa? Everybody wants to be the first one to know.
Who are you going to call first?
After your parents, is it easier to just have a
family dinner and inform everybody at the same time? How about your
friends, have them over and break the news to all at once?
If the engagement is to be announced at a party,
it is usually the parents or the best friend of the bride who will host
the party. The family or friends of the groom does not make any
engagement announcement. Formal announcement in newspapers or web are
also done by the parents of the bride.
When receiving news of engagement, reply with a
card or a call to the future bride with appropriate message wishing her
the best. Congratulatory message is never sent to the her. Congratulate
the groom.
The Engagement Ring
The diamond solitaire is the
traditional engagement ring. It is acceptable for the bride to
purchase the engagement ring with the groom. However, this takes away
the romanticism and excitement of the groom proposing and presenting the ring. If
she accept his proposal of marriage, she will wear it for the first time when she or her
parents publicly announce the engagement.
The Bridal Shower
The Bridal shower is usually given by
the best friend of the bride, who will also act as her Maid of Honor.
Only close friends and close acquaintances are invited and allowed. The
bride can refuse to have a stranger or any person in the bridal shower.
She can ask for the guest list and approve each one. It may be hosted by
her best friend but it is her Bridal Shower, it's all about her. The
families of the bride or groom does not host Bridal Showers or any
pre-wedding parties. The bride is not obligated to meet with the grooms
extended family before the wedding.
The Bridesmaids
The
Bridesmaids are usually friends or sister of the bride. They give
support and encouragement and help in the preparation and planning of
the wedding. They wear the bridal colour motif of the wedding. The
bridesmaids dresses can either be rented , purchased or made to order.
The bridesmaids wear a minimum of make-up, jewelry or accessories. The
bride pays for the bridesmaids' dresses but it is common for the
bridesmaids to pay for their dresses and provide their own make-up and
hair artists. These can be considered as part of their gift to the
bride. It is the duty of the bridesmaids to make sure that the bride is
attended at all times. They have to stay with the bride for posing for
photos and video.
