The Art of Announcing Your Engagement: Tips and Inspiration
Being in the midst of engagement season has us reminiscing our own engagements and the engagements of friends and family. We’re remembering all the feels from being on the receiving end of the proposal to helping bring about the vision for that romantic setting for others and sharing in the joy after getting notified the answer was “Yes!”
An engagement is one of life’s most magical moments—a whirlwind of excitement, joy, and big plans for the future. Naturally, you want to share this news with the people you love in a way that feels just as special as the moment itself. But with so many ways to announce your engagement, the question becomes—how do you do it in a way that’s both memorable and true to you?
Our blog will inspire you with creative announcement ideas and guide you through the do’s and don’ts of sharing your big news. From heartfelt reveals to Instagram-worthy posts, here’s how to spread the word with style and grace.
Why Your Engagement Announcement Matters
Sharing your engagement is more than just telling people you're getting married; it's about inviting others into your joy. Your announcement sets the tone for your wedding journey and creates shared excitement with your friends, family, and even your social media followers.
Done well, your engagement announcement has the power to become a treasured memory for years to come—something you, your partner, and your loved ones will always smile about when you look back.
Tips for Announcing Your Engagement
1. Tell Your Inner Circle First
The most important part of announcing your engagement? Start with the people closest to you. Parents, siblings, and lifelong friends should hear the news directly from you rather than seeing it on Instagram.
You can make this intimate moment even more special by delivering the news in person or through a heartfelt phone call. If you’re sharing with multiple family members, consider hosting a small gathering to surprise everyone at once.
Ideas for a Personal Touch:
Host a small gathering. Invite immediate family and close friends over for dinner or drinks and share the happy news in person.
Surprise video calls. With loved ones who live far away, schedule video calls and show off the ring—it’s perfect for seeing their reactions live.
Pro Tip: Be prepared for a range of reactions—tears, squeals, and a few good-natured jokes are all par for the course.
2. Decide on the Right Timing
Timing your engagement announcement is key. Do you want to shout it from the rooftops moments after saying “yes,” or would you prefer to savor the moment for a few days before sharing it widely?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, but a short waiting period (24–48 hours) gives you and your partner time to soak it all in before getting caught up in the excitement of external responses.
3. Capture the Moment with Photos
Engagement announcements are a chance to share your love story visually. Whether you hire a professional photographer for a staged shoot or use a candid snap of the proposal moment, photos have a way of making your announcement all the more personal and touching.
Here are a few photo ideas to consider:
For Nostalgia Lovers: Hold a Polaroid or photo strip showing your ring and your smiles.
Keep It Minimalistic: A close-up of your intertwined hands, with the ring front and center.
Candid Proposal Moments: If your proposal was captured on camera (with consent), these photos add unmatched authenticity to your announcement.
Show Your Style: Include pets, hobbies, or special details that are unique to you and your partner.
Go artsy. Get creative with flat-lay images—think your hands with the ring, a coffee mug with “Does this ring make me look engaged?”, or the proposal location’s scenery.
Pet love. If you have a fur baby, use them as part of the announcement. A sign with “My humans are getting married!” is too cute to handle.
4. Choose the Right Words
The caption or accompanying message matters just as much as the photo. Keep it short and sweet, or pour your heart out—whatever feels natural to you. Here are a few examples for inspiration:
“The adventure of a lifetime starts now ✨💍”
“I said YES! Can’t wait for this next chapter of our love story. ❤️ #Engaged”
“Couldn’t wait to share the easiest decision of my life. We’re engaged! 💖”
Remember to pick captions that reflect your personality as a couple—whether you’re romantic, funny, or laid-back.
5. Leverage Social Media Creatively
Sharing your engagement on social media not only lets you celebrate with your extended network but also gives you the opportunity to showcase your creativity. Here are fun and unique ways to announce your engagement online:
Photo Carousel: Share multiple shots of the proposal, ring, or your happiest moments as a couple.
Instagram Reel or TikTok: Create a short video documenting your journey to “yes”!
Story Highlights: Post your photos and videos on Instagram Stories and save them to a new “Engaged” highlight.
Hashtags: Use a personalized hashtag (e.g., #MeetTheSmiths2024) to make it easy for others to share the love.
If social media isn’t your thing or you want to make it extra special, consider sending out engagement announcement cards. Choose a design that reflects your style, and include the details of any upcoming engagement party you might be planning.
Pro tip: Take a wonderful engagement photo to include in your cards—it doubles as a keepsake for your loved ones.
6. Make It Personal
At the end of the day, your engagement announcement should be as special as your love story. Whether you met 10 years ago or found each other serendipitously, sharing small details about your bond makes the news even sweeter. Add a personal note or anecdote that lets others see the uniqueness of your relationship.
For instance:
How he proposed in a way that only he could pull off.
Why the engagement ring holds sentimental value (e.g., it’s a family heirloom).
Plans you’ve dreamed of as a future married couple.
The best engagement announcements are those that reflect your personality and relationship. Think about what makes you and your partner unique and incorporate those elements into your announcement. Here are a few personalized ideas:
Adventure Seekers: Announce your engagement from the top of the mountain you just climbed together.
Foodies: Snap a photo at your favorite restaurant with “We’re getting married!” written on a dessert plate.
Pet Parents: Add a cute sign or accessory to your fur baby with “My humans are getting married!”
Engagement Announcement Inspirations
Want to announce in a way that’s truly unique? Here are some ideas with a creative twist to surprise and delight your loved ones:
Engagement Video. Create a short video sharing your engagement story or highlight clips from the proposal.
Puzzle Announcement. Send a custom puzzle to your family or friends that, when completed, says, “We’re engaged!”—a fun and heartwarming surprise.
Scavenger Hunt. Plan a scavenger hunt for your loved ones that leads them to the big reveal. You can even incorporate meaningful locations or items along the way.
Social Media Scavenger Hunt. For a larger announcement, create a social media scavenger hunt where each post reveals more information leading up to the big news.
No matter how you choose to announce your engagement, remember to enjoy this special moment with your partner and have fun sharing your exciting news with those closest to you.
Note: Don't forget to send thank you notes for any gifts or kind words received!
Your Style, Your Announcement
How you announce your engagement may depend on your target audience—friends, family, or online followers. While some may love a lavish reveal, others may prefer something subdued and personal.
For Your Family: Be warm, heartfelt, and inclusive. Share details about your relationship and why this moment matters to you.
For Social Media: Keep it light, showcase your style, and don’t overthink it.
For Close Friends: Be candid and maybe even sprinkle in a dash of humor—it’ll resonate with the people who know you best.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to announce your engagement—it’s all about what feels best for you as a couple. Whether you opt for a heartfelt post, a fun party, or a creative spin, the most important thing is to spread the love and excitement in a way that reflects who you are.
📷: Hint of Blue Collective
Announcing the News with Etiquette in Mind
Timing Is Everything: Avoid making a public announcement until you’ve told the most important people in your life—your parents, close friends, and immediate family. They're your biggest cheerleaders!
Be Mindful of Your Audience: Consider your audience's expectations and feelings. If someone in your circle is going through a tough time, be sensitive in how you make your announcement.
Stick to Your True Style: You don’t need to compare your announcement to others. Whether understated or extravagant, your reveal should feel authentic to you.
Prepare for Questions: The moment you share your engagement, you'll likely receive lots of questions about the proposal, wedding date, and future plans. Think ahead of how to respond so you’re not caught off guard!
Bonus Tip:
There’s so much to do from now until the big “I do.” Take it one step at a time, celebrate this special phase, and don’t forget to soak in every heartfelt "Congratulations!" and "Best Wishes!" from your loved ones. Remember, this is just the beginning of an exciting journey as a couple. Enjoy every moment! 😊
Sharing Your Love Story with Confidence
Your engagement announcement is an exciting milestone, the prelude to a much bigger love story. No matter how you choose to share the news, the most important thing is that it reflects the love between you and your partner. Take the time to enjoy the moment, get creative, and spread the joy with those who matter most.
Feeling overwhelmed with planning? Stay tuned to our blog for more tips and inspiration as you take the next steps to your big day.
When you’re ready to start touring Central North Carolina wedding venues, don’t miss our hidden gem nestled on 50 acres abutting Raven Rock State Park where you can make your wedding dreams a reality. We provide the backdrop for instagram-worthy pictures and affordability while being centrally located between the areas of Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Fayetteville, and Southern Pines..
Visit Somos Family Weddings & Events to see our transparent pricing, available dates, book a tour, and more.
Comment below and share how you announced your engagement—we’d love to hear your creative ideas!
Cheers to your new chapter! 🥂🎉
Thanks for taking the time to read out blog! Our venue, Somos Family Weddings & Events, is a locally owned, family business. When planning your wedding, choosing a locally owned venue can make your day even more special and meaningful. These venues offer a level of warmth and care that’s hard to find elsewhere, with personalized service that makes every detail feel uniquely yours. Additionally, booking a local venue directly supports the community, helping small businesses thrive and contributing to the local economy. By selecting a locally owned space, you're not just celebrating your wedding—you’re creating heartfelt connections with the people and the place that make it truly special. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs.
Bella Rosa Venue
Dream Bay Resort
Lavender on the Lake
The Venue at Springfield Estates
Main Street Wedding & Event Venue
