For Canadian couples who are either engaged or considering it, an engagement party is a great way to start the wedding festivities. This party is widely thought to be the official start of a couple’s wedding, even if the actual date of the nuptials is far off. Although this pre-wedding event is not usually as formal as a rehearsal dinner or the actual wedding, a little planning can go a long way into making an engagement party all the more special.
Exploring the History of Engagement Parties
The tradition of an engagement party goes as far back as Ancient Greece, where this event was part of an oral contract between the groom and the father of the bride. In Western culture, such a celebration appeared as a typical shindig where a bride’s parents made a surprise announcement to attendees that their daughter was to tie the knot. As a result, engagement parties historically don’t involve giving presents. Today’s gatherings are known as celebrations of an engaged couple’s happiness. They may be thrown by the bride’s parents, other family members, friends or even the couple to be wed.
Picking a Date
Although there’s no set rule as to when the festivities must be held, typically the party should be thrown within a few months of the actual proposal. The engagement should be fairly new when you inform loved ones of the celebration. If there are attendees who live far away, you’ll want to give them plenty of time to make arrangements to come.
Handling Invitations
Engagement party invitations don’t need to be as formal as that of a wedding. You can go old-school with mailed cards or take advantage of a wedding website and social media to spread the word. Creating an event on a platform like Facebook or using sites such as Zazzle to make and send ecards leverages the power of technology to inform loved ones of the event. Invitations, whether printed or digital, don’t need to match a wedding theme, especially if you haven’t yet gotten to that part of nuptials planning.
Choosing a Location
Because this pre-wedding event doesn’t have to be very formal, there are several options for this gathering:
House of a friend, family member or your own: Home is where the heart is, and where’s a better place to celebrate pledging love to another person than a home? This environment is familiar, comfortable and relaxed.
Private room at a favorite restaurant: If you or your partner have a restaurant you enjoy, see if it has a private room you can use. Depending on the number of attendees, those celebrating can order food off the menu or a prix fixe option might be more your speed. Did you and your partner meet at a particular place? Throwing your engagement party there can make it extra special.
Rented hall or public space: A large number of guests may require a venue such as an event hall, neighborhood clubhouse or country club space.
Wherever you hold the event, remember that it’s not supposed to outshine your actual wedding ceremony.
Planning Activities For Your Engagement Party
It’s important to remember that the engagement party isn’t like a bridal shower or other pre-wedding events that might involve gifts. Some attendees may bring presents, so you should have a space to collect those, but opening them shouldn’t be a scheduled activity. This is the time to eat, drink, be merry and introduce friends and family to one another. Laid-back group games are perfectly fine for such an event. You and others may feel compelled to share well wishes, but formal toasts aren’t required.
Congratulations to you and your partner, or some near-and-dear ones who you’re planning for. An engagement party is a lovely way to start the countdown to a big day ahead. It can be as laid-back and fuss-free as you make it.
After getting engaged, couples want to share the news. Outside of the general announcement to friends and family, many will also pay for a photoshoot to celebrate the moment. Engagement photos can help provide you with cute pics you can incorporate into your invitations, wedding website, and other items related to your big day. Naturally, you might have a few questions before your photoshoot arrives. Specifically, you might want to know what to wear. Use these tips to guide you and put together an appropriate outfit for this fun planning activity.
The EngagementPictures Represent Your Relationship
Before getting into the specifics of what you should wear, it can be useful to think about the purpose of the photos. The pictures aren’t just about looking happy and smiling together. The entire aesthetic of the shoot should cut to the heart of your relationship. Everything from the setting to the lighting to the color choices will play into the feel of the final images. What you wear should be born out of the decisions you make about the general mood of the pictures and the style you agree upon with the photographer.
Work With the Photographer
On the subject of your photographer, it can be a good idea to work with this expert when making decisions about your wardrobe. Photographers have an eye for composition, color, and other elements that make for amazing images. Certain colors have a way of popping in particular environments. If you’re planning on taking pictures in a very lush and verdant environment, for example, your photographer will likely suggest avoiding any green tones that will blend into the scenery. Once your photographer offers some input, you can begin curating an outfit.
Focus on the Specific Season
A vast majority of engagement pictures are taken outdoors. Regardless of the season, it seems couples are all too happy to jump into nature for pictures no matter what temperature it is outside. If you plan on following suit, you’ll definitely want to think about how you’re dressed. A cute and thin outfit may make for some nice photos, but it is definitely not worth getting frostbite if you’re shooting in the dead of January. Dress appropriately for the season by layering or wearing an outfit that helps to keep you warm until the pics are being taken.
In the thick of spring and summer, you’re likely to experience the opposite problem. When it is unbearably hot outdoors, you may feel like wearing certain materials can lead you to break into a sweat. Some people also deal with frizzy hair and other problems related to humidity levels. The trick here is makeup and hair product. If you know the heat will cause you and your partner to start looking like sweaty, greasy messes, find concealer that will keep you both looking dry and comfortable. It is amazing what a little makeup can do.
Follow the Latest Trends
Every year sees new trends appear in the world of engagement photos. If you’re not sure what direction to take your own shoot, give yourself the chance to explore a handful of the latest trends. While you don’t have to use any of the ideas you come across, it can get your wheels turning and help you get a better idea of what you do and don’t want from your own experience. If nothing else, you might start to get some outfit inspiration from looking at a variety of photoshoots.
Though engagement photos are by no means a requirement while planning a wedding, plenty of couples find the act to be a sweet way of spreading the joy. Don’t overthink the shoot too much, as you’ll have plenty to stress over as you plan for your big day.
When selecting an engagement ring, there are many other beautiful stones to consider besides the traditional diamond ring.
For years, diamonds have remained the most popular stones when it comes to engagement rings. It’s easy to see why. The dazzling beauty of a diamond can be difficult to match. Still, these rocks are ridiculously expensive and the ways that they are acquired are not always ethical. If you feel weird about “blood diamonds” or just don’t find this particular stone to be aesthetically pleasant, you might feel like you don’t know what to do when it comes time to select the right engagement ring for your significant other.
Though it can feel like diamond engagement rings are the only path to take, you might find comfort in the fact that other stones have been increasing in popularity in recent years. Give yourself a moment to explore some of these alternatives, and see if you can land on a ring option that holds significance and keeps your conscience clear.
Sapphire Skies
Diamonds might be “forever,” but there are plenty of happy couples who are more interested in the bluish hue of the sapphire. In fact, those interested in following royal weddings might already be aware of this fact. The engagement rings for Princess Diana and Kate Middleton were both made from blue sapphires. You don’t need to be involved with royalty to opt for sapphires, either. The ring holds personal significance to people born in September, as it is the month’s birthstone, and it also is said to contain other mystical properties.
Since the days of the Persian Empire, sapphires have been thought to hold magical significance. The Persians believed sapphires were the reason the sky was blue and felt that the color connection symbolized the stone’s deep ties to heaven. By wearing a ring made of sapphire, a person was said to have a special place waiting for them in heaven. Whether you find the lore appealing or you think the stone is just beautiful, you might find sapphires a better fit than diamonds for your personal wedding goals.
Emerald Affairs
Sapphires might be beautiful, but their color may not be for you. If you want something that steps away and makes a bolder statement, emeralds might be a good fit for your ring. These dazzling green stones are as beautiful to look at as they are to learn about. According to a number of cultural beliefs, emeralds are worn by those who have a deeper understanding of the world. Individuals who are born with intuitive abilities are usually drawn to emeralds, as these stones are said to contain prophetic powers.
Whether or not you have visions of the future, an emerald stone might be an ideal fit for your engagement ring needs. The beautiful, green shade of the stone can be a nice change of pace from traditional whites and blues. Beyond this, the idea that the stone is meant for those with “great vision” can be interpreted in a number of romantic ways.
Ruby Road
Finally, to go to an even more interesting extreme, you may want to think about an engagement ring set with a ruby. A huge contrast to the white of a diamond, the red of a ruby can signify deep passion. Red is a bold color that most people will notice right away. By opting for a ring with this beautiful stone front and center, you are sending a message of deep, unyielding love to anyone who notices it.
When selecting an engagement ring, it is important to remember that diamonds are not the only stone worth your time. Explore all of your options with stones, and you are likely to find a winning fit that matches you and your significant other and the bonds you share.
Getting engaged is one of life’s most important milestones. Some people prefer to go the more traditional route of popping the question during a romantic dinner or on Valentine’s Day. Others want to do something totally unique and over-the-top for their proposal. Yannick Martin of Blainville, Quebec opted for a unique engagement idea when he asked his girlfriend to marry him in January.
A Silver Screen Proposal
Berenice Lejars was not expecting anything out of the ordinary when she agreed to a movie date with her boyfriend, Yannick Martin, but he had other ideas in store. Martin, with the help of friends, had made an elaborate animated movie trailer in which he asked Berenice to marry him. He located a theatre in St-Eustache that was willing to play it before the feature film. Right before the trailer began, Martin pretended he needed to answer an important call and left the theatre. A surprised and slightly confused Berenice watched the trailer by herself. At the end, the animated character Yannick proposed to the animated Berenice. When the trailer was over, the real Yannick returned to the movie theatre and proposed in person on bended knee, with a lovely ring, before the theatre audience. Berenice said “yes” and the happy couple did not stay for the movie. Click here to watch the trailer and live proposal (YouTube Link).
Other Creative Ways to Propose
While following Yannick’s footsteps may not exactly be your style, there are many other ways to do it:
Take It on the Road
Proposing somewhere like an iconic landmark, beach or foreign country can make the occasion all the more memorable. Some places to consider (if you want to spend the money) include the top of the Eiffel Tower, overlooking the Grand Lagoon in Venice, a private capsule in the London Eye carousel or the Taj Mahal.
Do a Role Reversal
In heterosexual relationships, it is customary for men to propose to women. In this day and age, it is not necessary to adhere to this tradition. If you go this route, it will make a great story later.
Purchase a Unique Ring
One way to help ensure your proposal is extraordinary is to buy a ring like no other. Diamonds have been the de rigueur stones of choice for engagement rings for many years. However, colored gemstones are much rarer. They can also be very costly, so be sure to confirm the return policy in case your beloved has different ideas on engagement rings.
Hire Professional Help
If you want to plan an unusual marriage proposal but don’t think you can pull it off yourself, you can always hire professional help. Many wedding planners will plan your proposal as well your wedding.
Advice For Popping the Question
If you are hard at working trying to plan the logistics of the perfect proposal, here are a few tips to keep in mind for when you actually pop the question. This one event will stick in the mind of your future spouse forever. It needs to be good because you can’t do it over.
Know the Answer in Advance
It is not advisable to propose marriage unless you are certain you will get the answer you want to hear.
Think Twice About Doing It in Public
Even if you are certain your will get a “yes” when you pop the question, public proposals can be very awkward unless the participants are comfortable in this type of setting.
The Setting Is Key
You don’t have to spend a fortune or travel to an exotic destination, but it is important that your proposal be romantic. An intimate candlelit picnic may be the perfect choice.
Yannick Martin was certainly innovative when he asked his girlfriend to marry him. It was a very personal proposal and his future wife will never forget it.
For Canadian couples who are either engaged or considering it, an engagement party is a great way to start the wedding festivities. This party is widely thought to be the official start of a couple’s wedding, even if the actual date of the nuptials is far off. Although this pre-wedding event is not usually as formal as a rehearsal dinner or the actual wedding, a little planning can go a long way into making an engagement party all the more special.
Exploring the History of Engagement Parties
The tradition of an engagement party goes as far back as Ancient Greece, where this event was part of an oral contract between the groom and the father of the bride. In Western culture, such a celebration appeared as a typical shindig where a bride’s parents made a surprise announcement to attendees that their daughter was to tie the knot. As a result, engagement parties historically don’t involve giving presents. Today’s gatherings are known as celebrations of an engaged couple’s happiness. They may be thrown by the bride’s parents, other family members, friends or even the couple to be wed.
Picking a Date
Although there’s no set rule as to when the festivities must be held, typically the party should be thrown within a few months of the actual proposal. The engagement should be fairly new when you inform loved ones of the celebration. If there are attendees who live far away, you’ll want to give them plenty of time to make arrangements to come.
Handling Invitations
Engagement party invitations don’t need to be as formal as that of a wedding. You can go old-school with mailed cards or take advantage of a wedding website and social media to spread the word. Creating an event on a platform like Facebook or using sites such as Zazzle to make and send ecards leverages the power of technology to inform loved ones of the event. Invitations, whether printed or digital, don’t need to match a wedding theme, especially if you haven’t yet gotten to that part of nuptials planning.
Choosing a Location
Because this pre-wedding event doesn’t have to be very formal, there are several options for this gathering:
House of a friend, family member or your own: Home is where the heart is, and where’s a better place to celebrate pledging love to another person than a home? This environment is familiar, comfortable and relaxed.
Private room at a favorite restaurant: If you or your partner have a restaurant you enjoy, see if it has a private room you can use. Depending on the number of attendees, those celebrating can order food off the menu or a prix fixe option might be more your speed. Did you and your partner meet at a particular place? Throwing your engagement party there can make it extra special.
Rented hall or public space: A large number of guests may require a venue such as an event hall, neighborhood clubhouse or country club space.
Wherever you hold the event, remember that it’s not supposed to outshine your actual wedding ceremony.
Planning Activities For Your Engagement Party
It’s important to remember that the engagement party isn’t like a bridal shower or other pre-wedding events that might involve gifts. Some attendees may bring presents, so you should have a space to collect those, but opening them shouldn’t be a scheduled activity. This is the time to eat, drink, be merry and introduce friends and family to one another. Laid-back group games are perfectly fine for such an event. You and others may feel compelled to share well wishes, but formal toasts aren’t required.
Congratulations to you and your partner, or some near-and-dear ones who you’re planning for. An engagement party is a lovely way to start the countdown to a big day ahead. It can be as laid-back and fuss-free as you make it.
After getting engaged, couples want to share the news. Outside of the general announcement to friends and family, many will also pay for a photoshoot to celebrate the moment. Engagement photos can help provide you with cute pics you can incorporate into your invitations, wedding website, and other items related to your big day. Naturally, you might have a few questions before your photoshoot arrives. Specifically, you might want to know what to wear. Use these tips to guide you and put together an appropriate outfit for this fun planning activity.
The EngagementPictures Represent Your Relationship
Before getting into the specifics of what you should wear, it can be useful to think about the purpose of the photos. The pictures aren’t just about looking happy and smiling together. The entire aesthetic of the shoot should cut to the heart of your relationship. Everything from the setting to the lighting to the color choices will play into the feel of the final images. What you wear should be born out of the decisions you make about the general mood of the pictures and the style you agree upon with the photographer.
Work With the Photographer
On the subject of your photographer, it can be a good idea to work with this expert when making decisions about your wardrobe. Photographers have an eye for composition, color, and other elements that make for amazing images. Certain colors have a way of popping in particular environments. If you’re planning on taking pictures in a very lush and verdant environment, for example, your photographer will likely suggest avoiding any green tones that will blend into the scenery. Once your photographer offers some input, you can begin curating an outfit.
Focus on the Specific Season
A vast majority of engagement pictures are taken outdoors. Regardless of the season, it seems couples are all too happy to jump into nature for pictures no matter what temperature it is outside. If you plan on following suit, you’ll definitely want to think about how you’re dressed. A cute and thin outfit may make for some nice photos, but it is definitely not worth getting frostbite if you’re shooting in the dead of January. Dress appropriately for the season by layering or wearing an outfit that helps to keep you warm until the pics are being taken.
In the thick of spring and summer, you’re likely to experience the opposite problem. When it is unbearably hot outdoors, you may feel like wearing certain materials can lead you to break into a sweat. Some people also deal with frizzy hair and other problems related to humidity levels. The trick here is makeup and hair product. If you know the heat will cause you and your partner to start looking like sweaty, greasy messes, find concealer that will keep you both looking dry and comfortable. It is amazing what a little makeup can do.
Follow the Latest Trends
Every year sees new trends appear in the world of engagement photos. If you’re not sure what direction to take your own shoot, give yourself the chance to explore a handful of the latest trends. While you don’t have to use any of the ideas you come across, it can get your wheels turning and help you get a better idea of what you do and don’t want from your own experience. If nothing else, you might start to get some outfit inspiration from looking at a variety of photoshoots.
Though engagement photos are by no means a requirement while planning a wedding, plenty of couples find the act to be a sweet way of spreading the joy. Don’t overthink the shoot too much, as you’ll have plenty to stress over as you plan for your big day.
When selecting an engagement ring, there are many other beautiful stones to consider besides the traditional diamond ring.
For years, diamonds have remained the most popular stones when it comes to engagement rings. It’s easy to see why. The dazzling beauty of a diamond can be difficult to match. Still, these rocks are ridiculously expensive and the ways that they are acquired are not always ethical. If you feel weird about “blood diamonds” or just don’t find this particular stone to be aesthetically pleasant, you might feel like you don’t know what to do when it comes time to select the right engagement ring for your significant other.
Though it can feel like diamond engagement rings are the only path to take, you might find comfort in the fact that other stones have been increasing in popularity in recent years. Give yourself a moment to explore some of these alternatives, and see if you can land on a ring option that holds significance and keeps your conscience clear.
Sapphire Skies
Diamonds might be “forever,” but there are plenty of happy couples who are more interested in the bluish hue of the sapphire. In fact, those interested in following royal weddings might already be aware of this fact. The engagement rings for Princess Diana and Kate Middleton were both made from blue sapphires. You don’t need to be involved with royalty to opt for sapphires, either. The ring holds personal significance to people born in September, as it is the month’s birthstone, and it also is said to contain other mystical properties.
Since the days of the Persian Empire, sapphires have been thought to hold magical significance. The Persians believed sapphires were the reason the sky was blue and felt that the color connection symbolized the stone’s deep ties to heaven. By wearing a ring made of sapphire, a person was said to have a special place waiting for them in heaven. Whether you find the lore appealing or you think the stone is just beautiful, you might find sapphires a better fit than diamonds for your personal wedding goals.
Emerald Affairs
Sapphires might be beautiful, but their color may not be for you. If you want something that steps away and makes a bolder statement, emeralds might be a good fit for your ring. These dazzling green stones are as beautiful to look at as they are to learn about. According to a number of cultural beliefs, emeralds are worn by those who have a deeper understanding of the world. Individuals who are born with intuitive abilities are usually drawn to emeralds, as these stones are said to contain prophetic powers.
Whether or not you have visions of the future, an emerald stone might be an ideal fit for your engagement ring needs. The beautiful, green shade of the stone can be a nice change of pace from traditional whites and blues. Beyond this, the idea that the stone is meant for those with “great vision” can be interpreted in a number of romantic ways.
Ruby Road
Finally, to go to an even more interesting extreme, you may want to think about an engagement ring set with a ruby. A huge contrast to the white of a diamond, the red of a ruby can signify deep passion. Red is a bold color that most people will notice right away. By opting for a ring with this beautiful stone front and center, you are sending a message of deep, unyielding love to anyone who notices it.
When selecting an engagement ring, it is important to remember that diamonds are not the only stone worth your time. Explore all of your options with stones, and you are likely to find a winning fit that matches you and your significant other and the bonds you share.
Getting engaged is one of life’s most important milestones. Some people prefer to go the more traditional route of popping the question during a romantic dinner or on Valentine’s Day. Others want to do something totally unique and over-the-top for their proposal. Yannick Martin of Blainville, Quebec opted for a unique engagement idea when he asked his girlfriend to marry him in January.
A Silver Screen Proposal
Berenice Lejars was not expecting anything out of the ordinary when she agreed to a movie date with her boyfriend, Yannick Martin, but he had other ideas in store. Martin, with the help of friends, had made an elaborate animated movie trailer in which he asked Berenice to marry him. He located a theatre in St-Eustache that was willing to play it before the feature film. Right before the trailer began, Martin pretended he needed to answer an important call and left the theatre. A surprised and slightly confused Berenice watched the trailer by herself. At the end, the animated character Yannick proposed to the animated Berenice. When the trailer was over, the real Yannick returned to the movie theatre and proposed in person on bended knee, with a lovely ring, before the theatre audience. Berenice said “yes” and the happy couple did not stay for the movie. Click here to watch the trailer and live proposal (YouTube Link).
Other Creative Ways to Propose
While following Yannick’s footsteps may not exactly be your style, there are many other ways to do it:
Take It on the Road
Proposing somewhere like an iconic landmark, beach or foreign country can make the occasion all the more memorable. Some places to consider (if you want to spend the money) include the top of the Eiffel Tower, overlooking the Grand Lagoon in Venice, a private capsule in the London Eye carousel or the Taj Mahal.
Do a Role Reversal
In heterosexual relationships, it is customary for men to propose to women. In this day and age, it is not necessary to adhere to this tradition. If you go this route, it will make a great story later.
Purchase a Unique Ring
One way to help ensure your proposal is extraordinary is to buy a ring like no other. Diamonds have been the de rigueur stones of choice for engagement rings for many years. However, colored gemstones are much rarer. They can also be very costly, so be sure to confirm the return policy in case your beloved has different ideas on engagement rings.
Hire Professional Help
If you want to plan an unusual marriage proposal but don’t think you can pull it off yourself, you can always hire professional help. Many wedding planners will plan your proposal as well your wedding.
Advice For Popping the Question
If you are hard at working trying to plan the logistics of the perfect proposal, here are a few tips to keep in mind for when you actually pop the question. This one event will stick in the mind of your future spouse forever. It needs to be good because you can’t do it over.
Know the Answer in Advance
It is not advisable to propose marriage unless you are certain you will get the answer you want to hear.
Think Twice About Doing It in Public
Even if you are certain your will get a “yes” when you pop the question, public proposals can be very awkward unless the participants are comfortable in this type of setting.
The Setting Is Key
You don’t have to spend a fortune or travel to an exotic destination, but it is important that your proposal be romantic. An intimate candlelit picnic may be the perfect choice.
Yannick Martin was certainly innovative when he asked his girlfriend to marry him. It was a very personal proposal and his future wife will never forget it.
