Engagement

Engagement refers to the period of time between a marriage proposal and the actual wedding. During this period, a couple is said to be betrothed, intended, affianced, engaged to be married, or simply engaged. Future brides and grooms may be called fiancée (feminine) or fiancé (masculine), the betrothed, a wife-to-be or husband-to-be, respectively. The duration of the courtship varies vastly, and is largely dependent on cultural norms or upon the agreement of the parties involved.

Long engagements

Long engagements were once common in formal arranged marriages, and it was not uncommon for parents betrothing children to arrange marriages many years before the engaged couple were old enough. This is still common in some countries.

Engagement parties

Some engagements are announced at an Engagement party, traditionally hosted by the bride's parents. These parties are given in the family's usual style of entertainment. Traditionally, engagement parties were normal parties at which a surprise announcement of the engagement was made by the father of the bride to his guests. Therefore, the engagement was a fact known only to the family, until it was finally made public at the engagement party.

Engagement rings

The tradition of giving an Engagement ring for the engagement period is traced back to ancient times. It is believed that the round shape of the ring represents eternity and the endless love between two people. The custom of wearing the engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is also from ancient times, as the Romans believed this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart.

See also

• Wedding
• Marriage
• Proposal
• Betrothal

References

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