The question has been popped. The answer was a yes. You’re beaming with happiness. You’re engaged!! Congratulations! But oh, who to tell first? Before you tell a single soul, sit back and soak it all in.
While there are no hard and fast rules about who to tell and in what order, there are a few things you might want to consider. Generally, the people closest to you are the ones who get let in on the big news first. Maybe these people are your parents, maybe they are your friends. Let yourself and your own situation be the guide. Here are some people to think about:
your kids (should you have any)
Hopefully your kids will know about your significant other long before you get married and have gotten used to the idea of having this other person around. This can be a tough task, so be careful. Remember, they have feelings and opinions too!
your parents
Back in the day, when the man asked the woman’s father for her hand in marriage, the parents already knew about the whole popping of the question before it took place. Any more these days, asking the father or parents is less common. But! Even if they were asked before the proposal, it is still nice to formally announce your engagement to them, with your sweetie, or by yourself if you feel they might be a little uneasy about the news. You be the judge.
grandparents, siblings, and close relatives
You must let these people in on the great news! Who do you tell first? A good rule of thumb is just to go in order of closeness…or in order of who would be most hurt if you didn’t tell them first.
close friends
Family by choice, surprise these people with a visit, phone call, or a party!
your late spouse’s family (againg, should you have one)
Let this part of your family in on your new plans. If you don’t think you can stomach a visit in person or a phone call, a nice, handwritten letter would be nice.
your ex
No need to rub it in if you parted on sour terms! If you won’t be able to hold yourself back with a meeting in person or a phone call, a polite letter should do the trick. He or she might not be thrilled, but be big and be nice about it!
Everyone else!
How do you spread the news? In person is generally the nicest, so that hugs and joyful tears might follow. But if this isn’t an option, like we mentioned above, try a phone call or letter in the mail. Or, you can tell everyone all at once with a big surprise engagement party. You know what works best for you!
Related posts: