Announcing your engagement - tips for Instagram, Facebook & Co.
So you said yes! Congratulations on your engagement. Now it's time to tell the people in your life that you're tying the knot. These days, that often means sharing the happy news on social media like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok - and that can put a bit of pressure on many couples. You've probably seen dozens of these announcements in your feed, perhaps comparing the rings, the photo quality, the captions and so on. What if you don't want to share your news on social media? Is that okay too?
To make your engagement announcement stylish and elegant, I have a few tips for you.
How do I tell my family that I'm engaged?
Even though it can be difficult, you should hold back a little at first until your closest friends and family know about your news. Family members who are not on social media should be informed in person or at least by phone or video call if a personal visit is not possible. Of course, your siblings and best friends also deserve to hear the news in person.
Only after you have informed your family and closest friends is it the right time to tell the rest of the world the good news. This could be a day later, a week later or even months later - the timeframe depends entirely on you and when you feel ready to inform the public.
Tips for announcing your engagement on social media
Do an engagement photo shoot.
As an engagement and wedding photographer, I'm naturally a fan of doing engagement photo shoots for an engagement announcement rather than just "randomly" uploading a few photos.
An engagement shoot is a great way to announce your engagement in a formal and regulated way and set the tone for your wedding. You as a couple can take your time and make yourselves comfortable in front of the camera. Nowadays, we often post and share our special moments online in the blink of an eye. Take the time to create an engagement shoot that creates a welcoming, organized feel and puts you as a couple in the spotlight.
Pursues a collaborative approach.
Even though announcements on social media are an invention of the new millennium, I suggest looking at them in a somewhat conservative sense. When an engagement is announced on social media, it's a modern version of the announcements you used to see in the newspaper. These were printed and sent out to the local community. Through social media, you have the opportunity to capture the moment and share it with a larger community, beyond your hometown. Look at it from this perspective, create something unforgettable.
The announcement should reflect your personality.
The type of photo you post is up to you and can also reflect your uniqueness. Some couples may want to post a selfie with a big smile on their face, while others may be a little more camera shy and prefer to just post a photo of the ring.
How to take the perfect engagement ring selfie
If you're doing an engagement shoot, it's best to go to a place that has special meaning to you as a couple - a place where you first met or had your first kiss, a restaurant you both love, the location of your first date, and more. You can also use this opportunity to set a special style/outfit for your wedding by styling the shoot in the same color scheme or general mood that your wedding will have.
What do you say when someone is engaged?
Here are some examples of headings you can use:
- "[Knowing your partner's name] means loving [your partner's name]. I am so happy to spend my life with you."
- "Together forever."
- "x" years ago, on our first date, [your partner's name] brought me here, and today he/she got down on one knee and asked me to be his/her wife/husband. I am engaged to the love of my life."
- I am overwhelmed and looking forward to the next chapter of my life with the best person I could have wished for."
In the spirit of community, a nice, positive caption could be addressed directly to your loved ones: "We are happy to share this news with you" or "January 6th was a great day for us". A personal post describing how the proposal went is a good option, or you could let a famous quote speak for itself.
Finally, a few important rules about what NOT to include in the text for your engagement announcement on social media:
1. do not use this opportunity to attack ex-boyfriends/girlfriends or enemies.
2. avoid making promises in your caption, such as telling everyone they are invited to the wedding, or tagging certain friends and announcing to them, "Get ready to be bridesmaids". This is not the time to finalize your wedding party.
3. don't ask for money. This is tasteless, inappropriate and simply unacceptable.
4. if you want to use a wedding hashtag, it's probably best not to use it too early. A hashtag that is often used as a search term to find all the photos of the event in one place can be used by other people so long before the wedding and irritate your friends & family.
If you decide on a hashtag, use it shortly before the wedding and around the celebrations.
Do you have to announce your engagement on social media?
Honestly, we don't have to blab everything about our personal lives. These days, you may feel obligated to let the world know about the big events in your life. But there's nothing wrong with keeping things private if that's what you want. There are no rules about what you have to share about yourself. Maybe you're excited to share some wedding photos, but think it's weird if you never post an engagement announcement. But that's not it!
It's okay to keep some things to yourself and only share part of it. Social media shouldn't put pressure on us to share all aspects of our lives. It is, of course, perfectly fine to keep details private and only experience them privately.
"Engagement & couple photos are a great opportunity to get your first experience in front of the camera and work with your wedding photographer in person before the big day. I can customize your couple photos to perfectly showcase you and your partner, choose a location that brings out the best in your personalities. "
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